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
NEWS
Region 2 reactivates envi law enforcement group
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have agreed to include in their enforcement activities other environmental laws whenever requested by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
This agreement was made after DENR Cagayan Valley Chief Atty. Antonio A. Abawag solicited the assistance of these law enforcement agencies in the apprehension of illegal transport of mineral products during the Regional Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (RAILTF) meeting held earlier at the DENR Regional Office in Tuguegarao City.
Director Abawag said the DENR will expand the deputation of ENR Officers to the members of the Task Force. They will be required to participate in the law enforcement training before their deputation.
The meeting resulted in the draft memorandum of agreement (MOA) reactivating the operationalization of the RAILTF. The MOA redefines the roles and obligations of the member agencies and the engagement of the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard.
The MOA will provide quick response to verified reports of environmental violations within the region. It will also improve environmental law enforcement from deterrence, investigation, arrest and searches to prosecution.
The RAILTF was created in accordance with Resolution No. 2011-003 of the National Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force which defined the roles of the local government units and other law enforcement agencies.
The Task Force is mandated to take the lead in the anti-illegal logging campaign. It may call upon the support of any department, bureau and office to assist in the discharge of its functions, such as but not limited to the provision of administrative and technical assistance, logistical support and detail of personnel.
During the meeting, Atty. Abawag ordered the Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Officers to closely coordinate with the battalion and unit commanders of the Philippine Army and the PNP in conducting anti-illegal logging operations. #CCC
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Photo Releases
| SETTING DIRECTIONS FOR 2019 – Batanes OIC, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Marcelo G. Bumidang appeals to the officials and employees to be passionate in their work during the Strategic Planning Workshop for 2019 held at the PENR Office in Basco town on Jan. 16. The planning activity intended to formulate the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for the activities of the technical services and monthly distribution of targets of the management services to facilitate implementation of targets and monitoring of accomplishments. The workshop was highlighted by the discussion on the different concepts, frameworks, plans and programs where the 2019 annual work targets of the DENR evolved and the presentation of WBS by the section chiefs. To set the standard behavior in the organization, Atty. Fevie Gay J. Castaneda, PENRO consultant-lawyer, discussed Republic Act No. 6713 and other related laws. # |
| 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).# |
| “LET’S WORK AS A FAMILY” – Regional environment chief Atty. Antonio A. Abawag (center) poses with his ‘new family’ at the Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) Office in San Isidro, Isabela during his visit in Feb. 7. The regional top official announced his contact number allowing the DENR staff to communicate with him especially on contributions in improving the delivery of public service. He also encouraged the personnel of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENR) Office in Isabela whom he visited the following day to keep working well. “I’m here to lead you to the direction that is mandated of us,” Director Abawag said. Also in photo are Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Felix C. Taguba, Isabela PENR Officer Marlon C. Agnar and San Isidro CENR Officer Felix C. Ganapin.# |
| 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.# |
| GUIDE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE – Cagayan Valley DENR Regional Executive Director Atty. Antonio A. Abawag expresses his support to the members of the Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee (MRFC) – OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. as he vows guidance for the mining company to easily comply with environmental regulations. In his first meeting with the MRFC held on Feb. 7, this year at Zen Hotel, Santiago City, Director Abawag recommended solutions to some of the company’s concerns that were discussed in the meeting which include the reforestation project conducted in alienable and disposable lands, rehabilitation and protection of water systems or tributaries covered by the mining operations, and training of local government units that are part of the Multipartite Monitoring Team, a public independent entity that assists the DENR in monitoring environmental impacts and compliance. The meeting was presided over by Committee Chair and Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Director Mario A. Ancheta (3rd from left). Environmental Management Bureau Regional Director Diosdado C. Doctor (extreme right) and Quirino Governor Junie E. Cua (2nd from left) were also present in the meeting.# |
| 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. # |
| COUNTING THE BIRDS – Technical staff of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Batanes conduct the 2019 Asian Waterfowl Census at Sitio Diblolon in Barangay Savidug of Sabtang town, one of the seven monitoring sites in the province. The census held on Jan. 5-20, this year revealed that Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos is the dominant species with 36 heads recorded followed by Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres (19) and Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva (17).# |
| MONITORING FOREST AND BIODIVERSITY – For. Samuel P. Telan (in blue shirt), Enforcement chief of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Batanes, leads his staff in monitoring forest and other flora and fauna resources on July 11, this year within Batan Island. The team patrolled a total of about 38 kilometers on June 26-28 and July 9-11. The patrolling resulted in the sighting of five heads of black-chinned Fruit Dove and hearing of a Ryukyu Scops Owl. The highest forest regeneration recorded during the patrolling is the open uncultivated with 161 records. There was no recorded threat in the forest area within Batan Island. The activity is part of the Lawin Forest and Biodiversity Protection System of the DENR.# |
| ESTERO CLEANUP – Personnel of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENR) Office in Batanes join about 300 representatives of other government agencies, local government officials and residents in cleaning up Padangan Creek and San Antonio Creek both in Basco, the province’s capital town. The cleanup, held on July 16, yielded about 75 kilograms of solid waste that should have drained to the West Philippine Sea. It launched the project “Developing Sustainability Mechanisms through Adopt-An-Estero Project in Basco, Batanes” implemented by the PENR Office. # |
| GEOHAZARD ASSESSMENT – Batanes Officer-In-Charge, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Marcelo G. Bumidang (right) personally inspects the coastal erosion and collapsing of cliff along Valugan Boulder Beach in Barangay San Joaquin of Basco town on Feb. 26, this year. The inspection was prompted by the report submitted by Engr. Felix T. Matanguihan Jr. (left), the embedded personnel of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). Based on the report, the cliff is about one kilometer stretch approximately 25 meters away from the shoreline. The incident has been reported to the MGB Regional Office for appropriate intervention. # |
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