The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Biodiversity Management Bureau has identified the municipality of Sta. Ana, Cagayan as one of the six project sites nationwide for the establishment of marine stations to enhance ocean science, resource management and development strategies.

In her recent visit to Region 2, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga appealed for the support of the local government unit of Santa Ana and other stakeholders to protect and preserve the coastal and marine resources as a scientific marine research hub will be established in the municipality where the famous Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape is located.

 

“Sta Ana, Cagayan will be the northernmost site to serve as sentinel covering the Northern Philippine Sea marine biogeographic region,” said Secretary Loyzaga as she emphasized the island’s beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and vast natural resources.

Secretary Loyzaga also said corals that live in the northern parts of the Philippines are resilient to climate change per extensive scientific research conducted by the University of the Philippines – Marine Science Institute (UPMSI).

 

“This project is so important that is why we are working with the UPMSI to create further studies in collaboration with the community, and we would like this to be a center of education so that we know why we need to protect the area,” the top environment official added.

 

Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of DENR Region 2 expressed gratitude to the Environment Secretary for considering the region as one of the recipients of the said project.

 

“We also thank officials of the Philippine Navy, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, local government unit, and other members of the Protected Area Management Board for their support in coming up with this new initiative of our Secretary,” Director Bambalan underscored as she discussed developments implemented within the PIPLS such as construction of step ladders, information center, pasalubong stalls; and installation of water and solar-powered generation systems.

 

During the visit, Secretary Loyzaga together with Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna, Undersecretary Augusto Dela Peña, and Head Executive Assistant Joaquin Loyzaga led the tree-growing activity within the green spaces at the Regional Government Center in Tuguegarao City.

 

They also led the groundbreaking ceremony for the PENRO Cagayan building graced by Cagayan 3rd District Representative Joseph Lara who intervened with the necessary funding assistance; and conducted meeting with stakeholders of National Irrigation Administration, SN Aboitiz, the provincial government of Isabela, Cagayan State University, and local government unit of Ramon, Isabela for the strengthening of Magat watershed; and with Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba and Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Ting-Que for the improvement of the Department’s priority programs implementation.#

 

 

In a concerted effort to foster environmental consciousness, Isabela Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) staff conducted information campaign on ecological solid waste management across various barangays and hospitals in City of Ilagan, Isabela.

 

Aligned with Zero Waste Month celebration observed every January, the initiative aims to raise awareness about responsible waste disposal practices and encourage community participation in maintaining a cleaner and greener environment.

 

As part of the campaign, PENRO Isabela team also organized a cleanup activity within the office premises demonstrating the employees’ commitment to leading by example in the pursuit of sustainable waste management.

 

The distributed posters provide practical tips and guidelines for proper waste segregation, recycling, and reducing single-use plastics, empowering local communities to engage in environmental conservation programs.

 

PENRO Isabela also urged the public for their support towards fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, emphasizing the importance of individual actions in achieving broader sustainability goals.#

 

(PENRO Isabela)

 

 

In a vibrant display of environmental awareness, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through PENR Office Isabela joined the Bambanti Festival on Jan. 23, this year at the Provincial Capitol in Alibagu, City of Ilagan.

 

The event featured DENR mascots Pawi, a short term for Pawikan, a hawksbill sea turtle, and Isabela Oriole, a bird species only endemic in Luzon with Krokey mascot of the Mabuwaya Foundation.

 

These mascots served as ambassadors for DENR's commitment to biodiversity preservation and environmental conservation.

Enthusiastic festival-goers couldn't resist the charm of Pawi and Isabela Oriole, expressing their joy by taking pictures and dancing with these captivating mascots. The presence of the Krokey Mascot added an extra layer of significance, highlighting the collaborative efforts for wildlife protection.

 

The event not only entertained but also educated the public about the importance of preserving these unique species. As individuals happily engaged with the mascots, the DENR succeeded in spreading awareness about the significance of protecting natural treasures.

 

This lively showcase at the Bambanti Festival served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard our environment and its diverse inhabitants, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.#

(PENRO Isabela)

 

 

With the goal to transform Diffun, Quirino into a more vibrant and more eco-friendly municipality with natural landscapes, a stakeholders’ meeting was held on Jan. 19, this year at Baguio Village marking a significant step toward a zero-waste approach at the renowned Diffun Eco Park.

 

This collaborative effort brought together the Baguio Village Integrated Cultural Association, Don Mariano Perez Farmers Consumers Cooperative, and the local government of Diffun, united in their goal of promoting eco-friendly tourism.

Diffun Eco Park with lush forest is home to breathtaking destinations like Ganano Falls, Sinipit Falls, Nantugao Falls, Sabangaran Falls, and Batumbaket Rock Formation.

 

Baguio Village takes the lead with its "Basura Mo, Iuwi Mo" initiative, ensuring responsible waste management within the park.

In support of this initiative, the local government will allocate a significant portion of tourism revenue to waste management projects within the park as a result of the initial meeting about benefit sharing spearheaded by PENR Officer Mariam Frances Malana and CENR Officer Nelson Acob.

 

This ensures a cleaner and healthier environment for the tourists and the locals.

 

During the meeting, a discussion and campaign on proper waste segregation was conducted by PENRO Quirino together with municipal environment and natural resources officer Jessie Delio Vaquilar.

 

The campaign encouraged everyone to actively participate in responsible waste disposal to minimize environmental threats.#

(PENRO Quirino)

 

Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 expressed her gratitude to the key officials and all employees for the successful implementation of environmental programs for 2023 as she outlined priority concerns for this year.

 

“The DENR Cagayan Valley Region experienced outstanding growth and progress when it received in 2023 from the Civil Service Commission the PRIME-HRM Bronze Award,” said Director Bambalan during the first expanded executive committee meeting yesterday in Tuguegarao City.

 

She underscored some of the major accomplishments such as the implementation of the online system for recruitment, selection, and placement that resulted in the appointment and promotion of about 300 employees, the adoption of an e-frontline system for land services, construction and improvement of office buildings and facilities, including the reopening of Callao Caves, launch of Green Spaces, and conduct of DENR Caravan and People’s Day, Ecological Solid Waste Management Summit and 1st Cagayan Valley Ecotourism and Environmental Summit.

 

“This 2024, we will be working on the integrated management systems to enhance the efficiency of our processes, elevate performance in the realms of environmental health and safety management, and mitigate the adverse impacts of our activities and operations,” Director Bambalan added.

 

In line with the priority directions of the department under the present dispensation of Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, the DENR Cagayan Valley chief announced that on top of the priority concerns of the region is to beef up land management, protected area and biodiversity conservation, coastal and marine conservation, water resources management, forest protection and law enforcement, and mining and environmental laws, policies, and regulations.

 

She also reiterated her tall order to always exercise due diligence, ensure prompt action on requests, and strictly adhere to regulations and anchor decisions on them.

 

The New Year’s Call with theme “Pattaraday para ta Bagu nga Ragun" was also highlighted with updates and discussions on the status of other online systems development, hiring of contract of service personnel, green spaces and waste management within the regional government center, disposition of confiscated conveyances, and proposed NGP site assessment for validation.#