"We have made a great stride in the implementation of our priority programs including the Build Back Better Task Force Initiatives and Forestland Management Project in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino," said Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan during the opening of the Regional Management Conference held yesterday in Cauayan City.

 

In the conference, the regional executives and officials presented the highlights of completed targets on environmental programs and projects implemented in 2022 in the provincial environment and natural resources offices in the provinces of Cagayan, Batanes, Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya including in the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and Environmental Management Bureau.

 

RED Bambalan lauded the initiatives of the regional key officials for their continued partnerships and collaborations among the different stakeholders especially the local government units (LGUs).

 

She said with the partners' involvement in natural resource conservation, the strict enforcement of environmental laws is ensured such as programs in clean air and clean water, solid waste management, mining regulations, forest protection, forest and watershed management, biodiversity conservation, coastal and marine management, and land administration management.

 

RED Bambalan underscored the direction of the new administration to work across silos and stewardship that is democratic and transparent. "We continued initiating several consultation meetings with partners. As a result, the forestland grazing management agreement holders are now with us in our quest for improved cattle industry," Director Bambalan said.

 

The regional environment chief also emphasized initiatives conducted such as Magat Dam stakeholders' forum and orientation among municipal assessors; forging of memorandums of agreement among stakeholders on reforestation activities, and other meetings with LGUs and national government agencies.

 

She also mentioned awards and citations conferred in the region which include the Civil Service Commision's human resource accreditation, alternative dispute resolution utilization for enhanced land claims and conflict management, and the KLIMAlikasan award for addressing climate change through the Cagayan River restoration project.

 

Part of the conference was capacity development for officials to learn about climate-lense ENR management, improving leadership in new normal situation, and biodiversity conservation; and requirements in acquiring quality, environment and integrated management systems in the workplace.

 

Professor Emeritus Dr. Rex Cruz of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, Cagayan State University president Dr. Urdujah Alvarado, planning and management division chief Albina Pineda of DENR National Capital Region, finance section chief Erlinda Catabay of MGB Region 2, and chief operating officer Marites Balbas of Mabuwaya Foundation served as the resource speakers.

 

Also with active participation in the event were regional directors Mario Ancheta and Nelson Honrado, assistant regional directors Marcos Dacanay and Ismael Manaligod, PENR and CENR officers, division chiefs, and other environment officials.

The conference was concluded with a Christmas community outreach program conducted in San Pablo, Cauayan City wherein residents were given grocery items in celebration of the holiday season.#