DENR Kalikasan Vol. 5 No. 2

VOLUME 5 NO. 2 JUNE 2018 OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: "Sagot Kita"PRRD to DENR Employees:

2 | PRRD TO DENR EMPLOYEES: "SAGOT KITA" "If you do your duty in accordance with law ... I will defend you"
"IF YOU DO YOUR DUTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW ... I WILL DEFEND YOU"
TO PAGE 2
3 | DENR 31ST ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATING THE PAST, RISING UP TO CURRENT EXPECTATIONS, AND
BRACING FOR THE FUTURE

4 | CENROS, PENROS, AND FIELD OFFICERS UNDERGO ENR MANAGEMENT
COURSE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE

5 | INFOCUS: FROM DENR TO ACB: DIRECTOR LIM TAKES ON A NEW ROLE
6 | INITIATING REFORMS, FORGING ALLIANCES FOR BETTER LAND GOVERNANCE
7 | DREENBRUILLADNINDGRAESCOOUNRFCLEICMTARNEALAGPEMSEENFRTEAENMDAPREAAWCEI BCIUTIYLDING IN MARAWI CITY
8 | BORACAY UPDATE: HOW'S THE REHABILITATION GOING?

22 ||

HIGHLIGHTS of the 3rd State of the Nation Address of President PRRD TO DENR EMPLOYEES...FROM PAGE 1
Rodrigo Roa Duterte relevant to environment and natural resources
Over 3,000 DENR employees from all regions of the country converged at
Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife (NAPW) to celebrate DENR’s 31st
23 July 2018, 1700H anniversary. It was a special day, di erent from previous anniversaries,
as no less than the President of the Republic of the Philippines was the guest of
1. Boracay Island Rehabilitation honor.
e President lamented that the island has sadly become a representation of the Despite the hot mid-a ernoon weather and restricted movement imposed by the
Presidential Security Group, the mood in NAPW Amphitheater remained festive.
government’s negligence. He then stated his intent to restore its environmental integrity, Everybody was excited, waiting in eager anticipation of the President’s arrival.
alongside measures to help those whose livelihood were momentarily a ected. He stressed Ushers lined up, and everybody prepared his/her cell phone and camera, hoping
that the government’s actions in Boracay mark the beginning of a new national e ort. for a moment of sel e or even groupie with the President. Emotions grew high as
Other tourist destinations needing urgent rehabilitation and enforcement of environmental Freddie Aguilar’s song, “Ipaglalaban Ko” was played. Everyone was clapping their
and other laws shall soon follow. He also encouraged Local Government Units (LGUs) to hands and shouting out as President Rodrigo Duterte entered the Amphitheater.
proactively enforce laws and not wait for the national government to criticize their work. As elation settled down, the program proceeded with a brief report from Secretary
Roy Cimatu. e environment chief con dently discussed the latest developments
2. Passage of the National Land Use Act in the mining sector, particularly the DENR’s proposed policy reinventing mining
e President urged the Senate to pass the National Land Use Act to put in place a in such a way that it would spread more bene ts to the people. He informed the
President about the Department’s accomplishments in the government’s Land
national land use policy that will address competing land requirements for food, housing, Reform Program, Boracay Rehabilitation, Expanded National Greening Program,
businesses, and environmental conservation. Bangon Marawi Rehabilitation, and Clean Water Program, of which the latest
involves the demolition of illegal sh pens in Laguna Lake. His highlight was a
3. Creation of the “Department of Disaster Management” video presentation of “before and a er” scenes of Boracay.
e President emphasized that Filipinos should learn from their experiences from Super Speaking before employees and o cials, the President lauded DENR’s 31 years
of meaningful and dedicated service to the public. He commended Secretary Roy
Typhoon Yolanda. He stressed the need to have an empowered department characterized A. Cimatu and the DENR family for its contribution to the land reform program
by a unity of command, science-based approach and full-time focus on natural hazards and of the government, promoting social equity thru the distribution of land titles
disasters, and the wherewithal to take charge of the disaster risk reduction; preparedness (residential free patent and sales patent) to urban poor bene ciaries in Makati,
and response; with better recovery and faster rehabilitation. e President fervently appeal Paranaque, Pateros, Valenzuela and Taguig. e President awarded a total of 75
to Congress to pass this bill with utmost urgency, stating the people’s safety requirements land titles with a total area of 5,394 square meters or .5349 hectares to bene ciaries
cannot wait. and representatives of the said cities.

4. Sustainable use of natural resources e President expressed hope that the parcel of lands given by the government to
e President reminded mining companies once again not to compromise the environment the landless urban dwellers will not be wasted, but instead, serve as instrumental
in improving the quality of their lives. e “poor are the true bene ciaries and
in the pursuit of pro t through the exploitation of natural resources. He stated the need recipients of the government’s programs,” said the President, as he emphasized the
to change the management radically because this time, they will be imposed with more need for DENR to continue pursuing its goal of ensuring human well-being and
restrictive policies. He emphasized the prohibition of open-pit mining. environmental quality and sustainability.
He also warned irresponsible miners and their patrons to stop destroying our watersheds,
recharge areas, forests, and aquatic resources. He made example of the degradation of e President also commended DENR for its “on the target” rehabilitation of
Mt. Diwalwal. He said that the companies should expect radical reforms in the industry. Boracay. “We are boasting about the beauty of the island as the famous tourist
He further stated that he expects the mining companies to do their part in ensuring our destination, so we need to clean it and make it hygiene safe,” said the President. He
nation’s sustainable development, starting now. recalled how during the election campaign, he discovered the “sorry” state of the
President Duterte encouraged all agencies and LGUs to uphold the concept of inter- island and was bothered by the stinky smell of its waters. Since then on, he made
generational responsibility in the utilization of mineral wealth and protection and it an agenda to clean and restore Boracay back to its former glory.
preservation of biodiversity. Once again, the President reiterated that he has no interest in the area and
would not, by all means, deal it for any business or amount of money. He has
5. Tax Reform on Natural Resources Utilization already made clear in the past that he will not allow any gambling in the area.
e President mentioned the submission of the remaining ve (5) packages of the Tax
e government intervenes because it is its moral obligation to make the world’s
Reform Law, which will include tax reforms on mining, property valuation, etc. crown jewel tourist destination clean and hygiene safe.

6. Issues on the West Philippine Sea e President promised to return Boracay to its rightful owners, as there are
e President made clear that the government will continue to reach out to all nations some people who claim they have titles. According to him, he will create a
committee that will look into the matter taking into consideration, justice and
regardless of its political persuasions or proximity or distance from shores so long as these fairness. Despite the reality that Boracay has become one of the world’s premiere
nations wish the country well. However, he emphasized that the Philippines' improved tourist destination earning Php 59 billion pesos annually, the President stands
relationship with China does not mean that the country will waver in its commitment to
defend its interests in the West Philippine Sea. is is why the country will continue to rm on the premise that Boracay’s land classi cation, remains to be forestland
engage China through bilateral and multilateral platforms such as the ASEAN-China and and agricultural and has not opened to any commercial exploitation.
the Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism.
Opening lines of communication and amicably managing di erences have led to positive e President concluded his speech by calling on all employees and o cials
developments that include renewed access of Filipino shermen in the areas in dispute in of DENR and its seven attached agencies to work harder and ful ll their duties,
the Philippines – West Philippine Sea. despite external pressures from stakeholders with con icting interests. He assured
Participation in the ASEAN-China dialogue has also resulted to the dra framework for DENR workers of Presidential protection, “Huwag kayong matakot magtrabaho
the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea which intends to resolve disputes by peaceful kasi I can guarantee you. However busy I am if you do your duty in accordance
means. (Nelgie Ann Belesario) with law and you are facing suit or you are being sued at maniwala ka na trabaho
mo yun, just tell me the truth and I will defend you,” assured the President. (Adona
P. San Diego)

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DENR 31ST ANNIVERSARY |3

Celebrating the past, rising up to current expectations, and bracing for the future by: Alvin D. Gatbonton

Secretary Roy A. Cimatu and Secretary Eduardo del Rosario shake hands after the MOA Signing on the donation of con scated forest products to be used for the rehabilitation in Marawi; (Upper photo) Contestants showcase their costumes made
from recycled materials during the 2018 DENR Milenyal ng Kalikasan held in BMB; (Lower photo) Secretary Cimatu poses with DENR o cials. In foreground is a birthday cake.

Fourth of July, 2018 - the day that DENR celebrated three-year Development /Construction/Utilization contribution, the DENR has turned over the deed of
its 31st Founding Anniversary was a cool, clear Work Program; donation of more than 870,000 board feet of lumber for
and liberating sunny Wednesday. At 6:30 in the • Tenement Safety, Health, Environment and Social the rebuilding of Marawi City.
morning the DENR basketball court was already half- Monitoring Checklist and Scorecard; As Head of the Sub-Committee on Land Resource
lled; men and women of DENR from di erent regions • Creation of a Technical Working Group for a policy Management of the Task Force, the DENR is responsible
of the country, wearing white polo shirt and barong, shi from open-pit mining to alternative surface for handling all issues pertaining to land resources.
were lining up to register. e excitement of DENR mining method. It would not only lay the groundwork for the physical
people did not tapered o a er all, even a er a series rebuilding of the new Marawi City, but it would also set
of postponements nulled its actual schedule of June 10, e rehabilitation of Boracay is the next big thing for the conditions so that strong and lasting peace in the
2018. DENR. President Duterte, early last year, warned that area could be attained.
At NAPW Amphitheater, the festive spirit remained high he will close Boracay because it has become a cesspool. Developing good policies is another way of DENR to
despite the heavy security imposed by the Presidential He gave DENR and other agencies of the Task Force six brace the future. Secretary Cimatu thanked President
Security Group (PSG) in anticipation of President months to restore the island to its former glory. Duterte for signing into law Republic Act 11038, or
Rodrigo Duterte’s arrival. People were all smiles. When Secretary Cimatu, in his speech, assured the President, the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas
the Program started, all eyes and attention were xed that they (Task Force) are on target, and will be able to System Act of 2018. e new law would not only add
to the beauty and pleasantness of the two Miss Earth open Boracay again to its former glory on October 26, 94 legislated protected areas, but would also ensure
hostesses. A er a short introduction, Undersecretary 2018. Huge accomplishments on drainage and sewerage the e ective protection and conservation of protected
and Chief of Sta Rodrigo Garcia opened the ceremony rehabilitation in Boracay have improved the water areas in the country. e Secretary also commended
with a brief history of DENR. quality of beaches by 80 to 90 percent. ere have been Congresswoman Josephine Sato for pursuing a bill and a
signi cant achievements also in garbage collection, proposed Executive Order on strengthening the national
Celebrating the past demolition of structures for easement recovery, wetlands policy on wealth generation from access, bene t-sharing,
Undersecretary and Chief of Sta Rodolfo C. Garcia rehabilitation, road widening, biodiversity conservation, and utilization of the Philippine genetic resources.
traced back DENR’s roots from the mid-1800s when the and geohazard management. Partnership and innovative strategies also sustain
SHinpea1nm8i3sa7hdearnuhdliegthhclriegeahInttessdpiencthcdieoisnIcnuGsspseeinncecgriaotlnhdeGereeMnoerorgnaatlnesidzieantMio18nin6ao3sf. current developments for future generations. In his speech
DEENR to DENR through Executive Order 192, issued e deterioration of Boracay may seem one problem the Secretary acknowledged the e orts of Metropolitan
by President Corazon Aquino in 1987. In conclusion, the only, but the issue has taken the agency to rehabilitate ManadnirliaveDrse,vealnodpmfoerntoAthuetrhoernitvyirfoonrmcleenatnailnagssthisetaenscteeroist
Chief of Sta stressed that the DENR anniversary was other ecotourism destinations in the country. Panglao rendered to DENR. He lauded Senator Legarda for her
not only about celebrating past achievements, but more Island in Bohol, Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, El green nancing that supported the conservation and
about rising up to current expectations and bracing the Nido and Coron in Palawan, and Siargao in Surigao del management projects in Sibalom Natural Park and
future. Norte are also currently undergoing rehabilitation and Malandog River. He also thanked Senator Cynthia Villar
restoration programs. for funding materials recovery facilities and for her
Rising up to current expectations plastic recycling facilities that convert plastic wastes into
Coming up with acceptable mining reforms is the e Expanded National Greening Program (eNGP) durable school chairs.
biggest thing expected from DENR today. It was no less would pass as the third signi cant expectation from Likewise, the DENR braces the future through e ective
than President Duterte himself who warned the mining DENR. Secretary Cimatu informed the President that enforcement of environmental laws. e Environment
companies, “to shape up or he will stop mining.” e from July 2016 to June 2018, the DENR was able to plant Secretary informed the President about how the DENR
Secretary, speaking up before the President during the around 554 million seedlings nationwide of di erent raided Pepsi Cola Bottling Company; shut down its illegal
anniversary celebration announced that DENR will be species of mangrove, fuel wood, and forest trees, deepwells, and slapped the company with Php 11 million
coming out with proposed policies that would reinvent covering 462,114 hectares. To enforce the log ban, the pesos as penalty for not having a permit. He told the
mining: those that will spread the bene ts to the people Department has trained more than 3,000 forest patrollers President how through the Laguna Lake Development
without compromising the environment and natural with the high-tech Lawin Forest and Biodiversity Authority, the shpens in Laguna Lake were demolished,
resources. Protection System. e Lawin System is an e ective tool and how two construction companies were shut down
According to the Secretary, the Mines and Geosciences in monitoring forest conditions, in tracing forest threats, for dumping waste materials and garbage in a shoreland
Bureau (MGB) will come up with the following: and in apprehending violators of forest protection and area in Taguig City.
• Guidelines for additional environmental measures conservation laws.
e Secretary thanked the President and told everybody
for operating surface metallic mines; Bracing for the future that the DENR is indeed fortunate to have a President,
• Guidelines for the evaluation and approval of a To ensure the future of Marawi City and its people, 56 who is very much protective of the environment, and who
agencies, o ces and institutions have merged together insists that Filipino people be the foremost bene ciaries
to form the Task Force Bangon Marawi. As initial of development.

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44 ||

UNDERGO ENCRENMRAONSA, GPEEMNREONST,CAONUDRFSIEELFDOROFGFOICOEDRGSOVERNANCE
by: Alvin D. Gatbonton
There were obvious reasons Secretary Roy A. PENROs, Heads of Task Forces, and Assistant Regional can be replicated in other Protected Areas.
Cimatu gave order to develop programs and Directors took a four-week ENR Management Course at According to PENRO Rostata, the ENR Management
strengthen DENR’s frontline services. He wanted the ENR Academy in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija. It was
all Regional, Provincial, and Community O ces to be attended by 37 participants. As a main requirement, all Course made them to re ect on the past and re-think on
responsive in addressing environmental problems. He participants or learners were required to develop and the future. It gave them the opportunity to analyze the
wanted them to be e ective in enforcing environmental submit their “Re-Entry Action Plan” or REAP, which is necessary adjustments they need to make in order to
policies, laws, and regulations and to be e cient and a comprehensive eld operation action plan that they be more proactive, collaborative, and people-centered
transparent in delivering public service. must implement in the area of their jurisdiction a er in their management of ENR. e various workshops
completing the Course. e REAP comprises 35 % of used in the course honed their skills and provided them
e Human Resource Development Service (HRDS) their entire grade, which they need to submit on the additional knowledge. ey got the chance to review
Team, headed by Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo, last day of lecture, and present it to a panel before the theories, management principles, and other aspects
Jr., was keen in responding to this order of Secretary graduation. like nance, operations and policies. ey realized
Cimatu. Together with OIC Assistant Secretary Jesus the vital importance of planning and people-centered
Enrico Moises B. Salazar, Director Rolando Castro, policies. eir Ombudsman lecturer helped deepen
and the HRDS sta , they developed and launched the their understanding on good governance, particularly
Environment and Natural Resources e HRDS Team the importance of transparency, responsibility and
(ENR) Learning Program. Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo, accountability in public service.
"The ENR Management Course Jr. stressed that the DENR’s recent
lapatPutDsODeaiasdtREMo“ajdatsDuanooohtkalnnnqncfienerNoerwEEirsliitfaFSousrddddveeeEadalsllieciDNNnRisesaelsgivniisyrrclaguemNsrotssps,adnclaenryieeicglr,srRRnstkistndoreagwitdoRarisrloetitisiaica’eehbaamnpgsneoentehncleneomiintscdm(aEwldlsmesrrkngalmtdedeicsEveCtnl.d,saoeNrlm.ntlwaosgkCiihwNeudadhtarEnbs,dNllraintitRnCesisnihnydueieseaciN.i-hnhpRwohopnlooDlmtdlitaeniCalelEeedneLepiiowtgnRitgfasspxiEbCatvafpaNhw,oaetlteentOhlhuisteeysNsrrlnea2herLomtmcpphoRldtuolooioghd)ir4tiieurbiDeRroarn,ensfv,fslhmnieeoEm,gaMkmeierrsts’sigpEntltPst,eisraNtsevnsiae,DrrpwnauitenEtliaNraihetooensiwgcegio,nnoRophngnfnErisiloNgo(nidadatrR.pnnarapa,vapr3eaainNhpdopPut/lrbtRoogisgioga)gHhsLaotsmhsknnaeoscrelRngnoees.naoreenrEhndeeovtcrwRaremtmatisnltawdsiidarNeaogpdns.iolh”PiaDdaoed,na’,ssnmeaewcro-dclticrrRicigeetslnansopoStmnielgocteolEkrsoetpspiuimnmitetuncgacgMvsnpgnosdNaroemndDseChiirperepteaortnolpeaceeaedetrgadosleidRnyaroovaiwtslistrpaedumermrsietnbdiseedinifvutptcnenevsgnrlnOocteeugglikaerslcoascioCganaectncttataslegpsttniiftnnhatieeiefneappovcotwteepahraCwridassshdddeo,ndeeorrssmluclorlu.,,egeeswoelhideeijrimy.einsrmeEermcrstoihsrPccnnreiNicshsis(asetonattm,tgcteouPsTihihrwhrhsRrohp.mpiobwootEuoedeehtkipolnhigayriaobfsnfnecNnuhsmorooLetnhckrjivelimomsyi-penleeaRvdcteeeeecpuaeewly,cxioaaiasielwheOarrmamodnPitonDinrrdlteisrkisEEsnlbehiendpa)vntaEeessEtcsdiawd,sNNatodiiieiinnioeavlnNeNnnnnengoitsaogoostgtetiRRnsduoggggneeegssrssyRfffe..Rls,o.omaOuoOtuanenpetoOtoaitwptgurocfosptprnndosohhhheuddlRnuenfrfrrrneephIsreeeaooiarOiedratmCadaeefpmoeaetEcacvftrfrpprnDnpecrnerolethtreaiNtstuAlarecrrehvinstnctrainhnaerctooseonost"lcsieRttesoechtredpaettridtghhaynnhhsaeiaomwvonEtasuiaariwceetensend,nttasnriotawNnCilhiuyntndnmgtaieattommuktoktagtimisEhraRngtliouaahturnnttitesnamnstahnNeohrcihbeeltLohnnafnagktenddidoenrewiRl.ewtSeeadntglttosrMfhatirshahiogaeOothco;lnrsteryceleefehoohseaowltnsurdmyiippfdalmsaeE,ekgciilngtnrrrutnnewtaueeneNPDbpAplifRswswheoohemdaddanrocengwrtereiarueiEetbreeeedrwRihsae,glrrrrctgeoudOtslPoyilebrglNetepimvedorhpcseavDyng,tinnbDrildrneIieSalotrpmooieeiRoobeciaCaggieaiecuentiraantrrecsnnfooqerugwbrOstntynsnlcscs,cegeseHehispnmiaearuteovoasjdesesrda.rocsawplzeueisoafttinsusern,ntstueaefmrDanorrerurarlohvie,mentannwcodarsapoasddirneiiraei.dansotDkttetenndnimcgdrcesiidiaindin,nsaA”lmdilenevCorodenmuRaaEinllnidecdaoatf.canelsssngtncipEboorsNoeodntem.nseraEmtetos.iotdoledNeisndhniidngcneaRes“tNfmodRtrslaseuseotro“ctcnWlicRis,nlwttadluaeaicinsRashorRmReDt,ytidhcrlOnrD.iithevppetaaeiefn’noeeoeesvtohipsftenmnnarfwakrtesJshrEsogioetarrnerunhwbremd,,eodonyioCdltrSNiuolioocselcintumdoaacananeobnatDatfungRcngnnetrwcilpoaotgnneelsineeraaicrosr’oeEettldtsrarelleiepl’ndrn,zeisi”opPnddrmenSmetskNeeceafCrsoohtoartrddEfesrsnisteeoooxreuocseowgduumsRhioaco,tggNtccoorteltrgenrsginaneetsimhmeeimtneunmnugetmraooRlhrrdicctlnlrsiioatvnorsllypaalnnaaeezaoOsraiteeiceumsfetnnoinnenrereehdbako.krnnitteeoltlssssnndddddddoolgyyyyaeeeeersssstttf:,,, PENRO Rostata concluded, “ e ENR Management
Likewise, they will learn how to e ciently direct, control, Course gave us a di erent kind of learning - one that
and advocate” DENR’s priority programs and projects to would take DENR operations to a higher level, under new
the public. e Learner’s Experience trend of management paradigm. us, it denotes much
higher responsibility and accountability on our part.”
e third course is the ENR Frontline Course, PENRO Edgardo “Egay” Rostata
which was designed to equip employees of CENROs PENRO Ronnel Sopsop
and PENROs, who directly interact with clients and PENRO Bacolod PENRO Sorsogon
stakeholders. Participants of this track would learn the PENRO Egay Rostata of Negros Atty. Ronnel Sopsop, is the Class
fundamentals of ENR policies, laws, programs and Valedictorian of this year’s batch
projects. ey will be trained on how to make rst Occidental, one of the participants of ENR Management Course. For
level resolution, accommodate requests, and address who completed the ENR him, the management course is a
complaints. Likewise they will be trained on how to be Management Course, was awarded tremendous help for implementers
responsive and courteous public servants, aiming to meet for having the best Re-Entry Action like them, who need to refresh
the highest level of client satisfaction. Plan or REAP. When asked why his their minds about management,
REAP was chosen as the best REAP, enforcement of laws, and leadership.
PENRO Rostata said that aside from
being feasible and practical, his .
REAP has established a local-based nancing mechanism As a Forester-Lawyer, he nds the technical and legal
First Batch of ENR Management Course that enables initial nancing and implementation of
For HRDS pilot project, the rst batch of CENROs, programs and activities. His REAP is also sustainable and aspects of ENR management as among the most important
lessons of the course, which he thinks he can e ciently
and e ectively implement in his place of assignment. Just
like other DENR o ces, he admits that his o ce also
faces di cult problems such as lack of manpower, lack
of work ethics and values of employees, and con icting
policies. at is why in his Re-Entry Action Plan (REAP),
he emphasized the importance of strengthening integrity,
transparency, and accountability in governance.

Regarding leadership, Atty. Sopsop said, “We were
taught that leadership is not a popularity contest, and as
a leader, our decision must always be anchored on the
bene t that it could bring to the organization regardless
of who will be a ected by such decision.” “Leadership,
as we were taught, is a relationship and credibility is its
foundation. If you don’t believe in the messenger, you
won’t believe the message,” he stressed.

CENRO Ariel Mendoza
CENRO Masinloc, Zambales

“We were able to experience
to be students again - listening to
lectures, jotting down notes, taking
exams, mingling with old and new
friends. It felt like going back to
regular school,” said CENRO Ariel
Mendoza.

One important lesson learned by
CENRO Mendoza from the Course
is the signi cance of working as a team in attaining goals
and objectives. “We need to assess the strengths and
weaknesses of our co-workers because it could help us in
accomplishing our targets… it could help us determine
what role or tasks to assign to each one so that the team
would work at its best,” said the CENRO. TO PAGE 6

VOLUME 5 NO. 2 JUNE 2018

| 5

Equipped with thirty years of technical experience ACB:FROMINFOCUS DENR TO
and unclouded national perspective on
biodiversity protection and conservation, Dr.
eresa Mundita Lim now faces the much broader
international arena as she assumes leadership of the
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB).
Executive Director Lim, re ned through time, has her
humble beginnings at the Protected Areas and Wildlife
Bureau (PAWB), now Biodiversity Management Bureau
(BMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR). Started as a Veterinarian in the
Marine Turtle Conservation Program, she rose from the L I MDIRECTOR
ranks and became the Director of PAWB for een years.
Endowed with deep knowledge, wide experience, and
expertise in biodiversity management, she passionately
accepted the challenge to lead ACB, the ASEAN member
states, and regional organizations in their pursuit for
sustainable use and management of biological diversity.

“It will be a tough job for me, but I realize I need to get
out of my comfort zone. e ACB is an opportunity to
advance my capabilities and an avenue to contribute my
learning,” stressed Executive Director Lim. “ACB is a new
institution, I want to lend some experience on structure
and protocol with them,” she added.
A stronger and more visible intergovernmental

TAKES ON A NEW ROLEorganization is what Executive Director Lim envisions the
ACB to become in the coming years. For her, biodiversity
has no boundaries, what happens to the biodiversity by: Martina R. Constantino

in one country would eventually a ect the biodiversity sectors and in uence leaders to use science as basis for can easily relate it to other sectors for development. “ACB
in other countries within a region and soon within the policy and decision making. will take the lead in having strong advocacy to push
whole world. All living creatures are interconnected; and facilitate the interface of science and policy,” Lim
one cannot protect human existence while neglecting to “If we are able to do this, we can signi cantly contribute emphasized.
protect biodiversity, she stressed. to achieving the ASEAN Vision and Integration, thus,
further unifying and strengthening the e orts of AMS in Communicate actively with stakeholders
Guided by personal and management principles, conserving the region’s biodiversity for the bene t of the As part of the goal to make ACB more visible,
Executive Director Lim lays down her ten-point thrusts, ASEAN,” Lim stressed. Executive Director Lim plans on strengthening ACB’s
in ful lling ACB’s mandate capacity to communicate biodiversity management
Expand partnerships outside ASEAN to its stakeholders. She wants media to be partners in
Align plans and programs with ACB mandate Executive Director Lim strongly believes that public awareness and mobilization. More than press
Executive Director Lim reviewed the long and short “partnership makes goals easier achieved,” thus, ACB releases and media coverage, Lim plans to engage media
term plans of ACB to ensure that its programs and projects o ers technical assistance and other forms of support in ACB’s programs and projects for better information
are strategically aligned with its mandate. She wants to to the ASEAN community in building and expanding dissemination.
ensure that ACB would meet the needs of its ASEAN partnerships with other countries such as Australia, “We will now invest on social awareness and
Member States (AMS) in e ectively implementing their Canada, China, European Union, Germany, India, Japan, mobilization. We will use all possible resources and
national sustainable development strategies, as well as Korea, Russia, United States, New Zealand, etc. rough involve everyone in biodiversity conservation and
accomplish the ASEAN Strategic Plan on Environment this, ACB is con dent that in return, it will get ample protection,” she said.
(ASPEN), ASEAN Community Vision 2025, and ASEAN support for biodiversity conservation and protection.
Integration. Further, ACB would be instrumental in
capacitating AMS. Engage business community Strengthen Philippines’ capacity on conservation
e ACB would venture on creating more “meaningful Given that Philippines is host to ACB, the country must
Mainstream biodiversity for sustainable development private sector partnerships” by promoting the bene ts take the lead and be a good model in the protection and
e International Union for Conservation of Nature of biodiversity to the business community. Biodiversity conservation of the environment and natural resources.
(IUCN) promotes the idea that “biodiversity conservation provides raw materials and ecosystem services, which Executive Director Lim works closely on building up
is a pre-condition for achieving sustainable development.” are vital to the business sector. However, not all the country’s capacity to conserve and protect its own
Executive Director Lim rmly believes on this. According businesses have the same appreciation on biodiversity; resources.
to her, “biodiversity is a crosscutting concern and it irresponsible business practices cause biodiversity loss “ e Philippines would always be our priority in
cannot be separated from the development process.” and unsustainable investments. providing access and bene ts that can be generated in
asoSWECWaeoApaioaBeictnnrHeonnnnnunntanioaSchfooomrdddddosvnreEatettdrrAraeoilsNnsaAikkmsrraptiBasetnpritsStvsoeiictavanNrhi.nndoeaErAernrAloteotaruesSnrrggoiuAonmdrMvbchCsthcdsrW,geiiilNitsteetaeABvdep,StoucyncaeehuosraSrhtnnrcCmteeeraeGGlEdho,ssosicCkedan,loiheiAeoasrrtmrttiawsiivnoooaeonykgpntctcNec,lriisuuomueygelughtetosie,hppalAAhnsts.bilMdrmichese,,tGIkvciSSAsievnvoeTlmoaaaEErbieeCtdttfrgomnoaAAAeareooitiiieAnBooouatgnnhvoaNNSasgnnndwpr’aedeeSmastcdEaesertnEhiotAssatrisdiAiihioeecsteNawnytshnv-NcdnsoopeuDa.tectdCiurhonVrrnovtikerioelgehnrttiicaem“lsyecwaiespeAomLbi,s,ygigesorcp,dmiei-M.rrtoeaonpmmtestahidnuigcdhoroSnluaeduaanrteviprsnsvhentkiilietnitnatewdsetiiToorulyntterrtostnuoahrduIsytghariVennstvenieogeiv,ttativeosriayrfsreosetlieennilgingeadtildotnarsioonorneseznusgupaiwllaervdatceeftmretrc2tetooivcgiiahsitcMo0solcuoaaeodaoemuo2nnunnnlnreicpdus5grsssttt,,,ymtnnawideiznmtbtpRiacseenhnioatawonirtedrtekoaoBnboaegabrektdcgassuulirehieoeoisserSoeesgsivaretam,rnnn”id.heesdnmvtA.eiprLea.veisstChsisstsoesimiutustBrfoyoosmpuanriecrcwpntnoaooyaoiwdiudnAnnmnlpeWbicefllgeitsCdesLrtudomerahmeieahoaInsirBEnlmiuarpcndmnpattpeuvvdtcxharrvetsepabkoonaoawneihtarorrtizwtltectissdnstihvooiilteeewdsu.ocnoveyeeobiucc,abitsnrhenamadttfy“leli,iieiinndvab,honLnyoaovoLmetecdranoaugdeiucninicmrissmuetdediar.etrywhvwaDpltwegsampoentheoyeoaoeocnihrrrueedxrotulaehrosflaedxteeitpkluisirchatoanpactnooceitpyamyrctcdeeshecuwauessooseoatcssstcsoprnurrnepeolipticeliosisdtltdtedtauroceletahhenhnLooubshotsnycmrea.wtifvt,iictiastsooymliLtnhoiiatiisminndintitfgrtatapngymwohs,eigtiroooonrbetwbi“tarslevnchlntehaceeiinclooeioecaoroselelhdxsirueymoclytdwpbeeoncAhahrprvmiru,pcebl”smsmvtaroaSefths.leo”eneooualrmosEiieoenlrnvsktLttirAnsnhsuhuttceoieesioihhdtcmyterlitNrstsndpoyeeeeeerss-t. ACB, hence we will utilize these to strengthen biodiversity
conservation and protection in the country,” she said.

Promote transparency in operations
“I will promote transparency in governance to ensure
that all resources poured in by the AMS and ACB partners
are well accounted for,” Executive Director Lim said with
conviction.
Just like how she led BMB for 15 years, Lim assures
transparency in ACB system. She will promote the welfare
of the institution’s sta to ensure that it gets and retains
the best workforce in the eld of biodiversity. To make
this possible, she is working on an institutionalized sta
development program to hone and reward its deserving
personnel.
“I cannot do things alone,” said the Executive Director
during her inaugural speech. Admitted of her limitations,
she calls for support and cooperation from the ASEAN
Member States and the ACB sta to achieve ASEAN’s
vision of One ASEAN, Unity in Biodiversity and mission
towards sustainable development for all ASEAN citizens.
“Let us leave a legacy wherein biodiversity is recognized
as integral part of development that is progressive and
sustainable,” said Lim.

VOLUME 5 NO. 2 JUNE 2018

66 ||

INITIATING REFORMS, FORGING ALLIANCES
FOR BETTER LAND GOVERNANCE

The recent completion of the by: Fatima R. Leya
century old National Cadastral
Survey and the implementation of “In the past, our approach to land
the Land Administration and Management management has been fragmented,
Systems (LAMS) are remarkable reforms with several agencies going in di erent
that address the long time, deep-seated directions” says Undersecretary Ernesto
problems in land governance in the Adobo, Jr., who was tasked by Secretary
country. Roy Cimatu to handle the Improved
Land Administration and Management
e cadastral survey and the Program, one of the ten priority programs
establishment of a standard computer- of DENR.
based land records management of LAMS
serve not only as an accurate system of Such fragmented approach bore
national base land information and quick issues that undermine the integrity of
process of land transactions, updating the country’s land administration and
of land records, and tracking of land management system. One way to correct
applications, but also preventive measures this approach is to encourage agencies and
to safeguard land management from illicit other stakeholders to work together and x
land processing practices and fraudulent the loopholes for better land governance.
land transactions.
e DENR, fully aware of the dispersed
land administration functions among Undersecretaries Atty. Ernesto D. Adobo Jr. and Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, with
government agencies, will adopt a LMB Director Atty. Emelyne V. Talabis unveil the pledge board of the Declaration of Commitment and Support during the
However, remarkable as they are, such coherent and consistent set of land
reforms are not enough to sustain ideal policies and laws, stipulated in the Land National Land Summit
land governance in the country. e Administration Reform Act (LARA). e
complexities in land management are also LARA bill aims to x the institutional the need to conduct an on-the-ground constitutional right and dignity to live a
brought about by ine cient and ine ective and structural de ciencies that land validation of the potential and workable better future," he said.
coordination among land administration administration in the country currently lots for titling. is will be done through
institutions that causes overlapping, have. By designating a lone agency to do the Rapid Land Tenure Appraisal Around 500 participants of the summit
inconsistencies, and inaccuracies in land the full land administration functions; (RLTA), which involves tapping the local pledged to support DENR’s undertakings
surveys and records. high cost transactions, low investment, knowledge to assess land tenure situation in land reforms. An act that Secretary Roy
and gra and corruption, and other on the ground. Cimatu considers, “a priceless gi and a
Such predicament also a ects land associated impact of poor administration con rmation of willingness to be part of
titling and land distribution process of services can be addressed. e conduct of the RLTA will be the reform process.” e LMB and the
the government, placing land governance undertaken in partnership with the participants committed to sustain the
as a matter of national concern – serious Once the bill is approved, all land local government units (LGUs) which developments that have transpired and
enough to make it as one of the 10-point administrative power and functions also do land titling activities within initiated, which include adoption of best
Socio-Economic Agenda of the President. will be streamlined in one government their jurisdiction. To also aid in the practices and improvement of public-
agency. is will ease delivery of land conduct of RLTA, the DENR has issued a private partnership among stakeholders.
President Duterte’s Six-Point Agenda, administration services and rid of memorandum directing regional o ces to
“Ensure security of land tenure to unnecessary costs on the part of agencies provide LGUs with the approved cadastral ey vowed to work jointly in identifying
encourage investments, and address and clients. maps. e use of a uniform cadastral map and addressing emerging issues in the
bottlenecks in land management and in LGUs will be the basis for the issuance of land sector, and serve as information
titling agencies,” is a necessary precursor Reforms would also be carried out on land patents to claimants or land owners. conduits to people on matters concerning
to actualize the “AmBisyon Natin 2040,” a land information and management. A the land sector.
collective vision of Filipinos that sees the multi-purpose cadastre will be adopted to
Philippines prosperous and predominantly support readily available comprehensive Forging alliances and building networks mLtoaiRtLnohnMaetIoedngancrBidcpeeportrtue.norBalIMbtaaacttuhllntehiaiiactOssloannhdsansaectinhgbttcltieogaa3aowemtcrnntsokdih,dseanueanlplnmtaBrodltreiaooenBllnienartiotusdt,tthnewsrhiaedNndsritaleotetlugech,waiucmonegoMtraqtopDndMesu,aotssdEiniuirnrnNattairiuhhlreeeraRyeeeesss,
middle class society by 2040. land-related information at the parcel e DENR recognizes the valuable inputs and Geosciences Bureau Building,
level. Likewise, the DENR will utilize DMiGliBmaCn,oQmupeozuonndC, itNyo. rth Avenue,
To attain this vision, the government the one control map, an integrated map of other sectors in land administration
has to triple real per capita income and of the country’s environment and natural and management. In facilitating reforms, C CENROS...FROM PAGE 4
eradicate hunger and poverty by 2040. resources that will aid in evidence- the agency solicits the essential support According to him, a good leader
Ensuring security of land tenure plays a based planning and decision making in of stakeholders and partners. It forges would make subordinates follow, and a
crucial role in achieving this objective. environmental governance. alliances and builds networks to collectively conducive work environment could help
Distribution of lands to poor landless address bottlenecks in land management. increase productivity. He also stressed
farmers, peasants, shermen, and local By next year, 2019, the DENR Land the bene t of acknowledging one’s good
communities in the country could Management Bureau (LMB) will fast track On January 16-17, 2018, LMB organized work; it boosts morale and motivates
enhance agricultural, shery, and forestry the issuance of residential patents through and conducted the rst summit on land e cient and e ective work.
production, boosting local and national the Accelerated Land Titling Program. administration and management held at
economy of the country. LMB will intensify the implementation the Manila Hotel. e summit laid bare
of Rapid Land Tenure Appraisal, a the status of land management in the
e DENR, as the main agency procedure that will determine the number country. It convened di erent stakeholders
responsible for the management of land of lots suitable for titling; and adopt the in a two-day discussion to identify issues,
resources in the country, leads other systematic adjudication approach to formulate reforms, and think of strategies
agencies and government institutions simplify, streamline and fast track titling of to adopt to improve land governance in
towards the direction of national land alienable and disposable lands. the country. Land ownership, public land
reform. rough its Improved Land management, land tenure, socio-economic
Administration and Management Strengthening land records in agenda, innovation, and land information
eld o ces management and security were among For his nal message, he said, “I wouldn’t
Program, a comprehensive land tenure those deeply discussed.
reform would be carried out to fast track forget my experiences in the academy,
the processing and issuance of titles over In order to deliver LMB’s target of 390, Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco made aside from the important lessons that I
alienable and disposable lands. 000 patents for residential areas from 2017 emphasis on land ownership. He stressed have learned, I was promoted to full time
to 2022, the bureau will have to strengthen the right to property as among the basic CENRO of Masinloc, Zambales, while
Fixing institutional and structural existing land records in the DENR eld human rights, alongside life and liberty. taking the course.”
de ciencies o ces. Currently, discrepancies in land “Depriving people of their property
records are evident in the eld hence rights also means depriving them of their

VOVLOULMUME E5 5NON.O2. 2 JUJNUENE20210818

|| 77

DENR LAND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND
PEACEBUILDING IN MARAWI CITY

REBUILDING A CONFLICT RELAPSE-FREE MARAWI CITY

by: Alvin D. Gatbonton

On May 23, 2017, the ISIS-backed total number of members, with the O ce e battle for Marawi has its roots in the
Maute group armed with high- of the Civil Defense as the Secretariat. Preventing multiple natural hazards complex and bloody history of Mindanao,
powered rearms, drones, DENR intervention in Marawi City and where more than a half century of armed
two-way radios and scanners attacked e Sub-Committees include the Land a ected localities involves coming up with struggles have claimed hundreds of
the Islamic City of Marawi during its Resource Management Sub-Committee, plans to prevent natural hazards. ese thousands lives. Populating dissenting
holy month opfoRinatms aodfant,heragcinitgy. terror headed by DENR. include Comprehensive Land Use Plan Moro lands in Mindanao not only resulted
on strategic ey (CLUP), Solid Waste Management Plan to Muslims’ political disenfranchise,
occupied Amai Pakpak Medical Center. Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of (SWMP), Local Disaster Risk Reduction poverty and discrimination, but also led
ey harassed Camp Ranaw; the Military Marawi Management Plan (LDRRMP) and Local to clan feud, which mostly are triggered by
headquarter of the city. ey surrounded Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP). land or territorial con ict and claims. Clan
and released the prisoners of the city hall. Initial estimate of the total needs in ese plans intend to stop deforestation feud over lands is a reality that permeates
ey set ablaze the Protestant-run Dansalan Marawi City was placed at P49.81 billion in upland areas, address ooding and to the growth of local terrorism in the
College and the Catholic St. Mary’s Parish. pesos, based on the post con ict needs threats of geological hazards in urban or southern Philippines. Clan feuds oblige
ey took hostages, including Father assessment made by the PCNA Team led municipal areas, and rehabilitate a ected clan members, even the youth to arm
Chito, a Catholic priest, and moved by the O ce of the Civil Defense and waterways and watershed. themselves and participate in defending
towards Banggolo, the city’s commercial Bangon Marawi Technical Working Group, their kin network against a rival clan”
district, where they hold out for months chaired by HUDCC and regularly attended Stopping deforestation and watershed (Cabalza, 2017). Such customary actions
and became the main battle area. A er ve by DENR Geologist and Post Con ict/ destruction can be exploited by terrorist groups and
months of erce battles on the ground and Disaster Technical Focal, Michelle E. in uence clans to join a much deeper
intensive military air strikes, on October Mendoza. e Bangon Marawi Recovery e post-war situation could result to cause such as secession, which the Maute
16, 2017, Isnilon Hapilon and the two and Rehabilitation Plan developed by a higher demand for food and natural local group did when the ISIS Asian leader
Maute brother ISIS leaders were killed. NEDA was presented to the Cabinet resource derived products such as timber Isnilon Hapilon in ltrated the group. e
President Duterte, a erwards, declared the Meeting on June 11, 2018. An initial fund or wood products, sand and other minerals. ISIS-backed Maute Group claimed war on
liberation of Marawi from the ISIS group, of P10 billion pesos NDRRM Fund will be Sustainable production and use of natural
and announced the rebuilding and rise of released and used for the reconstruction resources must be ensured. A large section ag and territory in Marawi.
a new Marawi City. and rehabilitation of damaged government ere is no certainty that local terrorism
facilities, land and aerial survey activities,
and social data gathering, educational, of the areas surrounding Marawi City are similar as that of the Maute group could
Task Force Bangon Marawi housing, health, and relief support outside classi ed and unclassi ed forestlands or sprout and be prevented again. If the
problem on land con ict and armed clan
Administrative Order (AO) No. 3, the most a ected area. According to timberlands, but are currently settled or groups would not be resolved, a much
facilitated the immediate resettlement of TFBM Chairperson Eduardo del Rosario, occupied. ese forestlands are largely higher level of violence may erupt again
the inauguration or the full blast of the part of the Lanao Lake Watershed Forest in the future or the generations to come.
displaced Marawi residents rehabilitation program within the most Reserve and have been declared a protected However, if mitigated through attempts to
e ectively resolve clan con icts, terrorism
Just over a month a er the war in Marawi a ected area will start in August 2018 and area. is something that the country can control
broke on May 23, 2017, AO No. 3, series of is set to be completed in year 2021. in the future.
2017 was issued by President Rodrigo Roa Establishing proper solid waste
Duterte, creating the inter-agency Task DENR, Head of Sub-Committee on management (SWM) Laying the groundwork and setting the
Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM). Chaired Land Resource Management conditions for strong and solid peace
by the Secretary of National Defense (ND) As Head of the Land Resource Because the local government units
and comprised of di erent national and Management Sub-Committee of TF (LGUs) in Marawi and a ected localities in Marawi
local agency members, the Task Force, Bangon Marawi, the DENR is responsible have no existing SWM Plans, the SWM “Guns and bullets merely destroy the
in coordination with the Autonomous for handling all issues pertaining to land Plan for Marawi, developed by DENR, body but not the corrupt ideology that
Region of Muslim Mindanao, addressed resources. e DENR plays a critical role will be implemented for two years. While propels the struggle” (Cabalza, 2017).
the immediate needs of the displaced and in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of carrying out the plan, the DENR will train
devastated residents of Marawi. It settled Marawi City for it would not only lay the the LGUs concerned and prepare them for e Land Resource Management Sub-
the people in temporary house shelters, groundwork for the physical rebuilding the third year implementation of the Plan. Committee headed by DENR, in its e ort
provided them with food and basic utilities of new Marawi City, but also set the to establish a sustainable land resource
such as water and electricity, attended to conditions that could establish sound land e DENR will initially install 36 materials management in Marawi, could set the
their health, and maintained peace and resource management in the area. recovery facilities (MRFs) and close conditions for strong and solid peace in
order. Marawi City’s existing open dumpsite, Marawi. Such conditions could solidify
which is in a slope owing down to Agus peace in the area and prevent relapse of
River. For the meantime that a sanitary con ict in the City and surrounding areas,
Laying the groundwork for new land ll has not yet been built, a temporary said Atty. Michelle Go, Assistant Secretary
AO No. 9 amended AO No. 3: for post war Marawi City controlled dumpsite with sealed chamber for Field Operations - Mindanao. e
restoration and rehabilitation of Marawi for hazardous wastes would be constructed conduct of accurate land surveying and
zoning, and integrated planning for land
A er Marawi City was totally liberated Before the deep foundations of public and utilized for nal disposal. use and land resource management, as
from the ISIS- backed local terrorist infrastructures, houses, schools, hospitals Managing Lake Lanao protected area mentioned above, could pave the way to
group, a need arose to issue AO No. 9 and other facilities could be laid out in the Almost all of Marawi City, including address and correct current land tenure
and amend AO No. 3. e AO No. 9 areas, it is a must for the land to be surveyed and land ownership de ciencies, which
reorganizes the composition of TFBM so for boundaries, zoned for land use, and portions of the military reservation of are main causes of clan feud and other
that it can proceed to the full rehabilitation planned for land resource management. Camp Keithley/Camp Ranao are inside land-related armed con ict in the areas.
of the wide-scale physical destruction and Resolving land tenure and land ownership the Lake Lanao Watershed Forest Reserve,
economic devastation brought about by which was declared a protected area under is is environmental peacebuilding
the war. e AO No. 9 made the Secretary de ciencies Proc. No. 871 in 1992. As part of the pursued by DENR. rough the
of Housing and Urban Development e conduct of accurate land surveying protected area, the Lake Lanao Protected establishment of strong land tenure,
Coordinating Council (HUDCC) the and zoning, and integrated planning for Area Management Board (PAMB) must appropriate and just occupancy
Chairperson of the Task Force, and the land use and land resource management convene and come up with an approved arrangements, and sustainable land use
Secretaries of the Department of National could pave the way to clarify and correct land management plan for the area. and management in Marawi, con ict
Defense and Department of Public Works problems in the past such as overlapping on land ownership by clans could be
and Highways as the Vice-Chairpersons. It land tenure and land ownership claims. To DENR’s environmental peacebuilding prevented and not be a problem in the
also gave way for members of the TFBM resolve these de ciencies, consultations in Marawi future.
to organize additional Sub-Committees. and negotiations with concerned land
owners or clans who have claim over them Deep-rooted con ict for ag and territory
us, aside from the early declared Sub- must be carried out.
Committees in AO No. 3, other Sub-
Committees were added bringing to 56 the

VOLUME 5 NO. 2 JUNE 2018

8| VOLUME 5 NO. 2 JUNE 2018

BORACAY UPDATE: HOW’S THE REHABILITATION GOING?
by: Fatima R. Leya

O Road Widening in Bulabog, Aklan Recently, more pipelines whose outfalls are all directed tourists’ travel, while a diversion road will be constructed
n April 26, 2018, the recommendation of the to the beaches have been discovered. Using MGB's to cater service vehicles of establishments transporting
Department of Environment and Natural Ground Penetrating Radar, the DENR had a quick survey goods and logistics. With the expansion of the main road
Resources (DENR), Department of Tourism of the 4.3-kilometer stretch shoreline, and discovered and the construction of a diversion road, the DPWH
(DOT), and Department of the Interior and Local pipelines coming from establishments whose out ows assures that road tra c will no longer be a problem.
Government (DILG) to temporarily close Boracay and are discharging e uents directly to the sea.
properly execute its rehabilitation plan nally got a nod Integrated in the road widening project is the
from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. is transpired Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, aware that mere excavation of construction of road drainage that will be connected
a er months of evaluation revealed that the island needs these pipes could consume the six-month rehabilitation to the sewerage systems of BIWC and BTSI. e design
to rest and has to be restored. period, sought the help of the Philippine Army, who and construction of the road drainage will be made in
Boracay has been receiving tourists beyond its carrying lent its 100 army trainees, whom he called “Boracay conjunction with the rehabilitation of sewerage systems
capacity. e uncontrolled in ux and accommodation of Centurion” to fasttrack the excavation work. of the two water concessionaires.
tourists and residents, entangled by the government's
neglect of duty and business establishments’ abuse e Secretary gave his assurance: “Hindi natin Boracay residents have shown their full support to
of environment and natural resources have resulted papayagan buksan ang Boracay na wala sa standard ang the ongoing rehabilitation since day one of the closure by
in the burgeoning of illegal structures and buildings, water quality doon.” volunteering to demolish their own establishments that
unregulated sewage discharge in beaches, and mounding obstruct the 12-meter right of way delineated by DPWH.
of garbage and soil on half of wetland areas in the island. Such resolve translated to the frequent monitoring of
A remark from President Rodrigo Duterte liking water quality in Bulabog beaches. Water samples from is expression of support has made the execution of the
Boracay to a cesspool has prodded concerned agencies the beaches are periodically tested for concentration of road widening project easier.
to take serious actions. Boracay, now o to healing and fecal coliform, and improvement in their water quality
total makeover, the DENR and other national agencies is an indicator that the problem in the island’s sewerage Forest lands and easement recovery and
are all hands on deck to save it from total degradation. system is being addressed. Sewerage rehabilitation is now
gaining positive result as the water quality in beaches has A&D lands management
Task Force Boracay Created improved by 80 to 90 percent. Boracay is cleared with illegal structures at the
By virtue of the Executive Order No. 53 signed beachfront, a er some establishments have self-
by President Duterte, the inter-agency task force e Secretary assures that those guilty of discharging demolished, while others were demolished by the
spearheaded by DENR, DOT, and DILG was created to e uents directly to the seas will be held liable by the LGU. As of May 30, 2018, 188 out of the 234 easement
carry out the six-month rehabilitation of Boracay Island. law. At the moment these establishments that violated encroachers were issued with show cause orders.
Other agencies ordered to collaborate are Department were given show cause orders and cases were led to Meanwhile, encroachers in forestlands have to undergo
of Justice, Department of Public Works and Highways, the DENR’s Pollution Adjudication Board, who will the process of relocation. As of June 18, 2018, 392 were
Department of Social Welfare and Development, sanction them with appropriate penalties if found to issued with Notices to Vacate (NOV) by the task force.
Department of Trade and Industry, and the Tourism have violated environmental laws. e Secretary also
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority. signed a memorandum circular order directing hotels Biodiversity conservation, wetlands rehabilitation
As chair of the Task Force and in-charge of xing and resorts with 50 rooms and above to disconnect from
environmental issues besetting Boracay, the DENR the sewerage line and secure their own sewage treatment and geohazard management
focuses on ve key areas: plant (STP) by September. ose with 49 rooms and Currently, the DENR is checking six wetlands on the
• Drainage and Sewerage Rehabilitation below are directed to have a clustered STP or may opt to island with collectively 548 illegal structures (as of June
• Solid Waste Management build their own. 18, 2018). e DENR in coordination with the local
• Roads and Transport government of Malay ensures that the identi ed families
• Forest Lands and Easement Recovery and A&D Solid waste management will be properly transferred in a relocation site identi ed
e local government unit (LGU) of Malay, Aklan, in in Malay. Temporary houses will be built as well to
Lands Management partnership with other sectors, is set to institutionalize its accommodate these families.
• Biodiversity Conservation, Wetlands proper solid waste management system. It has provided Recently, the DENR signed memorandum of
Rehabilitation and Geohazard Management Boracay with additional trucks to keep a 24-hour garbage agreements with Energy Development Corporation and
collection and daily transport of garbage from Boracay Aboitiz Group for the rehabilitation of Wetlands 2 and
Drainage and sewerage rehabilitation to mainland Aklan. It is starting its rehabilitation of 4, respectively.
e waste issue in Boracay poses as a major threat Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in barangays According to Secretary Cimatu, what remains to be a
to tourists. Restoring the island and turning it into a Yapak, Balabag, and Manoc-Manoc - manned by trained dilemma is the rehabilitation of Wetland No. 6 which has
conducive eco-tourism destination is a serious work of personnel to ensure that MRFs would facilitate recycling become the one of the drainage outfalls of the island. But
xing its solid waste and illegal sewage discharge. of materials. the environment chief assures that this will be addressed
At the onset of Boracay’s closure, the DENR focused in time of the deadline as long as concerted e orts are at
on these issues and laid out its action plan for the Road and Transport full speed.
Island’s drainage and sewerage system. A er a series of To allow for a more spacious Boracay and enhanced Moreover, the sinkholes previously identi ed
meetings with Boracay’s water concessionaires, it was road system, illegal structures that have plagued the by the MGB are being studied and monitoring of
found out that the two “outfalls” identi ed in Bulabog island have to be removed. Two months prior to its Karst subsidence in the island will be undertaken all
beaches is the result of a awed sewerage system. Taking closure, the DPWH has deployed 180 people and 18 throughout the closure period. Such activities are also
the fall, the two water concessionaires, Boracay Island heavy equipment to start the ground work for the road simultaneous with the MGB’s coastal and ood hazard
Water Company (BIWC) and Boracay Tubi System construction. mapping which will be used in updating the island’s
Incorporated (BTSI), committed to x the island’s disaster risk reduction management plan.
sewerage system. Together with the Task Force, they e 5.5 meter narrow main road of Boracay, with Almost three months since the Island’s closure, the
diverted the direction of the pipelines whose outfalls lead obstructions on the sidewalk, has been a painin the neck Secretary declares that rehabilitation e orts are now 50
to the beach to a wastewater treatment facility, which for most tourists and residents due to the heavy tra c it to 60 percent complete. He says that with the maximum
cleans the e uents and discharges them one kilometer causes. e DPWH heavy equipment is now rolling to e ort and dedication being put into by the members of
away from the Island. implement its road widening project. It is expanding the the task force, Boracay’s opening in October is on track.
current 5.5 meter - road to 12- meters to provide more
lanes for vehicles. e main road is proposed to cater EDITORIAL STAFF

Official Newsletter of the adviser : Usec. Benny D. Antiporda
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Editor-in-Chief : Ma. Sabrina R. Cruz
Vol. 5 No. 2 JUNE 2018
A publication of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Managing Editor : Maria Matilda A. Gaddi
through the Strategic Communication and Initiatives Service with office
address at DENR Building, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, 1101, Quezon City Associate Editor : Alvin D. Gatbonton

Writers : Adona P. San Diego
Martina R. Constantino
Fatima R. Leya

Lay-out and : Andrea Ana Sarian
Graphic Editor

Photographers/ : Eduard Dominic D. Ocado,
Infographics Marjun N. Jumao-as

Benedict C. Estranero Jr.,
Jasper L. Lumagbas /
Rhoderic M. Los Bañez

Distribution and : Melvin B. Soriano
Circulation

#SaveBoracay ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. #ProtectBoracay
No article or photograph published herein may be reprinted or reproduced in whole or in part without prior consent of the DENR.