Appointees pledge commitment for better environment  

Having a permanent position in the government service is not only a privilege but also a challenge. As appointee, I am thinking on how could I contribute more for the successful implementation of our programs, how could I overcome obstacles that I may encounter along the way, and how could I surpass the work expectations of my superiors. 

For. Charles G. Tomas, promoted to Forester II position, said this in his response representing the oath-takers from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENR) Offices - Quirino during the Oath-Taking Ceremony on May 8, this year at the Narek Hall, DENR Regional Office, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City.of our programs, how could I overcome obstacles that I may encounter along the way, and how could I surpass the work expectations of my superiors. 

Other testimonies from representatives of the PENR Offices of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Batanes emphasized that appointments and promotions are responsibilities. They said as they promised to find pleasure in the job, they also promised to put excellence in their work.  

According to them, promotions come from God for without Him, there could have been no Oath-Taking conducted.  They told that God gave the executive officials heart and wisdom to choose.  They promised to do their best for the environment to show that they deserved their appointments.

In his message, OIC, Regional Director Gil A. Aromin congratulated the newly appointed and promoted employees and acknowledged the efforts of the Regional Selections and Promotions Board for conducting the different steps of deliberation process in accord with the Merits, Selections and Promotions Plan.    

“Your appointments are coupled with responsibilities that you must undertake.  Do not compromise your integrity in favour of somebody.  Maintain your integrity for the environment so that others may see the beauty of nature and the beauty of the Philippine generation that has yet to come. Uphold that principle because if we do not, who else can do. Do your work with efficiency and competence. Always asked the intercession of the divine providence who is always keeping us perform our duties and responsibilities well,” the regional director said.

According to Assistant Regional Director for Management Services George R. Reyes, Chairperson of the Regional Selections and Promotions Board, the 122 appointments of employees was a result of the six weeks deliberation process of the newly filled up positions ranging from Salary Grades 3-22. This was broken down into: 22 original appointments, two lateral entries, 92 promotion and six change of item.

The RSPB chairperson also encouraged the appointees to start planning their career path as they will be the future leaders of the Department. 

Meanwhile, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services William C. Savella emphasized the employees’ promotion as product of their sacrifices who have been working hard for the protection of the environment.   

The filling up of vacant positions in the Regional Office started in June, 2015 under the new DENR Organizational Structure approved by the Department of Budget and Management.  

The new structure is pursuant to Executive Order No. 366 entitled "Directing a Strategic Review of the Operations and Organizations of the Executive Branch and Providing Options and Incentives for Government Employees Who may be Affected by the Rationalization of the Functions and Agencies of the Executive Branch.” #CAT#

Press Release

Divilacan watershed is priority site for SIAD

A watershed in the forest-rich province of Isabela is one of the 29 priority sites in the implementation of the Sustainable Integrated Area Development (SIAD) in the Philippines.

Located within the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, the watershed where the “Divilacan Agroforestry and Bamboo Plantation Project” will be implemented consists of several sub-watersheds located at the mid section and upper portion of Divilacan.

The site has an aggregate area of 12,045 hectares covering six barangays and basin length of approximately 12,500 meters.

The SIAD project will be managed by the Asosasyon ng Nagmamalasakit ng Kalikasan (ANAK) and Divilacan Agta Rattan Gatherers Association (DARAGAT) in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Divilacan, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and the Department of Trade and Industry.

A new approach in project implementation, SIAD aims to apply area-based interventions, concepts on its natural resources development programs including but not limited to national greening program and integrated island development.  It takes into consideration Marginalized civil society organization (CSO) Sectors including, but not limited to Indigenous Peoples (IPs), urban poor, farmers and fisherfolk, Muslim Filipinos, rebel returnees, youth, vocational work force, and  men and women stakeholders.

The adoption of SIAD as a strategy is authorized by Memorandum Circular No. 2017-02 issued by Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez on Feb. 15, 2017.

In an interview aired over Bombo Radyo Tuguegarao, DENR Regional Director Gil A. Aromin said: “The Divilacan Watershed is a home for endemic plants; abundant rattan and nito for handicraft making. These livelihood opportunities were considered in selecting the site.” 

“While they (Dumagats) are there to plant trees, we also capacitate them to provide livelihood for them,” Atty. Aromin added.

The Divilacan Agroforestry and Bamboo Plantation Project according to Director Aromin employs the ridge to reef concept considering that water from the watershed flows down to the sea.

The area where the project is located is known to have three species of Makabuhay used to treat stomach ache and dysmenorrhoea according to the Dumagats or Agtas, the Indigenous People in Divilacan. Tsaang gubat also thrives in the area.

Within the site, a 100-hectare area in Barangay Ditarum will be developed for the Enhanced National Greening Program.

After the identification of the site as priority for integrated development, a meeting with Divilacan Mayor Venturito C. Bulan, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Arthur V. Umengan and DARAGAT IP Chairperson Floro Flores was conducted.

The DENR will also deputize 27 Forest Protection Officers for the six barangays.

To develop business enterprise, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Isabela conducted the Training on Bee Keeping on March 30-31, this year in Barangay Dicaruyan.

Using SIAD as a strategy for the project, the DENR envisions the sustainable multiple-use of the natural resources within the watershed in a manner that is environmentally sound, economically viable and socially acceptable.

  It aims to rehabilitate through enrichment planting and reforestation of the idle and open areas, and safeguard and preserve the natural tropical forests of the watershed while improving the quality of life of people in the area.# CCC 

Media Release
March 28, 2017

RD Aromin orders vigilant forest protection on Lent

The environment chief of Region 2 has ordered vigilance on illegal forest activities this Holy Week.perpetrator

In his fax message to all Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENR) Officers and Community Environment and Natural Resources Officers (CENR) Officers on Mar. 27, this year, Regional Director Gil A. Aromin directed the field officials to establish mobile checkpoints in strategic locations within their respective territorial jurisdictions.

The mobile checkpoints should be manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on rotation basis, as “perpetrators of illegal forest activities would take advantage to engage in timber poaching and transport of forest and wildlife products”.

“Further, mobilize and keep on alert all forest officers, forest rangers, forest protection officers...to be more vigilant not only in monitoring illegal transport of forest and wildlife products but also detection and quick response on any incident of forest fires in your respective areas,” the fax message reads.

To ensure security of the personnel who will man the checkpoints, the regional DENR executive had mandated the PENR and CENR Officers to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies for assistance.

The field officials were also instructed to submit to his Office exact locations of mobile checkpoints to be established for monitoring purposes.

“You are also reminded of the ‘One Strike One Out’ policy of the Secretary,” Atty. Aromin said.

The “One Strike One Out” policy was issued by Sec. Regina L. Lopez on Feb. 15, this year.# CCC

Media Release
March 27, 2017

Preparation for Sierra Madre Summit underway

To strengthen partnership with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in protecting the Sierra Madre, the Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance (SSMNA) and the three regions of DENR will spearhead the Sierra Madre Summit.

Proposed to be conducted on May 24-28, this year in Antipolo City, the Summit will be participated in by at least 150 Indigenous Peoples (IPs), People’s Organizations (POs), representatives from the religious sector, academe, non-governmental organization and other CSOs from Regions 2, 3 and 4.

In a meeting with the DENR Region 2 officials held on March 27, this year, Fr. Pete Montallana, chairman and president of the SSMNA, said: “We have to instill in the consciousness and mindsets of the IPs that they are the custodians of the Sierra Madre. We have to encourage them to be the ‘eyes and ears’ of the Sierra Madre.”

According to Fr. Montallana, the Summit also aims to come up with clear and synchronized actions of the DENR and its partners in forest protection. This will also serve as an avenue to improve the implementation of the National Greening Program in the area.

Fr. Montallana is the DENR’s CSO focal person in the implementation of the Sustainable Integrated Area Development project in Divilacan, Isabela, the pilot site in Region 2 located within the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park.

During the meeting, Perla A. Vissoro, chairperson of the Regional Multi-sectoral Forest Protection Committee (RMFPC), suggested that model local government units and POs will be selected to share their experiences and best practices on environmental protection and conservation.

The RMFPC chairperson also requested that the participants from the CSOs will be given an opportunity to interact with the DENR through an open forum.

Atty. Gil A. Aromin, Regional Director of DENR Region 2, lauded the initiative of the Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance as he assured Fr. Montallana to relay his proposal with Undersecretary for Field Operations Philip G. Camara during the Regional Directors’ Meeting.

“Thank you for collaborating with us...for working with the DENR to save the Sierra Madre,” RD Aromin said in his closing message.# CCC

PENRO Isabela observes Earth Hour

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENR) Office Isabela employees were obliged to switch off light in their respective houses at 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening of March 25 in observance of the Earth Hour.

Forester Federico Cauilan Jr, newly installed Officer in Charge of the PENR Office, urged the employees to support the global event to raise awareness of the importance of using resources wisely for the environment.

“Let us make plans on how to make Earth Hour more meaningful. Participate in this activity to feel the one-hour of solidarity showing support and concern on the worsening climate change,” Forester Cauilan said.

People from all walks of life, from all nations around the world, are supportive of the Earth Hour for it gives the feelings of what it would be like to live without light.

Global communities, households and businesses are encouraged to turn off lights for one hour annually every last Saturday of March as a symbol of commitment to the planet. #RMC

PLGU Quirino, DENR sign conservation pact for ecotourism

The major ecotourism destination in the Province of Quirino will now become operational after the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) and the DENR inked the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Feb. 23, this year in Brgy. Pedlisan, Maddela town.

Signed by Gov. Junie E. Cua and Regional Director, Atty. Gil A. Aromin, the MOA was forged purposely to protect, conserve and rehabilitate the Governor’s Rapid.

It also aims to showcase the importance of ecotourism for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources within the Quirino Protected Landscape (QPL).

Witnessed by Maddela Mayor Renato G. Ylanan, Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Officer Yolando B. Binag, then Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENR) Officer Vicente C. Bayucan, Nagtipunan Community ENR Officer Clarita S. Bermosa and the more or less 400 residents of Pedlisan, the signing highlighted the Information, Education and Communication campaign on Forest Protection Project conducted by the Provincial Chief Executive.

Under the Agreement, the provincial local government shall manage the ecotourism site. It can avail of a certain percentage from the Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF). Income of the Protected Area like user’s fee, entrance fee in ecotourism sites, and documentation fee accrue to IPAF.

For its part, the DENR through the Protected Area Management Board for QPL shall approve proposals, work plan and guidelines in accordance with the approved management plan.

The Department shall also extend technical assistance especially in conservation activities.

Governor’s Rapid is a portion of the Cagayan River which has received numerous awards for being the “Cleanest Inland Body of Water” in the region. Its limestone formations serve as a natural shelter to the Dumagats.

It is located within the four barangays of Maddela, namely; San Bernabe, Divisoria Sur, Divisoria Norte and Villa Ylanan.# RGA/CCC

Forest patrol system levels up

The web-based mobile application dubbed Lawin Forest Biodiversity Protection System (LFBPS) launched on March 10, 2016 to monitor conservation areas has upgraded into a more extensive monitoring system.

Enforcement Division Chief Joel S. Daquioag lauded this move for efficiency in the transmission, consolidation and analysis of patrol data during the SMART Connect for LFBPS Learning Event on Feb. 27-28, this year at the Crown Pavilion, Tuguegarao City.

“The Lawin System has been streamlined in the forest protection activities targeting a total patrol of 1,800 kilometers for this year. It is very useful and improves our advocacies, as all forms of threat in the forest are detected through our forest patrollers,” said Forester Daquioag.

The system, developed by the DENR and the Biodiversity and Wildlife Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience (B+WISER), is operated through an open-source software called “CyberTracker” for data collection interface and the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) for data analysis, mapping and report generation.

It aims to improve the response mechanisms to address wildlife threats within the forests and protected areas of the Cagayan Valley Region.

Equipped with Global Positioning System, the SMART Connect features the collection and sharing of field data in real time; manages and responses to real time alerts to enable more effective and rapid operational responses; centrally manages SMART deployments at multiple times; and enhances analysis, visualization and impact of SMART data for decision making by integrating with other systems.
In his message, OIC, Regional Director, Atty. Gil A. Aromin, emphasized that there is a need to capacitate the forest rangers, extension officers and forest protection officers (FPOs) on the use of the mobile system to further improve the implementation of forest protection and law enforcement activities.

The 38 patrol teams composed of 204 forest rangers, forest protection officers and extension officers had a total patrol of 1,355.84 kilometers from July 2016 to January 2017. Adopting the forest conservation area plans of the different Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices, the forest condition and indicator species were observed.

The top five observed threats were: presence of hut/house and other infrastructure, 31 percent; cutting of trees, 29 percent; annual and perennial farming, 16 percent; slash-and-burn farming, 14 percent; and charcoal making, 10 percent. These observations were immediately responded to by the concerned Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officers.

Facilitated by representatives of the Forest Management Bureau and Chemonics International, Inc. (B+WISER), the learning event educated the participants on how to install and manipulate the upgraded software that will be used in data analysis after conducting forest patrol and biodiversity assessment. Patrol data can now be recorded per CENRO.

B+WISER Biodiversity and Forestry Specialist Felix Gaschick discussed the features of the application. He said the system has become more embracing because through the interconnection of database, monitoring and access of data are easier and better.

“The system has now started to roll out to the different DENR offices nationwide,” Specialist Gaschick added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rodolfo B. Santos Jr., Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist of the B+WISER convened the FPOs for the formulation of process for responding to observed threats.

“Technology will not protect the forest, it is the people who are. They are the ones doing the activity that is why we need to enhance them and come up with a generic protocol which will apply to all situations,” Dr. Santos emphasized.

As an output, the FPOs were able to formulate a response framework stressing the procedure to respond to data-driven reports particularly on kaingin farming and establishment of buildings/structures in protected areas.

RD Aromin congratulated the 43 forest patrollers in the closing program of the Learning Event.

“I hope that the knowledge you have gained will be applied by heart for a more productive workforce so that our mandate to protect the environment will always be there. We count on you as our partners in forest protection and conservation,” the Cagayan Valley chief enthused. #CAT

Media Release
March 20, 2017

Sec. Lopez issues “One Strike One Out” policy

To intensify environmental law enforcement, the national environment chief has ordered the implementation of “One Strike One Out” policy in forest protection.

In her Memorandum dated February 15, 2017, Secretary Regina L. Lopez mandated all Regional Directors (RDs), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENR) Officers and Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) Officers to implement the policy and clear their respective areas of responsibilities of illegal logging activities.

The retained RDs, PENR Officers and CENR Officers were given one month to comply with the directive while the newly assigned officials were given three months.

According to Sec. Lopez, the order is pursuant to the directive of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to intensify the anti-illegal logging campaign.

Upon receipt of the order, Atty. Gil A. Aromin, Cagayan Valley Regional Director, immediately instructed all PENR and CENR Officers to come up with strategies or schemes on how to implement the directive in their respective jurisdictions.

The field officials were also enjoined to treat the directive with utmost sense of responsibility.

Among the strategies formulated are: creation of task forces to conduct close monitoring of forest protection activities; deputation of interested parties or individuals and mobilization of all Wildlife Enforcement Officers; and close coordination and partnership with law enforcement units to sustain strong partnership with the Multi-sectoral Forest Protection Committee, local government units and other government agencies.

From January to March 15, this year, Region 2 recorded 10 incidents of apprehension that yielded a total of 49.59 cubic meters of illegally-sourced forest products and seven conveyances.

The DENR will also maintain intensified visibility; conduct regular patrolling through LAWIN Forest and Biodiversity Protection System; and hire on-site Forest Protection Officers and Park Rangers to strengthen the established checkpoints.

The “One Strike One Out” policy is in line with Executive Order No. 23 s. 2011 “Declaring a Moratorium on Cutting and Harvesting of Timber in the Natural and Residual Forests and Creating the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force”. # CCC

CV targets zero forest fire

Cagayan Valley’s Forest Fire Management Plan (FFMP) is now ready for implementation to attain zero case of forest fire in the region.

The Enforcement Division (ED) of DENR Region 2 created the FFMP as a guide to avoid or prevent fire incidents in forests.

“We have to prepare for the coming dry season, when forests are more prone to fire,” said Forester Joselito D. Razon, ED Assistant chief.

The fire management plan includes programs for fire preparedness, detection and prevention.

According to Forester Razon, they will be strengthening their campaign against the common causes of forest fire which include kaingin, burning of agricultural wastes, unmindful gathering of honey bees and ant eggs, and negligence of residents of communities adjacent to forest areas.

The said plan was also designed to avoid massive fire occurrences like what happened in 2016 where a total of 851 hectares of forest and National Greening Program areas in the region were destroyed. These incidents brought an approximately 30 million-peso loss from the government fund.

As part of fire prevention activities, the Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices were instructed to formulate their respective fire brigades. Also, 16 look-out towers are to be established in strategic locations within the fire prone forest areas in the region.

For a more efficient fire rescue, sets of firefighting equipment were purchased while the hiring of firefighting crews were also requested to the Central Office.

The Department encourages residents of areas near the forests to immediately report to the nearest DENR office any detection of fire indications such as smoke from the forest.#

DENR, LGU Sta. Teresita ink partnership on Bakong enterprise

To promote the growing Bakong enterprise in Sta. Teresita, Cagayan, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), DENR Region 2 and the Local Government Unit of said town on Feb. 24, this year.

The signing of the Memorandum highlighted the celebration of the 5th National Ecotourism and 2nd Namunit Festivals.

The MOU is a venture of the DENR and the local government in promoting the establishment of biodiversity-friendly enterprise. It shall also provide livelihood and sources of income for communities within and surrounding areas of high biodiversity values.

Sta. Teresita’s Bangalao lake, a part of the Northeastern Cagayan Key Biodiversity Area, is a home of the endemic aquatic plant called Bakong which can be used to produce woven accessories and furniture. Turned into a ‘bustling industry’, this enterprise now helps as a source of income for the residents of the municipality.

The engagement of the DENR on Bakong enterprise started in 2013 through the Biodiversity Partnerships Project which initiated the conduct of a preliminary study of the water plant in determining its growth, supply and local distribution. The agency also facilitated the capacity building of People’s Organization.

BMB Director Theresa Mundita S. Lim expressed her desire for the biodiversity-friendly Bakong products to be recognized globally.She aimed at perfecting the technology of the enterprise with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism and other partner-agencies for the community to be benefitted while making sure that all activities in the industry are environment-friendly.

“We at the DENR want the community to feel and experience the benefits from the environment without them abusing or destroying it,” emphasized Director Lim.

The bureau chief also assured Mayor Lolita C. Garcia that the participants in the upcoming United Nations Convention and Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in October and November, respectively, will be encouraged to visit her town for possible investments and market linkages.

Meanwhile, Atty. Gil A. Aromin, OIC Regional Director of DENR Region 2 also articulated the agency’s support after mentioning that the enterprise is a fulfillment of the thrusts of Secretary Gina L. Lopez on social justice and environmental integrity and “gross national happiness” among the people of Sta. Teresita.

“This is also an exemplification of the new approach in the implementation of our environmental programs which is the Sustainable Integrated Area Development,” added Atty. Aromin as he commended the efforts of the whole municipality in protecting and preserving the environment and natural resources in their area.# RCC

RGADFPS lines up Women’s Month activities

The Regional Gender and Development Focal Point System (RGADFPS) has lined up activities in celebration of National Women’s Month in March, this year.

Engr. Paulina A. Lingan, RGADFPS chairperson, discussed the rationale of the celebration during the GAD Meeting on Feb. 13, this year at the Office of the Assistant Regional Director for Management Services, DENR Regional Office, Tuguegarao City.

The chairperson emphasized the conduct of Information, Education and Communication on Gender and Development as one of the activities highlighting this year’s celebration with a theme, “We Make Change, Work for Women.” This focuses on National Greening Program (NGP), forest protection, protected area management and other environment and natural resources programs.

She discussed among the focal persons the 2017 Annual GAD Work and Financial Plan having a minimum of five percent and a maximum of 30 percent of the Office’s total budget. “The activities shall be finalized in the Action Planning Workshop to be held in March 1 at the Regional Office,” said Engr. Lingan.

Lined up activities include: March 6, Kick off – Lecture on Anti-Sexual Harassment Law and Oath-Taking of the RGADFPS new set of officers; March 8, Freebie Day – the first 20 clients to request for blueprint can avail any of these at no cost; and March 10 – Simultaneous Strengthening of Ecological Solid Waste Management Program (lecture and demonstration on Vermi-composting).

Administrative Division Chief Lilia dL. Abel, OIC, Office of the ARD for Management Services, enlightened the group on the Search for the Most Gender Sensitive Project Implementer and Most Gender Responsive Project, also enlisted as major activities in March. This shall be launched in the kick off program.

Free Pap smear and prostate gland check-up of employees in a government hospital shall also be scheduled.

All employees shall be wearing any shade of purple in all Mondays of March, as a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor and dedication to end violence against women.

Aimed at recognizing the contributions of Filipino women in the society, the annual conduct of National Women’s Month is embodied in Proclamation No. 227 s. 1988. #CAT#

Tenure holders to give way for power transmission lines

ARD Malvar (left) confers with RTAD head Mabitazan (standing) on the details of their application for FLAg.

We will ask for clearance from the existing holders of Forest Landuse Agreement (FLAg) or any tenurial instrument that will be affected in the application of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for a consolidated FLAg.

Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Wilfredo C. Malvar, OIC, Office of the Regional Director, stressed this during the Technical Conference with the NGCP on Jan. 12, this year at the Mabolo Hall, DENR Regional Office, Tuguegarao City.

He added that those holders upon determining that their tenurial instruments overlapped within the NGCP’s buffer zones must waive their rights in favor of the NGCP. “This will also avoid ‘double tenure’ in landuse applications,” he continued.

According to Franklin Mabitazan, NGCP Reliability and Technical Assessment Department head and team leader, a 40-meter right-of-way from the center (left and right) of the transmission line shall be established.

ARD Malvar said the DENR shall assist the NGCP in the compliance with the different requirements as there are government agencies involved like Environmental Management Bureau and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in the preparatory activities.

“The existing Forest Land Use Plan shall be used as reference, however, it must be updated to harmonize the areas to be covered by the NGCP. Likewise, those affected areas that will be evaluated as part of the transmission lines shall be removed and updated with its corresponding landuse,” ARD Malvar further stated.

In his Memorandum dated Dec. 9, 2016, Forest Management Bureau Director Ricardo L. Calderon ordered all Regional Directors except the National Capital Region to facilitate the conduct of actual ground verification survey and submit the list of existing and expired Special Land Use Permit and FLAg of the NGCP.

The RDs were also instructed to expedite action for tenured areas that will be affected by the FLAg, considering that the corporation has identified 65 backbone transmission lines nationwide which traverse the forestland covering an area of approximately 3,994 hectares.

Other agreements in the Conference include the adoption of a just compensation or co-location policy; payment of the NGCP of corresponding amount equivalent to the size of the area waived by the existing owners of tenurial instrument previously issued; and crafting of guidelines that regulate the project like the amount of User’s Fee with the standard computation of zonal value of the areas covered.

The NGCP’s application for FLAg aims to safeguard the reliability of transmission lines from unwanted obstructions such as hazard vegetation and tall structures. This is in line with the provision stated in Department Administrative Order No. 2004-59 known as the “Rules and Regulation Governing the Special Uses of Forestlands”. #CAT#

Cagayan Valley has new DENR chief

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 2 has a new Regional Director.

This was revealed by Secretary Gina Lopez during the Expanded Executive Committee Meeting held on Jan. 23, this year in San Mateo, Rizal.
The designation of Atty. Gil A. Aromin as OIC, Regional Director is contained in Special Order No. 2017-32 issued by Secretary Lopez on January 23, 2017.

Director Aromin took over the leadership from OIC, Office of the Regional Director and concurrent Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Wilfredo C. Malvar who will retire in Feb. 9.

During the Monday Convocation held in Jan. 30 at DENR Regional Office, the new environment regional top official emphasized on integrity as he encouraged all personnel to live a simple life.

“Integrity is one of the principles of Secretary Lopez,” RD Aromin underlined.

A licensed forester, Director Aromin has been the Assistant Regional Director for Management Services since 2015. Prior to his designation as ARD, he was the Regional Technical Director for Lands for five years.

He also held the designation of OIC, Regional Director of Environmental Management Bureau in Region 2.

He first joined the DENR in 1976 as Forester at the then Bureau of Forestry and Development in Dagupan City. He transferred to Region 2 in 1998 as Attorney III and became the chief of the Legal Division for 18 years.

A Director III by position, Atty. Aromin was appointed Career Executive Service Officer (CESO) IV on October 1, 2015 by then Pres. Benigno Aquino III.# CCC

Special Feature

TIMES of crisis are windows for great opportunity. That is an old Chinese saying. But in these troubling times (for many), what opportunities indeed lie ahead? There are quite a few and the promising thing is they seem to be opportunities that would open up given current trajectories or the way things are unfolding. Indeed, 2017 may be the year that developmental change finally proceeds.

The world is shifting away from the international policies of recent decades that, while they have created well-being for unprecedented billions of people, have likewise resulted in great tensions. Not just tensions between peoples but tensions between people and their environment and even tensions inside people due to an identity overly linked to consumerism rather than their inherent truths; consumerism that threatens the very sustainability of Mother Earth.

One such opportunity is the re-emergence within government of the area development paradigm or development framework under Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez. While Sixto K. Roxas was its initial advocate in the late 1960s it had unfortunately been bastardized in several big government projects that went puff! (just as the autonomous regional experience is going puff!) due to wrongful implementation, which in turn was due to a misunderstanding of what area, development is basically about.

With Secretary Gina at the helm of a major government department that has a direct and meaningful role in national development, the area development paradigm is set to take off and this time under the leadership of a capable and knowledgeable environment and natural resources secretary. For one, Secretary Gina has been a practitioner of area development approaching the various undertakings of the ABS-CBN Foundation in Palawan and other provinces wherein the local people were the implementers and the beneficiaries of the eco-tourism projects that simply highlighted the potential of their area (thus the term area development).

Secretary Gina knows that with the Philippines’ archipelagic territory, the mountain ridge ecosystem connects by streams, creeks, rivers to the various other ecosystems until the final one (within our territory), the coral reef ecosystem, the totality of which was once teeming with life. “Life in all its fullness” was certainly what the Philippines was (before the times of colonization and industrialization. But alas, development was under the unitary and sectoral paradigm).

Area development deepens this understanding of the fragile but critical relationships between and among interconnected ecosystems and working with the local people applies the principle of subsidiarity which states that functions and decision-making should be undertaken at the lowest possible hierarchical level and the role of the higher organizational level is to support those lower units undertaking the functions.

As Secretary Gina says, “area development is about nurturing and helping the local people nurture their local areas to unleash [their]productive potential”. This means making development based on the potentialities of the area. This is the better opposite to what has been going on since the Philippines became a country under colonial masters where the desires of the corporations were simply imposed on local areas that suited their businesses. And since business was all that mattered, they generally left the place worse off and, in many instances killing off the ecosystem that the locals could have relied on for sustenance. The zenith of this “devil may care” attitude seems to be the guiding principle of many large mines that decimate the geological and hydrological functions of the ecosystem leaving the locals in perpetual risk and scamming the Filipino people by leaving behind a permanent pit hole of humongous dimensions. It wouldn’t be surprising if the economic tab left behind by derelict mines long abandoned by mining companies that have been in turn abandoned by their shareholders are simply dumped on you and me, the taxpayers. Secretary Gina calls this “madness”.

Under the principle of subsidiarity, it is government’s role to assist local people co-create local sustainable economies based on the perpetual beneficial use of the local ecosystem bounties for even distant future generations. Thus, the shift towards federalism is timely in that area development and subsidiarity are wholly compatible with federalism. In fact, they are necessary complements to genuine federalism. Where unitarism (our present centralized system) brought us corporate-led sectoral and highly inequitable development, federalism should usher in community-based, ecosystem-sensitive area development that gives everyone who wants a chance to participate in the local economy that opportunity.

Thus, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is leading the way by selecting 29 priority areas to demonstrate area development and is enlisting the help of the Sixto K. Roxas Foundation that targets poverty eradication by creating the template of an expanded local social accounting matrix of the value-adding power of the local sectors and how incomes are distributed (or not distributed locally but remitted out of the local area). Secretary Gina wants all programs of the DENR like the National Greening Program, Bamboo Program, Biochar Program, Mangrove Rehabilitation Programs, and Mining Programs to be re-crafted along the principles of area development with its concrete manifestation of viable community enterprises that are networked to build up to scale and demonstrate the opposite of “trickle-down” (pinatulo) towards the alternative of “nurturing upwards,” or pinatubo.

President Duterte seems to be instinctively aware that the ideological lines are not anymore between the “left vs. the right,” the old Cold War mentality of these old ideologies (that ironically are united in their pinatulo paradigm as both ideologies rely on trickle-down sectors to benefit the locals) but between the primacy of nurturing people and ecosystems versus sectoral corporations (that have grown so large, moneyed and powerful), or in other words “pinatulo” vs. “pinatubo”. Thus, the push for federalism as a government organizational set-up where now, finally, area development can be its favored bride guided by the vow of subsidiarity.

The author, a co-convenor of the Subsidiarity Movement International and the Federalist Forum of the Philippines, advocates for the bottom-up development model as well as proper decentralization, and the strengthening of regional governance. He served for 12 years in the Regional Development Council of Central Luzon as chair of the economic committee. He was a consultant for the Philippine Alternative Fuels Corp. (PAFC) and was on the board of trustees of the HARIBON Foundation. He is currently a member of the board of advisors of CDPI.

CV forest protection advocates gather in conference

More than a decade after its last meeting, the forest protection group in Cagayan Valley once again convened for a regionwide conference.

At least 100 advocates composing the regional, provincial and municipal Multi-sectoral Forest Protection Committee (MFPC) attended the Regionwide Conference on Forest Protection and Conservation held on Dec.8, this year at Las Palmas de San Jose in Tuguegarao City.

They are the DENR’s active partners in preserving the remaining forests of Region 2.

In his keynote message, Luzon Assistant Secretary for Operations Juan Miguel T. Cuna said the MFPCs have evolved to deal with more complex problems, issues and challenges of the environment in general.

“It is high time we recognize the efforts and contributions of the MFPCs in Cagayan Valley leading to the greater awareness and appreciation of our natural resources and preserving our protected areas here in Region 2,” he enthused.

He reminded that highly mobilized MFPCs will always have a positive impact on the environment and the communities.

ASEC Cuna also stressed on the main thrust of Sec. Gina Lopez on Sustainable Integrated Area Development Management which will be implemented in 29 sites including the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (NSMNP). According to him, NSMNP is considered the last remaining forested frontier in Northern Luzon.

Regional MFPC Chairperson Perla A. Visorro said the activity serves as an avenue for MFPC stakeholders to share their long standing experiences and best practices for the last decade of operation.

The regionwide conference also paves the way for the documentation of the best practices and recent developments in forest protection conducted including the innovations by the different groups advocating forest protection.

Updates on the existing forestry policies and strategies and their effectives in addressing illegal logging; status of forest cover including the trends of confiscation and seizure of illegally sourced forest products in Region 2; and the report on the RMFPC monitoring in Tumauni and City of Ilagan, both in Isabela after Super Typhoon Lawin were presented during the meeting.

Initiatives and strategies on forest protection and best practices on Community-based Forest Resource Management were shared by selected local government units and people’s organizations, respectively.

Organized in 1992, the MFPC is composed of local government units, national government agencies and different civil society organizations such as non-government organizations and people’s organizations.# CCC

Piat-Solana political boundary clarified

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 OIC Regional Director Wilfredo C. Malvar (2nd from left) and Engr. Alberto S. Obedoza (right), Chief of the DENR Region 2 Surveys and Mapping Division, listen as DENR Assistant Regional Director for Management Service Atty. Gil A. Aromin (2nd from right) and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Region 2 Director Marjorie P. Ayson (left) discuss salient points pertaining to the jurisdiction on a parcel of land between the municipalities of Piat and Solana, in the province of Cagayan, during a dialogue held at Hotel Roma in Tuguegarao City where DAR Undersecretaries Atty. Marcos Risonar and Atty. David Erro, representatives from the Land Bank of the Philippines, Register of Deeds, Department of the Interior and Local Government, the local government of Piat and Solana, representatives of the owners of the landholdings and farmer beneficiaries were also present.

Engr. Alberto S. Obedoza, in his presentation of the technical descriptions of the subject landholding, revealed that the same area was covered by two separate titles. Engr. Obedoza however stressed that during the cadastral survey they conducted, the actual location of Barangay Warat, where most of the farmer beneficiaries reside, is within the municipality of Piat, Cagayan. This was confirmed by the DILG Regional Office’s and National Barangay Operations Office’s certifying Barangay Warat as ‘listed in the current and master list of barangays as one of 18 regular barangays in Piat” and that the representative from Solana “is not claiming that the subject landholding is within their jurisdiction.” #

DENR: Best Government Agency BuB Implementer in Cagayan Valley Region.

 Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Cagayan Valley Region Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Wilfredo C. Malvar (2nd from left) and Forester Felina R. Malupeng (center) marvel at a plaque of recognition awarded to the premier environment agency by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 2 Regional Director John M. Castaňeda (2nd from right), DILG Asst. Regional Director Odilon Pasaraba (left) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region 2 Supervising Budget and Management Specialist Jose Cusipag Pamittan (right) during the DILG-sponsored Local Government Unit Incentives and Awards (LGUIA) Ceremony held at the Ilagan Auditorium, City of Ilagan in Isabela on November 8, 2016. DENR Region 2 was recognized as “Best (Government Agency) BuB Project implementer” for its ‘excellent performance in the implementation of BuB (Bottom-up Budgeting) in 2014, 2015 and 2016.’ Also awarded next to the DENR were the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 2 and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

City of Ilagan: Best BuB Implementer in Cagayan Valley Region.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Cagayan Valley Region Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Wilfredo C. Malvar (center) beams as he awards the plaque of recognition for the City Government of Ilagan as ‘Best (Bottom-up Budgeting) BuB Project implementer’ to City Mayor Evelyn C. Diaz (2nd from right) during the Department of the Interior and Local Government DILG-sponsored Local Government Unit Incentives and Awards (LGUIA) Awarding Ceremony held at the Ilagan Auditorium, City of Ilagan in Isabela on November 8, 2016. The city of Ilagan was cited for its ‘effective and remarkable’ implementation of two BuB projects--the Agroforestry Project and Forest Development and Rehabilitation Project which were enrolled in the DENR-initiated National Greening Program (NGP) in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

In its 209.6-hectares agroforestry project area in Barangay Rang-ayan, the LGU administered the planting of some 104,800 seedlings of narra (Pterocarpus indicus), yemane (Gmelina arborea) and mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) forest tree species and mango (Mangifera Indica) and calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) fruit tree species using the P2.4 million pesos the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) appropriated for the project. It also reported having completed plantation establishment, maintenance and protection activities including the construction of a 18 6x1000-meters fire prevention blocks and two look-out towers as of December 30, 2014.

In the 173.4 hectares forest development and rehabilitation project area, also in Rang-ayan, the Ilagan City LGU planted 173,400 seedlings of narra, mahogany and gmelina forest tree species; established ten fire prevention blocks and two lookout towers as part of maintenance and protection component using the P2.6 million fund from the DBM, and reported project completion on September 30, 2015.

DENR Region 2 OIC Regional Director Malvar said, “The projects were implemented ahead of schedule. The LGU used the funds as programmed and appropriately liquidated according to COA (Commission on Audit) prescribed guidelines.”

“More importantly, the Barangay Rang-ayan community or the city constituents seemed to be happy with the projects. We did not receive any complaint from any stakeholder related to the implementation of the Bub projects. No complaints!” he added.

Also present during the awarding rites were: DILG Region 2 Regional Director John M. Castaňeda (4th from left) DILG Assistantt Regional Director Odilon L. Pasaraba (3rd from left), DILG Isabela Provincial Director Elpidio A. Durwin (right), DILG Regional Project Management Officer Engr. Imelda P.A. Rosales (2nd from left), National Anti-Poverty Commission representative Amalia Decena (left) and DBM Region 2 Supervising Budget and Management Specialist Jose Cusipag Pamittan, (3rd from right).