The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) Caravan conducted at the Isabela National High School on Nov. 25-26, this year has brought together people from all walks of life to take advantage of the various services offered by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

 

From seedlings distribution to legal counselin

g and permit issuance, the fair aimed to assist the public in fulfilling their environmental and land-related needs.

One of the events highlights was the distribution of the seedlings, which aimed to promote reforestation efforts and encourage greener practices among the attendees. With the increasing awareness of the importance of environmental conservation, many people were eager to receive seedlings and contribute to the restoration of the forests.

 

The caravan also allowed the public to avail of e-frontline services. This initiative simplified processes and reduce the need for physical visits to government offices. By offering streamlined services online, the DENR ensured accessibility and convenience for the public.

 

In addition, the fair provided free legal counseling on land forestry concerns addressing the legal aspects of land ownership, forest management, and sustainable resource utilization.

 

The event also facilitated the chainsaw registration and the application and issuance of forestry permits. The regulation on the use of chainsaws ensured that these tools were only utilized for authorized purposes. By implementing proper registration and licenses, the DENR can monitor and control the utilization of chainsaws, thereby minimizing the negative impact in the forests.

During the turnover ceremony, a special patent distribution took place. This program aimed to provide legitimate land titles to qualified beneficiaries, securing their right to the land they occupy.

 

The presence of DENR Assistant Secretary Daniel Nicer and Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan manifest the agency's commitment to delivering these essential services to the people.

 

The BPSF Caravan showcased the Department's commitment to serving the people and protecting the environment by providing services accessible to all regardless of socio-economic background.

 

Through the event, the DENR continues to bridge the gap between the government and the public promoting transparency, accountability and public participation toward a more sustainable future. Such initiative is also essential in fostering a greener and more environmentally conscious society.#

(PENRO Isabela)

 

The best is yet to come; survive, revive and thrive.

 

Former Congressman Francisco Ashley Acedillo who represented Senator Francis Tolentino emphasized this in his keynote address during the 1st Cagayan Valley Ecotourism and Environmental Summit held recently in Tuguegarao City.

The Cybersecurity Adviser of Senate of the Philippines and Chief of Staff of Senator Tolentino encouraged the environment and tourism workers of the government to take care at their best what nature has endowed to the people by encouraging them to nurture the natural resources and uphold environmentalism.

 

“We are now in the survival mode. Tumataas ang global temperature, tumataas ang water level, nadedeplete ang resources and it is becoming harder and harder to feed the growing population,” he said as he urged the public to be responsible tourists.

The keynote speaker also stressed the importance of natural capital accounting to assess the economic value of resources for integration to planning frameworks in order to have a systematic local governance.

 

The summit, conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), aims to present the various environmental programs and recent policies and guidelines on priority programs implemented, address environmental concerns, discuss the enhanced local climate change action plan, and promote ecotourism programs and activities.

 

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga and DOT Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina Frasco represented by Assistant Secretary for Field Operations for Luzon and Visayas Gilbert Gonzales and Regional Director Troy Alexander Miano, respectively, underscored their commitment to attain sustainable environment, effective local governance and responsible ecotourism.

 

For her part, DENR Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan pinned her optimism that the event participated by more than 400 stakeholders from government and private institutions will pave the way to harmonize sectoral efforts and initiatives and inspire collective action and commitment.

 

Gracing the summit were Governor Manuel Mamba of Cagayan, Mayor Maila Ting-Que of Tuguegarao City, Rev. Fr. Andres Semana of Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, and Lal-lo, Cagayan Vice Mayor Ma. Olivia Pascual.

 

Various topics on environment and ecotourism programs were discussed and a press conference was conducted. Ecotourism destinations and solid waste management best practices were also showcased in the event including an exhibit of biodiversity-friendly products from the five provinces.

 

During the second day of the summit, some participants visited the newly opened Callao Cave in Peñablanca, Cagayan.#

 

 

For more stringent enforcement of environmental laws within Philippine waters in Cagayan Valley, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 has partnered with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for the operations of seacraft MB Sierra Madre Cagayan Valley.

 

The partnership took effect following the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between DENR Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan and PCG District Commander Coast Guard Captain Ludovico Librilla Jr. held recently at DENR Regional Office in Tuguegarao City.

 

In the agreement, the PCG shall assist the DENR in manning, maneuvering, and operation of the seacraft in its regular conduct of monitoring and assessment within coastal and marine protected areas.

 

“The DENR alone cannot operate the boat effectively because we lack the necessary competency to do that. We are thankful to the PCG for we can now possibly widen our coastal patrolling, thus, protecting our marine resources,” said Director Bambalan.

The DENR Region 2 chief also cited necessary measures to ensure the safety of the seafarers and the marine ecosystems during the occurrence of natural disasters such as typhoons.

 

For his part, PCG Commander Librilla recommended for the creation of a technical working group that will lead the establishment of potential sheltering areas for motorized vehicles during typhoons.

 

He also expressed his support to the DENR as he committed to enforce the laws against illegal sea transport of forest and other marine products, ocean pollution, and other illegal environmental activities within coastal areas.

 

Also present in the MOA signing and consultative meeting were officials from Biodiversity Management Bureau, DENR, Mines and Geosciences Bureau and Environmental Management Bureau, and representatives of the Philippine Navy, Philippine National Police- Maritime, Office of Civil Defense, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, and Local Government Unit of Sta. Ana.#

In a Memorandum signed by Assistant Regional Executive Director for Management Services Ismael Manaligod on behalf of Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan, the 21 provincial and community environment and natural resources officers in the region are directed to deploy their teams in strategic locations in their respective offices and conduct the said Oplan all day and night from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4, this year.

 

The created task force in collaboration with local government units and law enforcement agencies is part of the Department's strategy to strengthen monitoring and surveillance against perpetrators who might take advantage during holidays.#

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Cagayan Valley celebrated the 29th proclamation anniversary of the Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (PIPLS), an award winning marine protected area in the region.

 

The celebration held yesterday in Punta Verde, San Vicente, Sta. Ana, Cagayan aimed at strengthening collaboration among members of the protected area management board (PAMB), the community and other stakeholders; and intensifying protected area conservation and promoting sustainable ecotourism.

 

Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan who chairs the governing body of PIPLS has directed for stricter measures to ensure coastal and marine resources protection within the protected area.

 

The activity also aimed to promote Palaui Island’s ecotourism sites to encourage more tourists to experience the beauty and richness of the marine protected area and to provide employment opportunities to the locals.

 

For. Joselito Razon, CENR Officer of Aparri, highlighted in his message the vital role of each member of the PAMB in the implementation of activities and projects within the PIPLS.

 

Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer John Rey Maximo committed the support of the local government of Sta. Ana to ensure the preservation of the island and to extend assistance to the community.

 

In his message, Atty. John Mark Paracad, PENRO Cagayan technical services division chief, emphasized that PIPLS being one of the legislated protected areas in the country calls for a stringent protection of its natural, biological and physical diversities. He also encouraged the local communities to support the programs of the management board for the Island.

 

Barry the 'barangan', a rabbit fish serves as the flagship species mascot of PIPLS joined the celebration to advocate for protection of coastal and marine biodiversity. A team building activity among PAMB members and the local residents, and a cookfest were also held to foster leadership and unity and to promote culinary skills of the members.

 

The celebration, organized by the PIPLS Protected Area Management Office, was also graced by officials and guests from the Department of Tourism, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Coast Guard and the local government of Sta. Ana.

 

In 2019 and 2017, PIPLS was awarded as 1st and 3rd runner-up, respectively, in the Outstanding NIPAS-MPA (National Integrated Protected Areas System-Marine Protected Area) Para El MAR: MPA Awards and Recognition. Para El MAR, which means “for the sea”, is an activity that gives recognition to best practices in MPA management.

 

The PIPLS which covers 8,048 hectares with 1,008-hectare coral reefs, 472-hectare seagrasses and 102-hectare mangroves was proclaimed as a protected area on August 16, 1994 by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 447 and was later on legislated by virtue of Republic Act No. 11038.

 

RA 11038 defines protected landscapes and seascapes as areas of national significance which are characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and land and water while providing opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation, tourism, and other economic activities.#