Forest patrol system levels up

Forest patrol system levels up

forest patrol system 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

NEWS

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.#

Other News

Photo Releases

RECOGNIZING PARTNERS – DENR Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin awards the certificate of recognition to SPO2 Bernard S. Beran for his invaluable support in the implementation of Executive Order No. 23 during the culmination of the Environment Month celebration held on July 3, this year at the PENR Office of Cagayan. In his inspirational message, Director Aromin thanked the Philippine National Police for being the Department’s active partner in forest protection. According to Atty. Aromin, the presence of police officials in anti-illegal logging activities boosts the morale of the DENR forest protection officers. Three other police officials of Rizal, Cagayan Police Station were also recognized. In the same event, the results of the Search for “The Most Environment Responsive Office” in Cagayan were presented where CENRO Aparri was adjudged as champion. Also in photo are Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services William C. Savella and PENR Officer Marlon C. Agnar.#

OPLAN BROADCASTREEING – DENR Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin leads the the “Oplan BROADCASTreeing” in General Balao, Solana, Cagayan on July 29, this year. Conducted simultaneously nationwide, the tree planting activity is a joint project of the DENR and the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) in support of the National Greening Program (NGP) of the government. In his message, Director Aromin thanked the 245 participants from the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Barangay Local Government Units of General Balao and Sampaguita, and the Quibuloy group and 10 drug surrenderees who joined the DENR and KBP in planting 1,200 seedlings of Acacia, Mangium and Falcata. “We hope to see you again in future endeavours not only in tree planting but also in other activities of the DENR,” RD Aromin concluded.#

SETTING 2018 DIRECTIONS – In-Charge, Office of the Regional Director, Lea A. Daquioag welcomes the participants in the Consultation cum Workshop on the Preparation of FY 2018 Budget Proposal on Aug. 3, this year at the Narra Hall, DENR Regional Office, Tuguegarao City. According to the Planning and Management Division Chief, the activity is very crucial in the finalization of proposal for the budget next year. “Physical and financial accomplishments (for 2017) is important in the approval of the 2018 budget,” she reminded. To guide the participants in the workshop proper, Chief Daquioag presented the agreements made during the Crafting of the Unit of Work Measurements held on July 25-28, 2017 at the BSA Twin Tower in Ortigas, Mandaluyong City.#

NEW DENR CV TOP EXECS – DENR Cagayan Valley Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin (leftmost) turns over Special Order No. 2017-642 to OIC, Assistant Regional Directors (ARDs) William C. Savello and Felix C. Taguba during the Monday Convocation held on September 4, this year at DENR Regional Office, Tuguegarao City. Foresters Savella and Taguba were designated as OIC, ARD for Management Services and OIC, ARD for Technical Services, respectively by virtue of the Special Order issued by Undersecretary for Administration, Finance, Human Resource and Information Systems Ernesto D. Adobo on August 22, 2017. In his message, RD Aromin pinned his hope for a more effective and efficient implementation of the programs and projects in Region 2 now that the top three officials are already complete.#

NEW GREEN LAWYERS – Atty. Gil A. Aromin, Regional Director of DENR Region 2, expresses his appreciation to the newly-hired lawyers for their love for the environment in a meeting he presided on October 2, this year. The new lawyer consultants will be deployed to the Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) Offices and implementing Provincial ENR Office to work on administrative, land and forestry cases. They were hired pursuant to the thrust of Secretary Roy A. Cimatu to strengthen the field offices being the frontline service providers of the DENR. #

TOWARD ISO CERTIFICATION – Administrative Division Chief of DENR Cagayan Valley, Lilia dL. Abel, presents to the regional office personnel the guidelines on the implementation of 5S in an orientation held on October 3, this year at the Narra Hall, DENR Regional Office, Tuguegarao City. The 5S, a productivity improvement tool which stands for Sort, Systematize, Sweep, Standardize and Self Discipline, is a workplace organization process geared toward ISO 9001 Certification (Quality Management Service). “In order to achieve high levels of quality, safety and productivity, workers must have a conducive working environment,” the chief administrative officer said.

FOREST IS LIFE – In an interview with DZGR Bombo Radyo Tuguegarao today, Oct. 23, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Felix C. Taguba shares his experience in joining thousands of foresters during the National Convention of the Society of Filipino Foresters Incorporated (SFFI) held on Oct. 18-21, this year in Davao City. According to Forester Taguba, president of SFFI in Region 2, the convention highlighted the importance of forests to life as these produce fresh air, water and forest products. “We have to conserve and protect our forests so there will also be continuous support to agriculture,” he added. A roadmap for the sustainable management of the forests was drafted during the convention. This plan involves strengthening of the National Greening Program implementation and massive reforestation of degraded areas to be identified by the foresters.#

OUTSTANDING NIPAS-MPA – (From left to right) DENR Cagayan Valley Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Technical Services Felix C. Taguba, ARD for Management Services William C. Savella, Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin, PENR Officer of Cagayan Marlon C. Agnar, Protected Area Superintendent of Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (PIPLS) Rodante A. Galamay and CENR Officer of Aparri Edgar T. Martin present the plaque and cheque received in the Para el MAR 2017 Marine Protected Area Awards and Recognition during the Monday Convocation on Oct. 23, this year at DENR Regional Office, Tuguegarao City. PIPLS was awarded Third Outstanding National Integrated Protected Areas System – Marine Protected Areas (NIPAS-MPA) by the MPA Support Network in October 19-20 at Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo City. Batanes Protected Landscapes and Seascapes was also included in the top 8 finalists selected from 200 entries nationwide. Para El MAR is a biennial activity that highlights the best practices of coastal managers in MPA management. #

RESILIENCE GAME - Officials and employees from DENR regional and field offices play the Resilience: Survive and Thrive Game on Oct. 23, at the Narra Hall, DENR Regional Office, Tuguegarao City as part of the training on Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) for Reef Cryptobiodiversity, and Ocean Acidification. The players who are implementers of the Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program, acted as community leaders competing to have the most developed community without sacrificing the environment. The deployment of ARMS will mimic the complexity of coral reefs to attract and collect colonizing invertebrates and provide a systematic, consistent, and comparable method to monitor cryptic reef diversity. After the orientation, the implementers together with experts from University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute, De La Salle University and National Museum will proceed to Palaui Island in Sta. Ana, Cagayan. #

SIGHTED AT LAST – This Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor was spotted at Chadpidan, Basco, Batanes on Nov. 1, this year, by Forester Samuel P. Telan, Enforcement chief of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office. The species is also sighted in Barangay Savidug of Sabtang town today (Nov. 3), the same site where it was observed on Dec. 5, last year after it was last seen in Mahatao from March to May 2011. The other reported sightings were in Olango Wildlife Sanctuary in Lapu-Lapu City in 2013; and Candaba Swamp in Pampanga and Puerto Princesa, Palawan, both in 2015. The species categorized as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is being monitored daily to ensure its protection. # (photo by R.Y. Abad and text by V.D. Baliuag)

FOREST PROTECTION POLICY – “There will be trainings for forest protection officers on handling firearms,” told Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin in an interview with Latigo Online TV as he discussed the policy of DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu for a ‘more successful implementation of forest protection’. The Secretary initiated the arming of FPOs after learning that some officers in some regions were shot while apprehending illegal loggers. The hiring of lawyers is also a part of the Secretary’s policy where 16 were already employed for the 16 CENR Offices in Region 2. “It is a big boost to our efforts against illegal forest activities,” said Atty. Aromin.#

OUTSTANDING NIPAS-MPA – (From left to right) DENR Cagayan Valley Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Technical Services Felix C. Taguba, ARD for Management Services William C. Savella, Regional Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin, PENR Officer of Cagayan Marlon C. Agnar, Protected Area Superintendent of Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (PIPLS) Rodante A. Galamay and CENR Officer of Aparri Edgar T. Martin present the plaque and cheque received in the Para el MAR 2017 Marine Protected Area Awards and Recognition during the Monday Convocation on Oct. 23, this year at DENR Regional Office, Tuguegarao City. PIPLS was awarded Third Outstanding National Integrated Protected Areas System – Marine Protected Areas (NIPAS-MPA) by the MPA Support Network in October 19-20 at Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo City. Batanes Protected Landscapes and Seascapes was also included in the top 8 finalists selected from 200 entries nationwide. Para El MAR is a biennial activity that highlights the best practices of coastal managers in MPA management. #

ENSURING MENTAL FITNESS – Atty. Gil A. Aromin, Regional Director of DENR Region 2, leads the compulsory drug test of regional and field officials on Nov. 27, 2017 at the City Health Office in Tuguegarao City. This is in adherence to Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 13 s. 2017 providing guidelines in the mandatory random drug test for public officials and employees. The mandatory drug test ensures “effective and efficient service, free from the hazards of drug use in the workplace.” It is also part of the wellness program of the Office. #

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. #

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. #