In its 1st quarter business meeting this year, the regional federation discussed the crafting of its regional and provincial Constitution and By-laws and compliance to the agreements during the PO members previous meeting.

 

Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of DENR Region 2 in her message appreciated the support of the officers in leading to their respective community the sustainable forest management strategies and livelihood for the people.

 

“We count on you as our forest managers being in the forefront in addressing climate crisis. I enjoin you to be more responsible environmental stewards and look for opportunities that geared towards sustainable development," said Director Bambalan.

 

She emphasized the importance of promoting agroforestry which contributes to the nation’s food security and climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.

 

“As our partners, we would like to commend you for your contribution in the region's enhanced environmental protection programs,” she added.

 

The regional CBFM-PO federation was formed during the CBFM Summit in September 2022 to build partnerships in strenghtening community and people's development through reforestation and livelihood programs.

 

Valentine Descalzo of Nueva Vizcaya was elected regional federation president.

 

The CBFM is a national program established in 1995 as government's flagship long-term strategy in managing the country's forests and their resources by partnering with POs, who are the directly working and managing the said resources in the lowland and upland communities.#

The BHNP located in the municipality of Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya is also site of the annual "Stations of the Cross" staged by the local Catholic church. During lent, it features live performances and reenactment of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and death.

 

“We have to take precautionary measures against the risks of COVID-19. We encourage devotees who will be visiting the park not to bring their small kids including their family members with health problems,” Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) underscored.

 

She also enjoined members from the catholic church, knights of Columbus and municipal local government unit of Bayombong to convene and finalize measures in accommodating the visitors and tourists.

 

“Devotees and tourists who will be visiting the protected area will have to undergo pre-registration for monitoring purposes of the Protected Area Management Office," the PAMB chairperson added.

 

During the holy week, the park will allow up to maximum of 3,000 visitors per day.

 

The collection of fees visiting the BHNP from April 5-8, this year will be waived.#

Director Basug who served as resource speaker said the agency highly recognizes the voice of women in developing policy and planning responses to climate change resiliency and adaptability.

 

“Their unique knowledge is essential to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction efforts. Their full and effective participation in every aspect is indispensable,” she added.

 

She commended women leaders in the local government units and the bureaucracy to include Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of the DENR Region 2 for their remarkable initiatives that contributed to making resilient communities.

 

The service director underscored RED Bambalan’s exceptional efforts in leading the Regional Task Force Build Back Better to create, expedite, implement, and monitor post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation efforts of the government in typhoon-affected areas.

 

In his message, Assistant Regional Director for Management Services Atty. Ismael Manaligod encouraged all DENR personnel to take active roles in promoting climate change resiliency in their respective work and personal lives.

 

He acknowledged the Regional Gender and Development Focal Point System led by Director Bambalan for initiating activities that promote gender equality and inclusivity during the month-long celebration for women.

 

“These activities have provided excellent opportunities for employees and officials to network, develop new skills, and share experiences with one another,” he added.

 

The culminating program also includeD the conduct of a cleanup along the regional government center, tree and plant nurturing at the Rogelio B. Baggayan Nature Park and Wildlife Center, and lecture on hydroponics, a soilless method of growing plants, by Senior Ecosystems Management Specialist Emerlyn Daliong.#

The orientation was also in line with the directive of Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 2 to strengthen service delivery efficiency, reduce red tape, and expedite office transactions.

 

About 30 DENR frontliners holding salary grades 1-17 from the regional office and provincial environment and natural resources office of Cagayan participated in the said orientation.

 

Administrative Division Assistant Chief Corazon Corpuz underlined the significance of the orientation for timely and effective delivery of public services.

 

Attorney III Ruth Caranguian of the Legal Division discussed the salient provisions of RA No.11032 which amended RA No. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007.

 

The said law seeks to streamline procedures in accomplishing government transactions.

 

In its Implementing Rules and Regulations, simple transactions must be completed within 3 working days, complex transactions in 7 working days, and highly technical transactions or applications in 20 working days.#

“Joining the government is not just for the position, power, and perks but more on the responsibilities to contribute to development, and to serve the public with utmost dedication and commitment,” said Director Bambalan in her message during the oath-taking ceremony held in Santiago City, Isabela yesterday.

 

She also emphasized that as employees go higher in the organizational ladder, they have to make sacrifices to ensure that public and environmental services are delivered excellently and efficiently.

 

The lady director also commended the members of the human resource merit, promotion and selection board (HRMPSB) for their hard work that facilitated the hiring process.

 

Attorney Ismael Manaligod, assistant regional director for management services and chair of the HRMPSB, congratulated the appointees as he reminded them of their role as environment stewards leaving a legacy for the future generations.

 

“Your roles in your respective positions are essential in fulfilling our mandate to protect and conserve the natural resources in our country,” he added.

 

The Board committed to complete the deliberation process of the remaining 61 posted positions. The next oathtaking is scheduled in April 2023.

 

The oath-taking ceremony was also graced by DENR Financial Management Services Director Angelito Fontanilla and party, other environment officials, and family members of the oathtakers.#