Environment Secretary Gina Lopez on Tuesday strongly prodded members of the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) to ensure that social justice will be highly considered in its review of the performance of all existing mines in the country, including the 26 mining operations ordered closed or suspended by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

"As long as there's commitment to social justice, I have no problem with that," Lopez said during the second meeting of the recently convened MICC in Pasig City.

The MICC, co-chaired by Lopez and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, is set to form five technical teams to look into the impacts of mining operations in terms of technical, legal, social, environmental and economic aspects.

Lopez said she wanted the members of each team mentored by experts who are committed to social justice.

"Before they go out I would like that they have an orientation from the far-excellent people from the fields that they are working in, who have a commitment to social justice so that they do whatever they do in the field of social justice," Lopez said.

She added: "If we are going there to make our people's lives better, only good things can come out of that. This will put MICC in a whole new arena."

During the first MICC meeting, it was agreed upon that the council's findings will be purely recommendatory and the focus of the review will be on the mining operations and not on the DENR decision to close down 22 mines and suspend four others due to serious environmental violations.

The MICC also decided to create a recruitment committee in charge of selecting the members of the technical teams.

Members of the technical teams must not be employed in any capacity, direct or indirect, by any operating mine in the country, and must not be a member of any anti-mining organization.

They should also have at least 10 years applied exploration, mining, milling or environmental and social development experience; and must have relevant professional license or in lieu, at least 20 years relevant experience.
Finance Undersecretary Bayani Agabin said the final list of the review teams is expected to be finished next week.

For her part, DENR Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Maria Paz Luna said the environment department is putting the mining industry forward so that "it will not cause social injustice."

"The MICC was created to look for policies that will make it better for the state and the Filipino people," Luna said.

Moreover, Luna said the review teams will conduct a "fact-finding and research type of activity" that will look at the mining operations and not at the results of the DENR review of mining operations.

Also present in the MICC meeting were Vice Governor Antonio Albano of Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), and representatives from the Department of Justice, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the National Economic and Development Authority, Office of the Solicitor General and Office of the President. #

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Published: 29 March 2017

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To emphasize this year's World Water Day theme, "Water and Wastewater", a top official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Wednesday (March 22) underscored the need to focus on the so-called double effects of wastewater during the culminating event of the celebration of Philippine Water Week and World Water Day at the Quezon City Sports Club.

This, even as DENR Undersecretary for Staff Bureaus Demetrio Ignacio, Jr. led the recognition of 14 "water champions" comprised of individuals, organizations, government agencies and local government units (LGUs).

Speaking on behalf of DENR Secretary Gina Lopez, who is on official leave, Ignacio said that while wastewater pollutes the environment and causes health problems, it can be beneficial if properly treated and reused.

"Treated wastewater helps clean our environment and re-using them conserves our water supply. They also offer economic advantages," Ignacio said.

Ignacio cited a recent study of the United Nations Environment Program on the economic valuation of wastewater which showed that approximately 330 cubic kilometers of municipal wastewater are generated globally.

He said: "This can irrigate and fertilize millions of hectares of agricultural land that can substantially increase food supply and generate bio-energy for millions of households."

According to Ignacio, the dichotomy of wastewater fits well into the primary objective of the DENR under the new administration, that is, to provide social justice for the people.

"Social justice means that in everything that we do, the communities should always benefit; and anything that we do should not result to the sufferings of our people."

"We should always strive to recycle our wastewater to benefit our communities and we should not allow untreated wastewater that will harm our people," he added.

In light of reports that the Philippines is among the countries most threatened by water scarcity, Ignacio also sought public support and cooperation on water conservation, "Let us not be waster. Let us be savers of water," he said.

Recognized for having gone above and beyond the call of duty to save the country’s most precious natural resource – water, this year's "water champions" are as follows:

Kampeon ng Lawa: Gil Abaquin (Ecoindex), Global Underwater Explorers, and TWG Knife Fish Infestation;

Huwarang Lingkod Tubig: San Jose del Monte Water District and Baliuag Water District in Bulacan province, and Dumaguete Water District in Negros Oriental province;

Kampeon ng Katubigan: Manila Water's Toka-Toka Advocacy Campaign;

Water-wise City Award: Makati City government;

Water Leadership Award: Engr. Arthur Batomalaque, Environmental Management Specialist, City Environment Management Office, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental; and Engr. Thelma Bautista, city environment and natural resources officer of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan;

Huwarang Alagad ng Ilog Pasig: MMDA's Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office;

Water Warrior Award: Albert Toldanes, president of Samahang Tubig Maynilad-Riverview; Engr. Reydennis Gilbas, president of Bicol Water District Association; and Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez and the Parañaque city government for their Urban Gardening Campaign.

Ignacio, together with National Water Resources Board (NWRB) Executive Director Sevillo David, Jr. and Maynilad CEO and President Ramoncito S. Fernandez, handed the awards to the honorees.

The WWD Awards was co-sponsored by the Laguna Lake Development Authority, Local Water Utilities Administration, DENR-National Capital Region, Environmental Management Bureau, and Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission.

For his part, NWRB Executive Director David said that the water champions were an inspiration that "we can do so much more for the environment especially for our water resources".

"The awardees gave their best, year round, without expectation of any recognition," David said.

He also announced that the UN General Assembly on December 2016 has declared 2018 to 2028 as the Decade for Water. A global launch will be held next year. ###

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Published: 23 March 2017

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DENR Secretary Gina Lopez credited the Department’s string of successes in environmental protection to a “multi-stakeholder approach” that includes not only strict implementation but post-enforcement rehabilitation.

“We involve as many agencies as possible. We do not stop at just going after logging and mining violators. The department goes a step further and creates livelihood opportunities to those displaced by our closures and suspension orders,” Lopez revealed in a message.

The DENR created the National Anti-Environmental Crime Task Force (NAECTF) last August 2017 with the mandate of targeting what Lopez termed “environmental offenders.”

NAECTF is a joint effort between the DENR, DOJ, DILG, PNP, AFP, DOLE, DSWD and affected local government units. Its functions include investigation, enforcement, prosecution and rehabilitation.

The task force’s latest operation involved the confiscation of close to 29,000 board feet of illegally-cut logs in Bulacan at the Angat Watershed area last week. Earlier successes mainly in Mindanao netted illegal loggers in Agusan del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Compostela Valley.

“Just as important, we follow the principle that without rehabilitation and economic alternatives, we cannot improve the lives of affected communities and lift them from dependency on extractive activities such as mining,” the DENR chief emphasized.

The DENR ordered the closure of 23 mines, while75 mining agreements were given show-cause orders last February.

“In the last two months, the DENR has worked with closed mine communities to find sustainable solutions that balance livelihood and ecological protection. In CARAGA, for instance, we have allocated 4 billion pesos and sought the assistance of 11 line agencies to raise incomes for 30,000 households.”

Lopez dispelled reports that she was not consulting other government agencies.

“We’re working with DOLE and DOT for eco-tourism initiatives. The DSWD is helping with social safety nets. We’re translating our concern for the environment with workable solutions that benefit local communities.” “

“Our critics focus on supposed lack of due process. We focus on sustainability and economic upliftment,” Lopez explained. ###

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Published: 22 March 2017

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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) takes exception to newspaper reports that the “mining audit reports were being kept by Secretary Gina Lopez to herself and a handful of her consultants”.

DENR Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Atty. Maria Paz G. Luna clarified the reports and the respective show-cause orders were immediately provided to all 41 affected mining firms.

"Beginning October up to November last year, each mining firm was sent a copy of the individual report through registered mail, informing them of the findings and recommendations of the audit team," said Luna, adding that attached to the report was the show-cause order.

She added that in the cover letter, the mining firms were likewise told that any explanation and/or comment to the said report should be submitted to the Office of the Secretary within seven (7) days from receipt of the report.

"As proof of their receipt, all 41 responded to the report which then became one of the basis of the evaluation and decision to either close or suspend their operations."

Luna stressed that the audit reports are public records, and everyone can get a copy as long as they follow the procedure in the DENR Freedom of Information Manual, citing media and the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability as among those given out copies of the mining audit report.

According to Luna, the printed copies of the reports are available at the Legal Office of the DENR.

Meanwhile, reports and recommendations of the Technical Review Committee are available at the DENR website: www.denr.gov.ph. ###

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Published: 20 March 2017

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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is leading a week-long effort to raise awareness on the importance of maintaining reliable and effective treatment of wastewater, which has the potential to be an incredibly valuable resource.

The DENR, together with the River Basin Coordinating Office, the National Water Resources Board, and the Ayala-led Manila Water Company Inc., has lined up a series of activities to celebrate the Philippine Water Week and the international observance of World Water Day (WWD) on March 22.

As a kickoff to WWD, a photo exhibit highlighting the importance of both water and wastewater was opened on Wednesday (March 15) at the Market! Market! Shopping Mall in Taguig City. The exhibit is open to the public until Friday, March 17.

The photo exhibit showcases vivid images depicting the negative ecological and health impacts of untreated wastewater, as well as the various efforts of government and the private sector to address the problem, consistent with the WWD 2017 theme: "Water and Wastewater."

This year's theme aims to highlight the symbiosis between water and wastewater in the quest for sustainable development, according to DENR Assistant Secretary for Staff Bureaus Nonita Caguioa.

Caguioa, who led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the photo exhibit, said that wastewater is a valuable resource in the circular economy and its safe management could be an efficient investment in the health of humans and ecosystems.

"Treated wastewater can act as a drought-resistant source of water especially for agriculture and industry, source of nutrients for agriculture, soil conditioner and source of energy or heat," Caguioa said.

She added: "In effect, wastewater management is a key to poverty reduction for it sustains ecosystems services. It improves food security, health and ultimately the economy."

If untreated, however, Caguioa said wastewater can cause environmental damage and serious health problems.

Wastewater contains a number of pollutants and contaminants such that when discharged to freshwater bodies and marine waters without being treated, can cause water pollution that is harmful to aquatic life.

When discharged on lands, wastewater can leach into underground water tables and potentially contaminate aquifers and underground water.

Wastewater is also a big health issue as it carries and transports a myriad of diseases and illnesses.

According to the World Health Organization, about 2.2 million people die each year worldwide from water-related diseases, mostly children in developing countries.

WWD is an international event designated by the United Nations General Assembly. It is held annually on March 22 to focus attention on the importance of freshwater and to promote the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

The first WWD was held on March 22, 1993. Every year, the celebration highlights a specific aspect of freshwater or corresponds to a current or future challenge.

In the Philippines, the celebration lasts for at least one week by virtue of Executive Order No. 258 issued in 1996, adopting the Philippine Water Week.

Other activities lined up the week-long celebration include a tree-planting activity and symposium in Davao Oriental province; inter-school mural painting, photo journalism, feature writing and digital story telling contests in Leyte province; tour of the Sta. Cruz wastewater treatment facility in Laguna, and lake tour in the Pagsanjan side; and simultaneous river clean-ups nationwide.

This Saturday, March 18, an activity called “Kilos-kilos para sa Tubig” will be held at the Quezon Memorial Circle Liwasang Aurora, to be highlighted by a Sungka Tournament and other outdoor games. Cash prizes await winners of the Sungka competition.

On D-day, March 22, World Water Day awards shall be given out to recognize water champions to highlight the culminating activity of the week-long celebration to be held at the Quezon City Sports Club. ###

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Published: 16 March 2017

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