2nd Quarter Newsletter

8 KALIKASAN Tacloban City April - June 2019

DENR lauds PNP 8.... 2

violators with relentless devotion. operations against wildlife and litterers, among others”, says RED
“We continue to depend on
timber poaching, mining, and Barcelo.
you to augment our enforcement
personnel in the DENR in intelligence quarrying activities, he also The DENR Regional Chief
gathering, actual operation, and the
seizure of contrabands and arrest of enjoined the men and women of the expressed optimism that DENR’s
the culprits”, he said.
PNP to join the war against solid partnership with the PNP will
While, he commended the
police force for a number of waste, especially the proliferation of continue to strengthen environmental
successful DENR-PNP joint
plastic pollution. “The presence of protection and conservation efforts in

PNP personnel in the field can be a the region. “The PNP in the past has

deterrent against improper waste always answered our call, and we are

disposal by calling the attention of confident that it will be sustained”,

he said. ###

DENR rescues.... 1

set for chickens within the forests of campaign for the protection of this

Brgy. Carayacay. He then reported the critically endangered bird and its

incident to the DENR through its habitat. “Its presence in our region

Community Environment and Natural is a testament that we still have

Resources Office - Dolores (CENRO healthy forests which we need to

Dolores) which has jurisdiction over the sustainably manage and protect,”

area. RED Barcelo says.

A team from the DENR Hunting of the Philippine

Regional Office and Biodiversity eagle, considered as critically

Management Bureau, together with endangered, is strictly prohibited

representative veterinarians and under the Philippine Wildlife DENR Region VIII

technical staff of the Philippine Eagle Conservation Act of 2001 (Republic EDITORIAL STAFF

Foundation (PEF), was deployed to Act 9147) with penalties of up to 12 Augustus Ceasar V. Lantajo Perlice D. Belonias
Circulation Manager/Visuals Researcher
conduct an initial assessment of years imprisonment and a fine of up
Johann Hein B. Arpon Hedy M. Yao
“Maslog E.S” (the official name of the to One Million Pesos. Writer Lay-out Artist

eagle). While it seemed to be in a good A Philippine eagle was last Rowena C. Opiniano
Managing Editor

condition, it was turned over to the seen in the forests of Calbiga, Samar Maita Reina G. Sucgang
Editor-in-Chief
Philippine Eagle Foundation Center, on and Taft, Eastern Samar in
TECHNICAL ADVISERS
June 26, 2019 for further examination September 2014. In 2013, a
Arturo N. Salazar
and rehabilitation. After its Philippine eagle was spotted near the ARD for Management Services

rehabilitation, Maslog E.S will be boundaries of Baybay City, Burauen Morakie P. Domanday

released back to its natural habitat in and Albuera in Leyte province and ARD for Technical Services

ATTY. CRIZALDY M. BARCELO, CESO III
Regional Executive Director

Maslog, E. Samar. Silago, Southern Leyte, months CONTRIBUTORS
PENROs/CENROs
“Sightings of the Philippine before super typhoon Yolanda struck.
Division Chiefs
eagle is extremely rare and protecting Reports of observed nesting site were DENR Employees

them is a challenge,” says Atty. also recorded in Eastern Samar in the Kalikasan is an internal publication
produced quarterly by the Regional Public
Crizaldy M. Barcelo, DENR same year. Affairs Office, Department of Environment
and Natural Resources, Region 8, with
Regional Executive Director. The The Philippine eagle was office at Sto. Niño Extension, Tacloban
City. Contributions are welcome. However,
rescue of Maslog E.S once again officially declared the country’s the editorial staff reserves the right to edit
all articles contributed for publication.
confirms the presence of this critically national bird in 1995 by then Reprint is allowed as long as credit is

endangered species in Eastern Samar, President Fidel V. Ramos. It is given.

RED Barcelo adds. endemic to the Philippines and can

Following the rescue of be found in the islands of Eastern

Maslog E. S, the DENR steps up its Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao.

@DENR8Official Website: r8.denr.gov.ph

Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region VIII

Volume X No. 02 Tacloban City April - June 2019

Calbayog River bags R.I.V.E.R.S for Life Award

Calbayog River was named

second best river in the country

during the first ever R.I.V.E.Rs

(Recognizing Individuals/Institu-

tions Towards Vibrant and

Enhanced Rivers) for Life Award.

The award seeks to raise

public awareness on the need to

protect and conserve the country’s

rivers as the lifeblood of the earth.

A total of sixteen (16)

classified Class C rivers were

submitted as entries by DENR

regional offices. Nominees were

selected by the DENR Regional

PENRO Samar which has jurisdiction over the Calbayog River represented by its PENR Officer Committee consisting of the DENR,
Grace Gravoso (3rd from L) and CENR Officer of CENRO Catbalogan Gene Tomas (4th from L)
together with RED Crizaldy Barcelo (2nd from L) receive the prize for bagging second place in the Mines and Geosciences Bureau

RIVERs for Life Award. The award was presented by DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu (3rd from R) and (MGB) and Environmental

other officials of the Central Office. Management Bureau (EMB).

Calbayog River bags ... 7

DENR rescues Philippine Eagle in Eastern Samar

A juvenile Philippine Eagle “Maslog E.S”, the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) rescued in Maslog, Eastern
(Pithecophaga jefferyi) was recently Samar. Photo by: Donato Fernandez
rescued in Maslog, Eastern Samar.

Reports reaching the
Department of Environment and
Natural Resources, Regional Office 8
revealed that the estimated three year
old Philippine Eagle was caught in a
trap within the forests of Brgy.
Carayacay in Maslog town.

Vice Mayor Septemio C.
Santiago of Maslog, Eastern Samar
reveals that a son of a farmer brought
the eagle to him on June 17, 2019 after
it was unintentionally caught in a trap

DENR rescues ... 8

@DENR8Official Website: r8.denr.gov.ph

2 KALIKASAN Tacloban City April - June 2019

Regional Executive Director’s Corner

doubts. They say it’s an newly appointed employees. Indeed,
life gives you backwhatever you
impossible crusade, something have given. Your appointment is the
Department’s way of giving back and
that can’t be done. But with the recognizing your excellent perfor-
mance.
heartfelt cooperation of various
My hopes are high, with the
sectors and individuals who placement of qualified employees, I
am confident that DENR region 8
joined us in our support to sustain will continue to soar. And as you
carry on with your duties, keep in
the Save Calbayog River Project mind these principles – stay away
from narrow-minded people and
we garnered the second spot for those that bring you down, have a
vision and remain focused, do not be
the RIVERs for Life Award in the afraid of challenges, fulfill
ATTY. CRIZALDY M. BARCELO, CESO III entire country. Indeed, this is a commitments, leave your comfort
zone, shed off old habits, and value
recognition that honors the core values of DENR at all times
- discipline, excellence, nobility, and
The celebration of our 32nd partnership and concerted effort in responsibility.
Anniversary this June comes with a environmental protection and
blissful feeling, an affirmation of the conservation.
saying that goes “alone we can do
so little, together we can do so In celebrating our
much”. Anniversary, we also value the
meritorious performance of our
In the recently concluded employees and welcome into our
RIVERs for Life Award, our DENR family enthusiastic

intention to rehabilitate the appointees.
Calbayog River and be recognized I am extending my
for our efforts was bombarded with
felicitations to our promoted and

DENR lauds PNP 8 as trusted partner in protecting species

DENR 8 Regional Executive as critical habitat due to
Director Atty. Crizaldy Barcelo
lauded the Philippine National poaching by some indi-
Police (PNP) as one of the agency’s
trusted and dependable partners in viduals. While the
curbing attacks against the country’s
environment and natural resources. DENR personnel are

In his message during the doing their best to com-
PNP’s Convocation and
Distinguished Visitor’s Program, bat these illegal acts,
RED Barcelo underscored the
important role of the uniformed they need all the help
personnel in realizing this year’s
Earth Day campaign to “Protect the they can get from part-
Species”.
ners such as the PNP.
He noted that there is a steep
decline in the wildlife species in the Citing human
region especially in areas declared
activity as the primary

cause of environmental DENR 8 Regional Executive Director Atty.
Crizaldy Barcelo urges police force to strengthen
destruction and its partnership with the DENR in protecting the
region’s environment and natural resources.
ecological imbalance,
DENR lauds PNP 8 ... 8
RED Barcelo urged the

PNP to be firm in its

resolve to go after

devotion.

April - June 2019 Tacloban City KALIKASAN 7

DENR urges public to observe an environment-friendly Holy Week

This Holy Week, the effort to rehabilitate the country’s minimize or refrain from open burning
Department of Environment and water resources, and every individual in areas where flammable materials could
Natural Resources (DENR) is encouraged to take part even ignite and carry fire to forestlands. Report

underscores the need for greater through simple ways such as proper wildfire incidents immediately to au-
commitment from the people to waste disposal to ensure to the thorities to prevent further damage, and
conserve and ensure sustainability cleanliness of the rivers and seas. adhere to information campaigns on how

of the environment and natural Meanwhile, as the long dry spell to take care of our forests and keep it safe

resources which are God’s creation. sets-in this summer, tourists visiting the from fires and other threats.
DENR 8 Regional ecotourism destinations and the
The DENR stressed that there are
Executive Director Crizaldy general public are also urged to existing old reforestation projects and

Barcelo disclosed that while the protect the forests and help prevent plantations established under the
Lenten season is a time for reflec- forest fire by taking precautions and government’s reforestation programs,
tion and meditation, the DENR is being cautious of their actions.
anticipating the influx of tourists to and a highly-diverse flora and fauna
different ecotourism destinations. In order to avoid forest fires, species within forestlands that need to be
the DENR enjoins the public to
preserved and protected. ###
He said, “For those who will

take the Holy Week break as an

opportunity to enjoy the beauty of

our ecotourism spots, please make Photo Release:

your actions as environment- DENR RED Crizaldy

friendly as possible. Be reminded Barcelo visits the Gulayan

of the simple idea to reduce, re-use sa Barangay at Brgy.

and recycle”. Payahan, Calbayog, Samar.

He emphasized that the

DENR in collaboration with various

stakeholders is doing a massive

Calbayog River bags.... 1 active participation of all sectorsin the to the first, second and third placers,
Support to Sustain the Calbayog River respectively by DENR Secretary RoyA.
Entries were reviewed Project played a big role in revitalizing Cimatu on the occasion of DENR’s 32nd
based on the list of activities/ the Calbayog River which was once Anniversary celebration held at the
interventions undertaken by the declared a dead river. DENR Central Office in Quezon City
concerned Provincial and on June 14, 2019.
Community Environment and RED Barcelo added that he is
Natural Resources Offices optimistic with the commitment of the To ensure that all rivers in the
(PENROs/CENROs) on their stakeholders to pursue the complete region are kept clean, RED Barcelo
nominated river. These include: restoration of the Calbayog River. launched the regional RIVERs for Life
Aesthetic Water Quality Award during DENR 8’s Anniversary
Improvement, Solid Waste The top prize of the RIVERs for celebration held on June 15, 2019. Said
Management, Partnership and Life Award went to Lamut River in search shall likewise determine Eastern
Community Mobilization, Ifugao province, Cordillera Visayas’ entry to the 2019 national
Information and Education Administrative Region. Second prize RIVERs for Life Award, which has been
Campaign (IEC), and other was given to Calbayog River in Samar declared by the central office as a
activities, interventions and province, Region 8, while the third place continuing annual activity with winners
innovations. went to Manaba River in Bohol, recognized during the DENR
Region 7. Anniversary. (with reports from SCIS,
DENR 8 Regional DENR Central Office) ###.
Executive Director Crizaldy Cash prizes of Php100,000,
Barcelo said the concerted Php75,000 and Php50,000 were given
efforts of the entire DENR
Region 8 workforce and the

6 KALIKASAN Tacloban City April - June 2019

April is the Month of the Planet Earth

“Beat Plastic Pollution, if advocates for reduction of plastic use. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the

you can’t refuse it, reuse it”, once It also urges the public to take even proclamation of the Month of the
again marks this year’s observance simple steps such as asking the res- Planet Earth underscores the support
of April as Month of the Planet taurants frequently visited to stop of the Philippines for the global
Earth.
using plastic straws, bringing own consensus on the need to protect and
This supports the global coffee mug to work, and pressuring save the planet from environmental
campaign to end plastic pollution local authorities to improve the degradation and ensure a sustainable
and reduce the heavy burden placed management of wastes.
future for all.
by plastics on nature, wildlife, and
Tourists visiting the region The DENR in partnership with

human health. are also encouraged to reduce other concerned agencies, private
In the region, the plastic use and prevent plastics from sector, local government units,
accumulating in oceans, waterways, non-government organizations, civic
Department of Environment and beaches, and forests.
Natural Resources (DENR) and religious organizations are tasked
encourages the public to take
actions against plastic pollution by Declared by virtue of to conduct support activities that
joining or organizing
environmental activities that Presidential Proclamation No. 1482 highlight the promotion of earth

signed on April 10, 2008 by President sciences towards a better society. ###

Over 100 volunteers join Pambujan River clean up PENROs/CENROs
Corner

Over one hundred (100) because aside from being a major

volunteers in Pambujan, Northern water highway for coastal barangays,

Samar responded to the call of the it is also the main waterway of the

Department of Environment and Pambujan Watershed that runs north

Natural Resources (DENR) for and finally culminates in the

massive clean-up and rehabilitation Philippine Sea.

of rivers. “We do not want our trash to

Spearheaded by the wind up in our oceans and threaten

Community Environment and our marine ecosystems, and

Natural Resources Office eventually affect the health of the

(CENRO) - Pambujan, volunteers people”, CENRO Villanueva said.

from the local government unit, River clean-up is a regular

other government agencies, and activity held monthly by all DENR

civic-society organizations 8 field offices in their respective
collected around two hundred fifty areas of jurisdiction. This is being

(250) kilos of garbage composed of done to promote public participation

non-biodegradable wastes such as in protecting and revitalizing the

plastics, residual wastes like rivers in the region. ###

diapers, and biodegradable wastes

like decaying leaves along the

Pambujan River.

For. Angelito Villanueva,

Community Environment and

Natural Resources Officer of

CENRO Pambujan said it is

necessary to ensure that the

Pambujan River is kept clean

KALIKASAN Tacloban City 3April - June 2019

DENR recognizes environmental partners

In celebration of its 32nd Industries and local government units

Anniversary, the Department of maintaining good environmental

Environment and Natural practices, were also given due Did you know that...

Resources (DENR) Regional recognition by the Environmental Common Names: Asian pigeonwings,
bluebellvine, blue pea, butterfly pea,
Officce 8 recognized its partners in Management Bureau (EMB). Scientific Name: Clitoria Ternatea L.
Family: Fabaceae
environmental protection and The local government unit of Kingdom: Plantae
The flower of this
conservation from various sectors. Calbayog and the non-government tree has vivid, deep
-blue and white
Awarded for their organization SACRIFICE were colouration and it is
usually used as a
unwavering support to the likewise lauded by the DENR for natural colourant in
food preparation especially in the local culinary
Department’s forest protection and their efforts in rehabilitating the scene. Besides that, parts of the plant such as its
leaves, flowers, and roots are believed to pos-
anti-illegal logging efforts were Calbayog River which was chosen as sess sought-after medicinal values such as anal-
gesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory prop-
uniformed men of the 803rd Brigade regional entry to the RIVERs for Life erties. The plant also possesses a number of ad-
vantages such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-
43rd IB Philippine Army. Also Awards. Because of their assistance, microbial, antihelminthic, hepaprotective and
antiasthmatic properties that are beneficial and
presented with Certificates of Calbayog River was commended as useful in reducing health disorders

Commendation for their assistance the second best river in the country Source: https://www.myfoodresearch.com/uploads/8/4/8/5/
84855864/_2__fr-2018-073_ezzudin_1.pdf
in environmental law enforcement under the RIVERs for Life Award.
ECO
were police officers of the “We are honored with the TIPS

Philippine National Police (PNP) in support and dedication of everyone Simple Eco-Friendly Summer Tips

Biliran province. to keep our environment at its best Let in some light. Why waste electricity in your
house or workplace, when all you need to do is
Besides recognizing efforts shape. The DENR cannot do it alone. open the blinds and you’ve got light.

in forest protection, the DENR also We need the cooperation of the Get a few living air purifiers aka indoor plants.
They will liven up your home as well as help fight
acknowledge the active support of different sectors in ensuring indoor air pollution, which is often worse than
most of us realize.
different sectors in protected area protection and conservation of our

management through the Protected environment and natural resources,

Area Management Board (PAMB), and for all efforts, we are truly

and ecotourism development grateful,” says DENR R8 Regional

particularly through the SPARK Executive Director Crizaldy Barcelo.

Samar Project under the leadership ###

of Gov. Sharee Ann Tan and

Department of Tourism (DOT).

If you can walk or ride your bike instead, then
do so. Many people don’t consider this as a
viable option, but just think how much you used
to walk around when you were younger. Those
feet were made for walking.

DENR RED Crizaldy Barcelo awarded the Cetificate of Recognition to Eleen S. Lim, President If you are planning on going camping this
of SACRIFICE. summer, be sure you learn how to have a “leave
no trace” camping trip.

Remember the sunscreen. But not just any
sunscreen, you need to choose a non-toxic
sunscreen so you aren’t polluting your skin or
the environment.

Source: https://biofriendlyplanet.com/green-ideas/eco-friendly/
21-simple-eco-friendly-summer-tips/





4 KALIKASAN Tacloban City April - June 2019
Feature Story

VVaalluuiinngg TTrraasshh tthhrroouugghh UUppccyycclliinngg

The heaps of trash that 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recyle. organizers. I started working on

has long been resting in the This principle has been promoted to a plastic pipe which seems so

corners of her home awakened generations for years, and the idea has useless. I turned it into my hair

her creativity - the ingenuity of been embraced by many into their dryer and brush stand with a little

a woman, and the quick-witted lifestyles. For instance, reducing gas touch of art.” She saw it was nice

nature of a mom. consumption by walking rather than and useful, and started creating

Tired of seeing all the getting a ride in going to nearby other stuff from scratch.

trash, Ms. Dianne Asanza, a destinations, using old papers as “At first, it was garbage -

mother and a home maker scratch or reusing to-be-discarded items cans, bottles, used ribbons, cloth,

thought of reviving the value of for a purpose, and turning used paper, boxes - anything that we

unused materials perceived by materials into new materials such as have used and wished to throw

her household as trash. shredding old papers to make new away. I felt there was a conscious

“I got worried seeing all paper materials. need to show concern for the

the plastics. Where shall these Ms. Dianne is a fan of the 3Rs, environment, so I thought of

materials go? How will these be but she is not limiting her creativity to saving these items instead of

disposed by the garbage the usual. More than earning a throwing them,”she adds.

collectors?” Ms. Dianne bachelor’s degree in fine arts and her With her imaginative

anxiously asked herself. “I want innate passion for arts is her personal mind and creative hands, she

to make sure that my trash does advocacy towards environmental enthusiastically ventured into

not contribute to the garbage protection and conservation through upcycling, an activity which

that destructs the environment. proper solid waste management. became a byword in the family.

The only way I can do this is She shares, “I started organizing They got so involved in this type

turn it into something useful my personal things and ended up of recycling where waste is

instead of just entrusting it to the scrutinizing the scrap pile because I converted into new products and

collectors,” she adds. wanted stuff which shall become my materials that are better than the

original or have better

environmental value.

The interest of turning

wastes into better and useful

crafts cascaded into each and

every member of the family.

Realizing that waste reduction is

indeed possible, each one shared

his own way of being involved in

upcycling.

Ms. Dianne shares, “my

mom got a boring, 70’s looking,

unserviceable lamp shade from a

garage sale, and gave it to me. It

was unusable, so I decided to strip

off the thick cloth and made a few

Ms. Dianne Asanza shares ways on reducing the garbage. alterations. I punched out some

areas usings a stencil and covered

it with blue organza and placed

April - June 2019 Tacloban City KALIKASAN 5

Feature Story

some tassels and some glitter to make Waste materials turned into usable crafts through upcycling.
it very different from its original look. I
then salvaged a lamp base which was
on its way to disposal and did a little
work on it as well. Now it’s a star among
my decors, fascinating my guests.”

Her passion for upcycling
became ardent, that even small things
such as bra wires are turned into
fashionable bracelets. “My garbage is
much less than the usual. My mind is
constantly working and looking for ways
to transform garbage into useful bits and
pieces and it just works like magic,” Ms.
Dianne said as she shares her advocacy
to minimize waste.

She said her artworks are given
as gifts or tokens to friends during
special events citing that these are even
more special, because she puts herself
into every piece she creates including
that special bonding moment with her
family while creating her crafts. Since
she started in 2015, she has created loads
of fancy stuff from trash. With all her
creations, she intends to put up a store
where her artworks may be sold. “Less
garbage, productive free time, more
profit,” Dianne stressed.

This activity tickled the interest
of her friends, turning Ms. Dianne into
an effective influencer. She inspires
others to do the same thing with their
garbage by posting her upcycling
activities in social media.

“This is my own little way of
influencing others to reduce the litters
that adversely affect our environment.
Unused things need not add up to the
burden of Mother Earth. It is important
that we create an opportunity to value
products that would just end up in the
dumpsites. Let’s re-use, reduce, recycle,
and upcycle,” Ms. Dianne stressed.