The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the province of Isabela gathered biology students of the Saint Ferdinand College (SFC) Junior High School to provide an opportunity to preserve species of wild fauna and flora towards making a difference.

 

In observance of World Wildlife Day, a symposium on the interconnectivity of conservation actions from species protection to the ridge-to-reef landscape approach to biodiversity management was recently conducted at the Balai na Ilagan in the City of Ilagan.

 

Anchored on the theme, "Partnership for Wildlife Conservation," acknowledges the students' significant contribution to wildlife conservation sustainability by bridge-building and partnership.

 

The discussion was designed for the students to equip with necessary knowledge on Wildlife Conservation, expose them to Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (NSMNP) through video documentary, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Park Operations Superintendent (POSu) Nestor Lorenzo of the NSMNP discussed the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act and other wildlife-related topics.

 

He emphasized in his lecture the goal of maintaining the health of the fragile ecosystem that depends on pragmatic approach to conservation.

 

"This highlights the role of people in all levels to recognize ways and strategies to get involved in key sustainability programs given that these sectors share a commitment to uphold the environment," For. Lorenzo further stressed.

 

In her message, SFC Vice President Charina Alejo challenged the students to safeguard and protect the environment, which plays a vital role.

 

"We must now be part of maintaining the beauty of the creation and diversity of its resources; this a challenge to you young students. God has entrusted us with this environment, let us protect and safeguard it," VP Alejo said.

 

PENRO Isabela distributed receptacles, posters on Wildlife conservation, and informative materials on Critical habitats to the students and teachers.

 

Isabela Oriole Mascot was also presented to promote the bird's relevance and to inspire and motivate the students to protect the species and their habitat.

 

Every 3rd of March, wildlife is celebrated worldwide for the UN World Wildlife Day.#

 

Story and photo by PENRO Isabela

In a bid to improve watershed management in Region 2, the Lower Magat Forest Reserve (LMFR) Steering Commitee recently held its 1st quarter meeting in Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya.

 

In the meeting, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 committed to assist the provincial local government unit (PLGU) of Nueva Vizcaya in the renewal of the 25-year LMFR co-management agreement considering that the PLGU has effectively managed the area, particularly the 400 hectares covered by the Lower Magat Ecotourism (LMET) Park.

 

The said Memorandum of Agreement was signed by the former DENR Secretary and Nueva Vizcaya Governor in 1997.

“To facilitate submission of the requirements for renewal, we recommend for the conduct of joint DENR-PLGU performance evaluation in preparation for the submission of the complete staff work to include the 25-year project accomplishment report,” said Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of the DENR Cagayan Valley.

 

She encouraged the Environmental Management Bureau to facilitate the processing of application for the forest reserve's environmental compliance certificate.

 

As part of the discussion during the meeting, the committee also agreed to formalize a Memorandum of Agreement for the establishment of Wildlife Rescue Center within the park.

 

Recent inventory conducted by the PLGU showed that more or less 50 wildlife species to include 39 individuals were recorded thriving within the ecotourism site such as Philippine serpent eagle, green rat snake, and peacock.

 

Aside from ensuring sustainable wildlife habitat and biodiversity conservation, the PLGU-LMET park will soon cater medical needs of rescued faunal species for their immediate recovery before they will be released to the wild.

 

"Wildlife are important in maintaining the ecological balance of nature. We need them to sustain life," said Director Bambalan.

The said facility to cater wildlife monitoring activities in the southern part of the region will strengthen biodiversity action against the presence of endangered and threatened wildlife species and even their extinction.

 

The committe members from the different government and non-government institutions also discussed the review of all titles issued within the forest reserve to ensure the productivity of land uses.

 

The DENR explained only those survey plans located in alienable and disposable lands will be processed and approved for titling.

 

Meanwhile, Nueva Vizcaya Governor and steering committee chairperson Carlos Padilla directed to revisit the issued multi-sectoral Joint Administrative Order on the issuance of Certificate of Land Ownership Award as one of the agenda in the next council meeting, to update policies and specific roles of the members pertaining the issuance of the said land ownership certificate.#

Members of the Civil Society Organizations in Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and Isabela have shared to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Cagayan Valley their recommendations for the 2024 environment and natural resources budget proposal.

 

In the series of consultative meetings conducted, the PENR Officers presented and discussed the proposed work program with corresponding budgetary requirements per program activity.

 

In her message, Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of the DENR Cagayan Valley emphasized the directive of the present dispensation to work across sectors and adopt the principles of sustainable, inclusive and resilient government approach in the environment sector.

 

"We want to hear your thoughts and insights as to how we could better implement our environmental protection programs in 2024," said Director Bambalan emphasizing disaster responsiveness and resilient climate action as main focus in ENR implementation.

 

She added the importance of collaboration among the CSOs because of their capability to intensify development considering their nearness to the community and being tapped as forest guardians in the upland and lowland areas.

 

"In support of the high ambition target setting of the DENR, I am confident that with your enthusiasm to reverse environmental degradation, we can do more protection measures for the environment and the people even with limited funds," Dir. Bambalan said.

 

In the forum, the CSOs showed interest to partner in the Department's tree growing activities and venture into livelihood programs such as adoption of reforestation area; and involvement in forest patroling, seedling production, maintenance and protection activities and other green job opportunities.

 

The schools and poor community as priority recipients of confiscated forest products for use in construction of better solid waste management storage facility or any environmental project endeavor were informed to make an official request to the nearest DENR office, citing among others the lack of fund for the project.

 

Among other concerns resolved were identification of potential sites for ecotourism like caves and mountain ranges, upland farming banning the use of glyphosate pesticide, possible funding for forest protection and conservation programs, among others.

 

Director Bambalan also explained to the stakeholders the seven thrusts and directions of DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo- Loyzaga, to adopt climate-risk lens in national planning policies; increase forest cover; conserve protected areas and biodiversity; improve air and water quality, and waste management; ensure water security and resilience in high-water stressed areas; sustainably and responsibly manage mineral resources; and promote effective land management and governance.

 

The CENR Officers and other environment officials in the said provinces also attended the events to respond queries and other concerns of the private organizations.

 

As part of environmental awareness campaign, a video material on DENR programs was presented.

 

The stakeholders were also encouraged to follow and message DENR Cagayan Valley Facebook Page, visit website at r2.denr.gov.ph or call or text regional hotline 09650655607 for their concerns.#

An employee of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 has brought honor to the Agency after a client affirmed for a fast delivery of land management services in the Regional Office.

 

Katrina Joy Reyes, DENR client, commended Cartographer I Jason Banan for being responsive and amiable Officer-of-the-Day extending a great customer service delivery.

 

“This individual being exemplary to his job to government service deserves a great honor and commendation representing his government institution,” said Ms. Reyes in a report coursed through the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Contact Center ng Bayan on Feb. 13, this year.

 

In the report, Mr. Banan exceeded the expectation of the client testifying that her transaction on the transfer of title to her property and other heirs took only few months without much complication and hassle on the documentation and process given by the Office.

 

Meanwhile, CSC Acting Director III for Cagayan-Batanes Field Office Maria Noemi Bustamante in her letter expressed appreciation and commendation to DENR Region 2 under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan on the positive feedback received from a client.

 

“This manifest that DENR has an employee like Mr. Banan who serves with dedication and commitment in the performance of his job as a public servant. The ability to exceed client expectations is truly commendable,” reads the letter from Director Bustamante.

 

In her directive to improve customer services delivery, Director Bambalan of DENR Region 2 has been encouraging all DENR personnel to always provide timely and efficient responses to customers' needs and inquiries, particularly on the progress of their transactions or application of land documents.

 

“I hope this commendation will inspire us to perform our job well with utmost integrity, compassion, urgency, and efficiency to public service delivery,” Director Bambalan said to DENR employees.

 

Mr. Banan started working in the DENR in 2015 as support staff under contract of service. He is assigned at the Surveys and Mapping Division since he got original appointment in 2021.#

In support of the government’s efforts to generate green jobs, members of the Peoples Organizations (PO) will be employed in establishing the 118 hectares reforestation project within the Tumauini Watershed Natural Park (TWNP), a Protected Area (PA) in the province of Isabela.

 

In the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) meeting held on Feb. 16, Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Cagayan Valley directed the CENR Office of Cabagan to fast track the processing of letters of agreement for the P3.4-M worth plantation establishment under the National Greening Program.

 

"We engage our community partners who are directly residing within the protected area and enjoin them to protect our natural resources while they are benefited from the development programs we implement," PAMB chairperson Bambalan said.

 

The reforestation initiative is part of the tree replacement program of the DENR where all stakeholders issued with tree cutting permits must produce seedlings to replace the trees to be cut.

 

As partner in resource development, the PhilNew Hydro Power Corporation (PHPC) which is a holder of Special Use Agreement for Protected Area within the TWNP, committed to fund activities for the 118 hectares reforestation project as a replacement scheme of the company.

 

The POs will be involved in nursery establishment and seedling production, tree growing, and maintenance and protection activities under the National Greening Program.

 

In the meeting, the Board discussed amended environmental compliance certificate of the Tumauini River Multi-Purpose Project of the National Irrigation Administration; PHPC project status; 2023 work and financial plan for the utilization of the 75% PA retained income; and request for lumber donation of the Department of Education and Barangay Antagan 1st in Tumauini town.

 

To facilitate the said request for lumber donation for the construction and improvement of school and community center, the regional environment chief instructed the PENR Office of Isabela to review the confiscated lumbers within the province.

 

Director Bambalan encouraged the Body to review the PA Ecotourism Management Plan and identify priority activities for implementation.

 

In order to ensure proper management and conservation of the PA, the Board agreed to hold a re-orientation among the PAMB members dubbed as "PA Summit” to include other PAs in the province; strengthen the implementation of ecological solid waste management with the 'Basura Mo, Iuwi Mo' scheme; and put up a ranger station within the PA.

 

In her closing remarks, Director Bambalan expressed gratitude to the PAMB members for their support and commitment in the development and conservation of the TWNP.

 

Also present during the meeting were representatives of the municipal and barangay local government units, non-government organizations, academe, POs and other DENR officials and staff.#