History
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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had its beginnings in the old Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR). In May 1974, the DANR was split into two departments through P.D. 461 in recognition that natural resources and agriculture are broad and differing concerns. As such, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was mandated to ensure the conservation, optimum, utilization, and programmed exploitation of the country's natural wealth including the aquatic resources. With the shift to a parliamentary form of government in 1978, the DNR became the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). In 1984, by virtue of Executive Order No. 697, the management of fisheries sector through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), was transferred from the MNR to the Minitry of Agriculture.
The events of February 1986 brought social awareness among the Filipino people that altered the character of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The creation of DENR under Executive Order No. 131 on January 30, 1987 and the issuance of Executive Order 192 on June 10, 1987 better known as the "Reorganization Act of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources" brought a radical shift in the Department's structure and functions. Pursuant to the Executive Order, the DENR became the primary government agency responsible for the conservation, development and optimum use of the natural resources as well as the protection and development of a sustainable environmental management system for the benefit and welfare of the Filipino people.
The approval of the Philippine Mining Act or R.A. 7945 and implementation of DAO No. 97-11 brought changes to the structure of the Regional Office, relieving Mines and Geo-Sciences Sector from the Region and authorizing this Sector to perform line function.
Changes brought by the passing and approval of the Clean Air Act or R.A. 8749 mandating the Region's Environment Sector to operate as line Bureau. To date, an interim structure has been organized to cater to the needs and demands of constituents in the Mainland Provinces and Island Provinces.
Implementation of DAO 99-14 dated May 05, 1999 provided for the redefinition of functions and realignment of administrative units in the Regional and Field Offices. DAO 99-52 dated December 15, 1999 prescribed a detailed defenition of functions for the realigned regional divisions that finally spelled-out the development and reforms initiatives.
DENR Region 2 is presently located at #14 Dalan Na Pagayaya corner Angicacua, Regional Government Center, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City. It covers five provinces (Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and the island province of Batanes), four (4) cities (Tuguegarao in Cagayan and Ilagan, Cauayan and Santiago in Isabela) and 89 municipalities and 2,311 barangays. Bounded by three mountain ranges, the Sierra Madre Mountains on the east, Cordillera Mountains on the west, and the Caraballo Mountains on the south, it is criss-crossed by the historical Cagayan River, the longest river and the largest basin in the country. The Cagayan River has a total stretch of about 410 kilometers, a drainage area of 2,811,000 hectares and 1,200,000 ha of major ground water resources.
The province of Cagayan, with 28 municipalities and one city is served by one Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and four Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) located in Solana, Alcala, Aparri and Sanchez Mira.
Its nearby province, Isabela, has 35 municipalities and three cities which are served by one PENRO and five CENROs located in Cabagan, Naguilian, San Isidro, Cauayan, and Palanan.
The province of Nueva Vizcaya, served by one PENRO and two CENROs located in Aritao, and Dupax Del Norte has 15 municipalities.
Quirino province with six municipalities has one PENRO and two CENROs in Diffun and Nagtipunan. And the island province of Batanes, with six municipalities is being served by a PENRO only.
Mission Vision & Program Thrust
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MANDATE
Executive Order No. 192 mandates the DENR to be the government agency primarily responsible for the country's environment and natural resources.
VISION
We envision a nation enjoying and sustaining its natural resources and clean and healthy environment.
MISSION
Our mission is to mobilize our citizenry in protecting, conserving and managing the environment and natural resources.
CORE FUNCTION
DENR is tasked to formulate and implement policies, guidelines, rules and regulations relating to environmental management and pollution prevention and control.
We formulate, implement and supervise the government's policies, plans and programs pertaining to the management, conservation, development, use and replenishment of the country's natural resources and biological diversity.
Further, we promulgate and implement rules and regulations governing the exploration, development, extraction, disposition, and use of our forests, lands, minerals, wildlife and other natural resources.
MAJOR THRUSTS AND POLICIES
In the coming years, the DENR will strengthen its capacity to provide a better environment for the people..
The Department's thrusts and priorities are anchored on a 5-point agenda:
Poverty reduction and hunger-mitigation
Socio-economic development
Natural resources conservation
Climate change mitigation and adaptation measures
Environmental education and enforcement
POVERTY REDUCTION AND HUNGER MITIGATION
UPLAND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
A substantial amount from in the coming years, the annual budget of DENR is used to support the upland development program using reforestation and agro-forestry as strategies for sustainable forest management, poverty alleviation and hunger mitigation.
DELINEATION OF FOREST BOUNDRY
As support to the upland development program, almost 22,000 kilometers of forest boundaries will be delineated starting 2009. This target is way higher than the DENR's 2008 target of 9,000 kilometers. At this accelerated pace, completion of nationwide forest boundary delineation is expected by 2011.
LAND DISTRIBUTION AND CADASTRAL SURVEYcadastral_survey_urban2
Patent application is a mode of acquiring a parcel of alienable and disposable public land suitable for agricultural purposes. Cadastral survey is a necessary step towards ownership of a parcel of land. Surveys of municipalities are done to identify and delineate the individual claims of all land applicants; the surveys comprise a basis for the issuance of titles or patents, and for land registration and real property taxation. These will also establish correct disputed boundaries between municipalities and accurately fix land area for purposes of Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) computation.
To further advance social equity in the next years, the distribution of 171,236 patents covering 143,350 hectares will be fast-tracked. Also underway is the completion of cadastral surveys in 38 more municipalities, which will bring the total number of municipalities with cadastral surveys to 951, or 59% of all municipalities..
SOCIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Mineral Resources DevelopmentZambales_illegal_mines2
Mineral lands administration is geared towards the revitalization of the minerals industry. The DENR ensures that more benefits from the mining sector actually go to the local communities. It manages the exploration, development and utilization of mineral resources through the issuance of mining rights and the conduct of compliance monitoring.
Reforms are instituted towards responsible and sustainable mining. Mining investment opportunities/projects are identified to accelerate the exploration and development of high-potential mining prospects. The 2009 targets are US$1.8 billion in new investments and US$4.5 billion in mineral exports.
Abandoned/inactive mines are assessed and clean-up is implemented according to a rehabilitation plan. Also being implemented are remediation measures for areas with mine tailing incidents.
mountain2Rehabilitation of the Bacagay mines in Samar will be pursued to showcase mine rehabilitation.
Delineation of Extended Continental Shelf (ECS)
Expected to be completed is the survey of the remaining 60,000 kilometers of the Philippines' extended continental shelf, for submission to the United Nations.
This should give the country sovereignty over its extended continental shelf and open up huge potentials for the exploration and utilization of natural resources in the new frontier.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION
Panhulugan_Cave_rangerjpg2Biodiversity Conservation Program
The protection and conservation of the country's natural resources is a prime responsibility of DENR. It is spearheading the boundary demarcation of 10 legislated protected areas and is currently working on the establishment of a national research center on biodiversity as mandated by the Philippine Wildlife Act. The DENR continues to pursue conservation programs for endangered species and closely monitors wetlands for migratory birds that may be infected with the avian flu virus.
corals_pcra2A regular program of the DENR is the provision of technical assistance to the local government units (LGUs) on the management and protection of mangroves; establishment of marine sanctuaries; and assessment of coastal areas for investment.
Ecotourism Program
The DENR establishes and sustains multi-stakeholder partnerships in the development of areas for sustainable tourism. Community participation is encouraged in the protection and management of natural resources and due respect is accorded to culture, indigenous knowledge, and local customs.
It also assists the LGUs in 33 protected areas in the preparation of business plans for ecotourism.
CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION MEASURES
Research and Development
Climate change is the priority subject of the DENR's research and development program. Special focus is given to sea level rise and vulnerability assessment of the country's various ecosystems and wildlife species.Geohazard_map_laguna2
Geohazard Mapping
Geosciences development is geared towards disaster preparedness through geohazard assessment and groundwater resources availability.
Inland and coastal geohazard mapping is conducted to identify priority areas or sites prone to geological hazards (subsidence, flood risks, landslides, etc.). This activity addresses perennial problems associated with natural hazards. Geologic maps are generated as references for land use planning, groundwater resource management, geohazard zoning, energy and mineral sourcing and solid waste disposal.
Air Quality Management
The DENR continues to focus on reducing air pollution in Metro Manila and in the country's other major urban centers, in order to achieve better air quality by 2010. This has assumed greater importance because the elements of air pollution are also the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change.
Solid Waste Management
Another source of greenhouse gas is the methane emitted by garbage. To address pollution emanating from solid wastes, the DENR assists LGUs in the conversion of their open dumpsites into sanitary landfills and the establishment of materials recovery facilities.
Water Management
In years ahead, DENR will continue to improve water quality in priority rivers and water bodies. A comprehensive plan will be implemented to effect substantial improvement of water quality in rivers and other water bodies.
Manila Bay will be completely rid of all illegal fish pens, up to Bataan. More pressure will be placed on the water concessionaires in Metro Manila for them to accelerate their respective sewerage programs. These will solve the water pollution problem in the water bodies transecting and surrounding the megapolis.wastewater_treatment_2
The Pasig River will undergo massive dredging. Riverbank structures will be relocated. Informal settlers residing along the banks of the river will also be relocated.
Laguna Lake will complete dismantling of illegal fishpens. The carrying capacity study will serve as the basis for rationalizing the use of the lake.
Taal Lake will also be freed of illegal fishpens. A management plan for this lake will be developed on the basis of its carrying capacity study.
More stringent measures will be initiated to rehabilitate the Marilao River. Informal settlers along the periphery will be relocated and land and coastal zoning will be developed.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT
asbu_IEC2Information, Education and Communication (IEC)
The most effective way of ensuring the protection of our environment and sustainable management of our natural resources is to transform our people into stewards of the environment. This should be possible through awareness raising and environmental education.
The DENR is undertaking a massive and comprehensive information campaign using all forms of information media — tri-media, cyberspace, text messaging, etc. The campaign includes the development of documentaries and the use of primetime spots to reach a maximum number of people.
Environmental education in the school system and training programs will also be institutionalized to teach children of school age the value and benefits of environmental protection.
Networking
To build capacities, the DENR networks and maintains partnerships with non-government organizations and civil society. The Department also partners and maintains sound working relationships with the LGUs. Training and capacity-building programs are given to barangay officials and communities to heighten their awareness and knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to the environment.
Law Enforcement
The DENR shall fully utilize the green legal army, the environmental ombudsmen and the green courts to increase rates in the detection, arrest, prosecution and conviction of violators of environmental laws, rules and regulations.
Regional Profile
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Cagayan Valley Region has a distinct history. Long before the coming of the Spaniards into the Valley, fishing villages had been in existence on the banks and at the mouth of the rivers and creeks flowing into the China Sea. The Spaniards found natives inhabiting the narrow coastal plains of Northern Luzon and flood plains of Cagayan River. These inhabitants were Ibanags who lived on the riverbanks. “Ban nag a native word for river. They were of sturdy Indonesian type with a culture of their own. They maintained their commercial relationship with China, Malaya, Japan and other neighboring countries, The early Ibanagas kept their writings on barks of trees and bamboos depicting the heroic deeds of their chiefs. These tales were used as songs and bards during the victories in wars, on weddings and other important events and were thereof handed down from generation to generation.It was in 1567 when Don Juan Salcedo explored Northern Luzon and landed his forces. It was however in 1581 that the Spaniards headed by Captain Juan Pablo Carreon with his soldiers and their families settled in the Region. Thereafter, Spanish missionaries gradually penetrated deeper into the valley teaching and converting the natives. Later, the Americans improved the educational and political system and introduced improvements in infrastructure.Region 02 is considered the “last frontier” of the Philippines being one of the few regions with existing virgin forest. It is bounded by three (3) mountain ranges, Sierra Madre on the east, Caraballo mountains on the south and Cordillera mountain on the west.Cagayan Valley Region includes all lands east of the Sierra Madre mountain, west of the foothills of Cordillera mountain, and south of Caraballo mountain, making the region one big watershed area such that all the headwaters from the mountain ridges cascade down the tributaries to the Cagayan River, the second longest river in the country having a drainage area of 27,300 sq. km. and ground water reserve of 47,895 mcm. The Cagayan River provides the water supply of the region for agriculture, industry, domestic and municipal needs before it drains into the Babuyan channel. It has three major tributaries; the Elogan River which drains a major portion of the eastern watersheds, the Magat River which drains the southern portions and the Chico river which drains most of the north-western areas.The Pacific Ocean skirts the last coast and rest its waves on the foot of the Sierra Madre on the eastern side. Temperature is distinctly tropical and the northern portion has a high precipitation due to the exposure of the northeastern air movements. The region is composed of the distant but esoteric Batanes; the lustrous and fertile valley provinces of Cagayan, Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya and the predominantly mountainous but equally promising Quirino. Cagayan Valley abounds with the natural resources and exudes the development potentials. It consists of rich agricultural areas, forestlands and grasslands, inland and marine resources.By virtue of Executive Order No. 192 dated June 10, 1987, five (5) Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs) and sixteen (16) Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) were created under the administrative jurisdiction of Region 02. These are: PENROs Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya; and CENROs Aparri, Alcala, Sanchez Mira, Solana and Tuguegarao, Cagayan; Cabagan, Naguilian, Cauayan, San Isidro, Roxas and Palanan, Isabela; Diffun and Nagtipunan, Quirino; and Bayombong, Aritao and Dupax, Nueva Vizcaya.
Subcategories
NEWS
3 regions to intensify resource protection
Convergence includes wildlife and mineral resources
The protection of the natural resources of three regions will soon be strengthened following the interregional convergence meeting held in Baguio City on Nov. 20, this year.
The meeting resulted in the preparation of a memorandum of agreement among the regional executive directors (RED) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of Cagayan Valley, Ilocos and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
According to Cagayan Valley environment chief Atty. Gil A. Aromin, the mutual complementation and collaboration will unify, and streamline efforts and resources toward achieving overall protection of the environment and natural resources.
“The interregional convergence is one of our initiatives pursuant to the commitment of DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu to President Rodrigo R. Duterte to stop illegal environmental activities,” RED Aromin said.
During the meeting, the environment chiefs agreed that the monitoring checkpoints for forest products in Sta. Praxedes, Cagayan; Bangui, Ilocos Norte; and Luna, Apayao will also be utilized to regulate the transport of wildlife and mineral products.
Mobile checkpoints will also be established in strategic places to intensify monitoring of forest products, wildlife and mineral resources.
The team leaders of the monitoring stations will closely coordinate to monitor any movement of illegal products including apprehension.
It was also agreed that the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENR) officer whose jurisdiction covers the monitoring station will supervise the activities of the checkpoint and will submit report to concerned RED.
Meanwhile, the administrative adjudication of the apprehended or seized forest products, wildlife and mineral products and transportation used, tools and equipment including filing of complaints against the perpetrators will be conducted by the Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) office concerned. The disposition thereof will be in accordance with the existing laws, rules and regulations.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) will assist in the apprehension and evaluation of mineral resources to be transported.
It can be recalled that on August 15, 2018, Secretary Cimatu issued DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2018-18 establishing a centralized coordinative mechanism at the Regional Office of DENR, MGB and Environmental Management Bureau.
Under the said DAO, the DENR RED, assistant regional director for technical services, PENR and CENR officers are deputized to police mining activities and enforce environmental laws, rules and regulations. They are also authorized to issue orders and to arrest violators of environmental laws. # CCC
DENR to launch PIPLS flagship mascot
The flagship species icon of the Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (PIPLS) will be launched by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.
The launch of the mascot for rabbitfish Siganidae locally known as Barangan will highlight this year’s International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 15.
Mascot “Barry”, short term for Barangan, will serve as a social marketing tool under the flagship communication campaign of the DENR’s Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program (CMEMP). It will represent the protected area’s campaign slogan, “You and me for the sea.”
CMEMP is a national program that aims to comprehensively manage, address and effectively reduce the drivers and threats of degradation of the coastal and marine ecosystems. It seeks to achieve and promote sustainability of ecosystem services, food security and climate change resiliency.
The identification of the flagship species was made through a focus group discussion with key stakeholders of the PIPLS.
The mascot, a representation of the flagship species, will be the symbol to stimulate awareness of the people for them to consequently take action in the conservation and protection of coastal and marine resources.
“We solicit the support of the community to sustain the rich biodiversity of the Palaui Island Protected Landscapes and Seascapes and to promote responsible ecotourism,” DENR Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin said.
The Cagayan Valley environment chief added that PIPLS is a pride of Region 2 as it was awarded 3rd Outstanding National Integrated Protected Areas System - Marine Protected Areas (NIPAS-MPA) in the country in 2017. The award was given by the MPA Support Network Philippines during the Para El Mar (for the sea) MPA Awards and Recognition in Iloilo City.
Director Aromin also urged the public to participate in the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), a global effort which aims to protect coastal and marine areas against solid waste and litters and inspire behavior change toward reducing single-use plastic materials. He requested volunteers to coordinate to the nearest DENR office for the activity.
Region 2 has a total coastline of 1,247.49 kilometers where the annual ICC is held.
Proclamation No. 470 s. 2003 declared every third Saturday of September as the International Coastal Cleanup Day.# CCC
DENR to fast track permit issuance for gov’t projects
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will fast track the processing and issuance of tree cutting and earth-balling permits to give way for infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu has issued DENR Administrative Order No. 2018-16 prescribing guidelines in the processing and issuance of permits on the removal and relocation of trees for the construction of roads, bridges, flood control and other infrastructure duly certified as government projects of the DPWH.
Under the new law, the Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) Offices are mandated to issue within three (3) working days the corresponding tree cutting permit and or earth-balling permit, after evaluation of the complete requirements of the application.
The CENR Office is authorized to conduct ocular inspection to verify the correctness of the submitted requirements in coordination with the DPWH before the issuance of the permit. It shall determine the number of trees, location and its species, classification if naturally grown or planted, and verify the corresponding volume upon the conduct of geotagging and tree scaling during the actual tree cutting activities.
“Tree removal and relocation operations, including turnover and transport of logs, shall only be done under the presence and close supervision of the DENR,” Secretary Cimatu ordered.
The DPWH shall shoulder all operational costs.
The policy provides that in case of tree removal and relocation in public forestlands, the corresponding permit shall only be processed upon issuance of appropriate land tenure instruments secured by the DPWH from the concerned regional directors, subject to existing regulations.
The DENR is also required to attend consultation meetings during pre-project activities of the DPWH to further facilitate issuance of permit.
“The design of the road projects should always consider the least number of trees to be affected,” the DAO reads.
According to Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin, DENR Region 2 issued six (6) tree cutting permits for DPWH projects in Cagayan Valley since January 2018.# CCC
New law declares 5 CV national parks
Five protected areas in Cagayan Valley are recently classified as national parks.
These areas with a total of 225,424.44 hectares are included in Republic Act (RA) 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act of 2018 which amended RA 7586 otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992.
The new law signed by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte on June 22, 2018, also declares protected areas under national parks and provides for their management.
The five protected areas included in the 94 now classified as national parks in the Philippines are: Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (PIPLS); Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape (PPLS); Tumauini Watershed Natural Park (TWNR); Salinas Natural Monument (SNM); and Casecnan Protected Landscape (CPL).
The PPLS located in the province of Cagayan has the largest area with 118,653.67 ha. The CPL in the provinces of Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya, and Aurora in Region 3 follows with a total area of 86,246.77 ha; the PIPLS in Cagayan, 8,048.57 ha; TWNP in Isabela, 6,509.38 ha; and the SNM in Nueva Vizcaya, 5,966.05 ha.
Under the ENIPAS Act, the composition of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) is amended to include the DENR regional director, governor, senator, district representative, mayor, barangay chairperson, regional directors of the Department of Agriculture, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine National Police and Department of National Defense as ex-officio members who shall serve for the duration of their respective term of office. The PAMB is the governing body of a protected area.
The new law provides for the imposition of higher rates of fines from P200,000 to P5 Million; and the stiffer penalty for committing illegal acts enumerated by the law such as imprisonment from one (1) year up to not more than 12 years, and perpetual disqualification from public office for public or government officials.
The Act also creates a protected area management office to be headed by a permanent protected area superintendent with a sufficient number of support staff.
In a special meeting with key personnel of DENR Region 2 on July 30, this year, Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin has ordered the technical staff to orient the PAMB members on the salient provisions of RA 11038.
“The State shall ensure the full implementation of this Act, the mobilization of resources for the institutional mechanisms…and the full scientific and technical support needed for the conservation of biodiversity and the integrity of the ecosystems, culture and indigenous practices,” the expanded protected area law reads.# CCC
Region 2 fire brigades on high alert
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Cagayan Valley has alerted its forest fire teams with high temperature besetting numerous plantations established under the National Greening Program (NGP).
Since January this year, the DENR has reported 25 incidents of forest fire in Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino provinces which affected 900 hectares of plantations. Reported causes of forest fire include throwing of cigarette butts, burning of agricultural wastes, and burning of garbage along roadsides adjacent to the plantations.
“The fire occurrence is very alarming. Let’s be serious. Everybody should cooperate,” said Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Technical Services Felix C. Taguba in his recent meeting with information officers, NGP focal persons, forest fire team leaders and forest protection officers of the different provincial environment and natural resources (PENR) and community environment and natural resources (CENR) offices in the region.
ARD Taguba has ordered the field officials to conduct regular forest patrolling and monitoring including Information, Education and Communication (IEC) in communities adjacent to fire prone areas.
The regional technical services chief emphasized the urgent need to protect the NGP plantations because these are funded by taxpayers’ money.
As a strategy for forest fire prevention, the DENR will intensify its IEC through broadcast and regular meetings with upland communities to ensure their cooperation on forest fire prevention.
As proactive measures, the Department has conducted trainings and has mobilized its forest protection officers including those in the barangays, local government units, people’s organizations and NGP beneficiaries who are residing adjacent to fire prone areas. Firefighting tools and binoculars were also provided to the PENR and CENR offices aside from the lookout towers constructed in strategic places.
More than 66 million of forest and fruit-bearing trees planted in almost 82,000 hectares under the NGP from 2011 to 2018 are being guarded from forest fire.# CCC
Cimatu: No letup in strict enforcement of environmental laws
Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said there will no letup in the government effort to strictly enforce environmental laws and regulations designed to restore, preserve and protect the country’s rich environment and vast natural resources.
“We will prioritize the environment. We will strengthen our Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in the provincial level which job is to take care of the environment,” Cimatu told national and regional officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) during their management conference held in Batanes recently.
He said the Boracay problem should serve as a lesson not just for local government officials but also for those in the DENR who must be proactive in handling environmental concerns.
Cimatu said he plans to put up a DENR office in every tourist destination in the country, just like what he did in Boracay.
Even before Boracay was closed to tourists to pave the way for its rehabilitation, Cimatu already ordered the re-establishment of a Community Environment and Natural Resources Office there to ensure the sustainability of environmental programs intended solely for the world-famous island paradise.
Cimatu said he won’t recommend the reopening of Boracay until the fecal coliform contamination is addressed.
“The ball is in our hands. We have to bring down the coliform. This is non-negotiable,” Cimatu said, as he announced the deployment of some DENR and EMB regional directors to the island to solve the problem in a month.
The DENR chief also directed all his field officials to prioritize the cleanup of water bodies within their jurisdiction. “I am very particular on the cleanliness of our rivers,” he said, as he warned them of his one-strike policy for non-compliance.
Apart from strict enforcement of environmental laws, Cimatu reminded his field officials of their duty to ensure the protection and conservation of natural resources, particularly the forests.
He ordered them to ensure the cooperation and support of the local government in their respective areas of jurisdiction in the DENR’s forest protection and anti-illegal logging campaign.
Cimatu said that regional offices will not get commendation for “hot logs” they have confiscated, but for their effort to prevent trees from being cut.
He urged all other field officials to follow the example of Batanes, which has become a good model for protecting the environment. Batanes is the only province in the country, which has been declared as a protected area in its entirety. #
DENR, CEZA, LGU inspect Nangaramoan Beach
"We do not like to happen in Nangaramoan what happened in Boracay."
This was the statement of Cagayan Valley environment chief Atty. Gil A. Aromin during the joint site inspection by the DENR, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) and Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sta. Ana in Nangaramoan Beach, Sta. Ana, Cagayan, on March 22, 2018.
Regional Director Aromin emphasized that even before the situation in Boracay became a national issue, DENR Region 2 has already taken positive steps to contain and preserve the beach.
"What is best for the environment will be best for the people. All we have to do is to manage the resources properly and comply with environmental laws," Atty. Aromin added.
In January this year, business operation along Nangaramoan Beach, one of the world's finest beaches, was stopped for failure to comply with environmental laws and for violating Section 69 of Presidential Decree No. 705 as amended by Section 78 of Republic Act 7161, the Clean Water Act and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
According to Engr. Avelino Natividad, chief safety officer of CEZA, self-demolition and clearing of establishments within the 20-meter salvage zone has already started.
After acquiring all the necessary documents such as the previous surveys of the site and the foreshore development and management plan, the DENR-CEZA-LGU team will convene to plan for necessary actions.
It can be recalled that in October 2017, the Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) Office of Aparri, CEZA and LGU Sta. Ana issued final notice to the president and members of the Nangaramoan Environmental Protectors Association to stop their business operation including further construction and improvement of establishments which were illegally erected.
There are 138 cottages, nine variety stores and five souvenir shops in Nangaramoan Beach.#
Parties ink Phil croc conservation hub
The population of Philippine Crocodile in Region 2 will soon increase following the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the establishment of a conservation center and groundbreaking ceremony held on Feb. 15, 2018 at the Isabela State University (ISU) - San Mariano campus.
The Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Mariano, ISU Echague campus, Mabuwaya Foundation Inc. and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will be jointly managing the Conservation Center.
In his message of support, DENR Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin expressed his gratitude to the partners for helping the Department in wildlife protection. “The DENR is the primary government agency mandated to protect and conserve our wildlife, however, we lack the technical and financial capabilities and facilities for the conservation of Philippine Crocodile,” Director Aromin said.
The LGU shall provide sand, gravel and boulders, and heavy equipment in the construction of the facility; designate information and tourist officer, and caretaker; promote the Philippine Crocodile breeding facility as a tourist attraction; and provide additional funding for the management of the facility.
For its part, the ISU shall allow the use of the designated area of 4,000 sq.m.; provide security during the construction period; and involve students and staff in the development if tge facility as a crocodile headstart and breeding center.
The provision of funding for the main construction of the facility including technical supervision of the building and management of the facility shall be shouldered by the Mabuwaya Foundation. It shall also provide technical supervision of crocodile husbandry and handling, and continue to source funding for the facility after year 2022.
As a requirement in the establishment of wildlife centers, the DENR issued the wildlife farm permit on Nov. 13, 2017.
The DENR shall also provide logistics, technical assistance and other related services in the establishment and maintenance of the facility.
The monitoring of the facility will be jointly undertaken by LGU San Mariano, ISU Echague, Mabuwaya Foundation and the DENR.
The Philippine Crocodile is considered as one of the rarest crocodile species in the world and classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
RD Aromin urged the partners to collaborate for the success of the initiative. “Let the Philippine Crocodile Conservation Center in this Region be known and be the exemplary conservation center throughout the country,” he said.#
Isabela LGU to pilot anew land titling program in Region 2
Inspired by the full support of the local government unit in the LGU-led Titling Program, the regional environment chief announced the pilot implementation of Rapid Land Tenure Appraisal (RLTA), a systematic land titling approach, in Quirino, Isabela.
Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin made this pronouncement during the awarding of land patents to 120 land owners held on Feb. 13, 2018 at the Quirino Coliseum.
The Cagayan Valley chief recalled that the partnership in land titling between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and LGU Quirino started in 2012 when he convinced Mayor Jossie Maria Bella L. Juan to enrol in the LGU-led titling initiative of the Department. Regional Director Aromin was then the regional technical director for Land Management Sector.
The partnership resulted in the launch of the LGU-led Titling program on Sept. 25, 2013 and the signing of the Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) on June 23, 2014 making Quirino town the pilot in Region 2.
As required in the MOPA, the LGU headed by Mayor Juan created the LGU-led Titling Office and designated personnel to operate it. The local chief executive also created the LGU-led Titling Council.
“Hindi po natatapos ang tulong ng DENR,” vowed RD Aromin as he expressed his commitment to the mayor that all untitled lots will be titled before her term ends.
“Through the partnership of the DENR and the LGU, the processing of titles has been facilitated, thus, our constituents need not undergo the long, complicated and expensive process of land titling,” Mayor Juan said.
The local chief executive added that the awarding of patents is a dream come true to her constituents who have been longing to have their lands titled.
Emphasizing the benefits of titling to the LGU, Mayor Juan said through the land titles, revenue collection in the form of real property taxes increases thereby improving economic development in the municipality.#
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Photo Releases
| HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT UPDATES – DENR Region 2 Administrative Division Chief Lilia dL. Abel discusses recent guidelines on the issuance of appointments and other human resource actions during the Workshop on Competency-based System for DENR Technical and Support Positions held on November 23, this year at the Narra Hall, DENR Regional Office, Tuguegarao City. The new rules are provided under Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 1701009 promulgated on June 16, 2017. The Chief, Administrative Officer also presented the revised DENR Merit Selection and Promotion Plan emphasizing on the composition and responsibilities of the Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board (then Selection and Promotion Board).# |
| BACK TO THE WILDERNESS – Newly designated Batanes OIC, PENR Officer Ilarde C. Viernes releases on Nov. 21, 2017 a Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula at Chadpidan Lake in Basco town after it was turned over by Police Officers Jensen Cobaria, Denvy Lurlaine Zureta and Darna Paco of the Mahatao Police Station. The migratory bird species, having the conservation status of “Least Concern” by the International Union of Conservation for Nature (IUCN) was surrendered to the Police Officers by school children in Mahatao. Witnessing the release are Basco Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Carlito Cari, and key officials and personnel of the PENR Office. # |
| 1ST CAGAYAN RIVER BASIN SUMMIT – DENR Cagayan Valley Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin delivers his message during the opening program of the 1st Cagayan River Basin Summit on November 28, 2017 in Santiago City, Isabela. "We are here to see the best practices of other river basin managements. This will also stir up consciousness among ourselves on how to protect our rivers," the regional environment chief said. The activity aimed to address Cagayan River concerns such as the deterioration of its water quality and the lowering of its water supply, by gaining techniques from other successfully managed river basins in the country. In the two-day event, resource speakers from the local government of Iloilo and Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission shared their best practices in river basin management before the members of the Cagayan River Basin Management Council and other stakeholders from Regions 2 and 3 and the Cordillera Administrative Region.# |
| LATEST DISCOVERY IN BATANES – This Oriental Pratincole Glareola malvidarum was discovered by the team from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office during the conduct of Biodiversity Monitoring System in the island municipality of Sabtang. Sighted at Diblolon of Barangay Savidug on March 7, 2018, the bird is considered the latest record of avian species in the biodiversity-rich province. Oriental Pratincoles are common in drier open areas, dry rice fields, pasture areas and plowed fields. They are seen in large groups. # |
| EMPOWERING WEOS – Batanes OIC, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENR) Officer Ilarde C. Viernes reorients the deputized Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs) on their duties and responsibilities on March 13, this year at the municipal hall of Itbayat. After the short reorientation session, the WEOs were given their protective gears in order to become more effective and efficient in their work. With OIC, PENR Officer Viernes are (L-R) Sangguniang Bayan Member Alejandria C. Asa; Sangguniang Bayan Member Onesimo G. Manzo; OIC, Mayor Zenas Labrador; Technical Services Division Chief Dionicio C. Deundo; Environmental Management Specialist Antonio Mina of the Environmental Management Bureau; and Enforcement Chief Samuel P. Telan. # |
| ENSURING GOOD WATER QUALITY – “All local government units are mandated to put up a septage management system in order to prevent sanitation problems,” says DENR Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin during the 1st Quarter Pinacanauan de Tuguegarao Water Quality Management Area (PdT-WQMA) Governing Board Meeting held at the Carmelita Hotel, Tuguegarao City on April 3, this year. Director Aromin said if local government units (LGUs) cannot establish a waste water treatment facility, they should at least require every household to have their own septic tank. “But these septic tanks must be devised by either the LGU or the Department of Health to make sure that there will be no seepage of effluent underground,” Atty. Aromin added. He also emphasized that the harmonized efforts of the DENR, Environmental Management Bureau, Mines and Geosciences Bureau and LGUs in formulating approaches will have a great impact in addressing environmental problems, especially on the water quality of the region. “Let us all come together to ensure that Cagayan Valley will sustain good water quality for the community,” the regional environment chief enthused. Pinacanauan River, which traverses along Tuguegarao City and Peñablanca, was designated as WQMA by virtue of Department Administrative Order No. 2013-06. The meeting was attended by representatives from concerned LGUs, barangays within the WQM area, different line agencies, academe, business sectors and other partners who are members of the governing board. # |
| RESTORING FREEDOM – This hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata is being freed by a joint team from the Ivana Police Station, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Batanes on Aug. 6, this year after it was trapped in a fishnet along the shallow seawater of Sitio Vatang, San Vicente, Ivana. The trapped turtle was reported to police authorities by a certain Joseph Meriel, a truck driver who ferried construction workers to their job site, upon sighting a moving creature trying to free itself from the net.# |
| GREENING THE MOUNTAIN, GREENING THE OCEAN – Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin (2nd from left, front row) and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Director Mario A. Ancheta (3rd from left, front row), lead the officials and employees of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Batanes and the Local Government Unit of Ivana in planting about 1,500 Arius seedlings in Barangay Radiwan. The tree planting was held on April 19, this year in observance of the International Earth Day celebrated every 22nd of April. MGB Mine Management Division Chief Geoffrey Prado (4th from left, front row) and 56 beneficiaries of Special Program for Employment of Students under LGU Ivana also joined the tree planting. After the tree planting, the DENR and MGB team conducted a coastal cleanup along Kadpidan Beach adjacent to Ivana Marine Protected Area. # |
| INSTITUTIONALIZING GOOD HOUSEKEEPING – Management Services Division Chief Victoria D. Baliuag spearheads the official launch of 5S and Ecological Solid Waste Management in PENRO Batanes on June 6, 2018 as a highlight of the Environment Month celebration. Memorandum Circular No. 2018-03 issued by Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin directs the implementation of the program regionwide.# |
| SOCIAL MARKETING – Dibang, the mascot of the flagship species for Batanes Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (BPLS) has her first exposure during the cultural parade opening the 235th Batanes Foundation Anniversary held on June 26, 2018. The mascot is a social marketing tool under the Flagship Communication Campaign of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program (CMEMP). The flagship species was selected by the different environmental stakeholders in October last year through a Focus Group Discussion. The mascot was officially launched by OIC, Regional Director Atty Gil A. Aromin and OIC, PENR Officer Marcelo G. Bumidang on June 25, 2018. Dibang is the Ivatan term for flying fish.# |
| STRENGTHENING CRBMC -- “Each agency has an important role to play. What we will agree upon today will spell out what will happen to the Cagayan River Basin,” says DENR Region 2 Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin as he welcome participants to the Regional Technical Working Group Meeting of the Cagayan River Basin Management Council (inset) on July 12, 2018, at the Narra Hall, DENR Regional Office. Among the agenda of the meeting are the presentation of the proposed additional thematic areas of concern to be included in the organizational structure and the creation of Addalam Sub-River Basin Management Committee. These are in preparation to the Executive Committee Meeting to be held on July 18-19, 2018 in the province of Quirino. OIC, Regional Director of National Economic and Development Authority Region 2, Engr. Ferdinand T. Tumaliuan, presided over the meeting. # |
| NUTRI-ADVOCACY – Information and Communication Technology Chief Roderick Y. Abad feeds the minds of 100 Kindergarten and Grades I-III pupils of Diptan Elementary School in Basco, Batanes on July 6, 2018 as part of the Nutrition Month Celebration. The pupils were treated with free food while listening to the lecture cum film showing on wild animals found in the province. Debbie, the mascot of Batanes Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (BPLS) delighted the pupils with her second public exposure. On the same day, the PENR Office personnel planted 500 seedlings of Arius and Malugay at Sitio Maluyloy in Barangay San Antonio as part of the month-long celebration. # |
| TAYO ANG KALIKASAN – DENR Region 2 top officials headed by OIC, Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin (center) leads the employees of the Regional Office in reciting the “Tayo ang Kalikasan” pledge during the convocation today, July 30, 2018. “Tayo ang Kalikasan”, a citizen’s movement for environmental stewardship and sustainable development, was officially launched on April 24, 2018 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. The movement aims to encourage the citizenry in the protection and conservation of the environment and natural resources, and to contribute in the achievement of the 2017-2022 Philippine Developmen Plan. Also with RD Aromin are Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Technical Services For. Felix C. Taguba (left) and ARD for Management Services Engr. Marcos G. Dacanay (right).# |
| FMP MIDTERM REVIEW – Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) representative Kessy Reyes (standing) interviews the officers of Magsaysay United Upland Farmers Developers Association (MUUFDA) People’s Organization (PO) on July 18, this year in Magsaysay, Diffun, Quirino. The interview aims to evaluate the extent of Forestland Management Project (FMP) implementation in the community such as seedling production, plantation establishment, enterprise development and establishment of agro-forestry support facilities. The MUUFDA, with 60 beneficiaries, has already completed its 30 hectares reforestation project. It is also maintaining a 110-hectare agro-forestry plantation and currently in the process of procuring bee colony for honey bee production as part of their livelihood enterprises. The association has been one of the active among the 10 POs involved in the FMP within the Ganano Sub-watershed funded by the JICA. “Nagpapasalamat kami sa pagkakaroon ng proyektong ito dahil nadagdagan ang kita naming mga miyembro. Kung may namatay man sa aming itinanim, pinapalitan agad namin ito. Sinasama din namin ang mga anak namin sa pagtatanim at tulong-tulong kami sa pag-akyat ng mga punla sa bundok,” said Mr. Wilbert Natura (3rd from left), chairman of the MUUFDA, during the interview. The Midterm Review was conducted to assess the project performance of the POs within the nine sub-watershed areas in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino. It also aimed to analyze the factors affecting their performance and formulate recommendations to improve the project implementation which is now on its 6th year.# |
| SPEEDING UP LAND SURVEY – With the purpose of settling issues on the submission of Inspection, Verification and Approval of Surveys (IVAS) and in order to harmonize conflicting policies between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in processing survey returns, a joint consultation meeting was conducted on September 6, 2018, at the Narra Hall, DENR Regional Office. The consultation meeting was participated in by the different municipal and provincial agrarian reform officers in the region, and heads of the various sections of the Surveys and Mapping Division of the DENR. In his message, DENR Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin expressed his appreciation to the agrarian reform office in initiating the conduct of the consultation meeting. He said: “The DENR is here to help the DAR. This meeting is important for us to see what we can do to tackle issues that can be resolved on our level and arrive at a consensus for a better public service.”# |
| DISASTER PREPAREDNESS, THE IVATAN WAY – Personnel of the PENR Office tie the roof of the Land Records Office and water tank of PENRO Batanes, and install window shutters in preparation for Typhoon Ompong as part of preemptive actions. These along with the creation of Skeletal Force that operated 24/7 saved the PENR Office building from even a small damage brought about by the typhoon that visited the province on September 14-15, 2018. # |
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