3rd Quarter_newsletter

Official Newsletter Volume XVII No. 03; July-September 2020

DENR donates confiscated lumber for victims of
Typhoon Ambo

An aerial photo of the donated forest products.

“While we are saddened that these Resources in Region 8. Typhoon Ambo when it struck

trees have been felled down illegally, the The DENR recently inked a Northern Samar in May 2020, were

timely action of our law enforcement Deed of Donation of confiscated forest also recipients of the donated lumber.
officers resulted to its seizure and products to the custody of the Provincial Among the recipients
confiscation. We can say that donating Government of Northern Samar. were the Department of Education
these lumber to victims of Typhoon These were distributed to the different (DepEd) for the construction of
Ambo is a silver lining to an otherwise local government units (LGUs) of classrooms, the Bureau of Fire
unfortunate event,” says Forester Northern Samar for the construction of Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast
Jose E. Bascos, Assistant Regional their respective COVID-19 isolation Guard (PCG) and Philippine Army
Director for Technical Services of the facilities. Other government agencies

Department of Environment and Natural whose offices were damaged by DENR donates confiscated. 12

INSIDE DENR CENRO Dolores Feature Story: DENR releases Olive
THIS ISSUE donates lumber to Passion and Purpose Ridley Turtle back to
52nd IB Philippine Lilibeth Solajes’ tree its natural habitat
Army planting experience

@DENR8Official Website: r8.denr.gov.ph

02
Regional Executive Director’s Corner

But we are not yet off the hook. This hazardous wastes collected not only on

COVID-19 pandemic has shown to us the the ground, but more so in the water

inextricably delicate relationship between bodies, as reflected in the reports coming

us and the environment – our health and that in from field offices who conducted

of the planet we are in are intertwined. The coastal clean-up activities. This is

unregulated encroachment and utilization of disturbing considering that the

forestland and its resources, for instance, improper disposal of these hazardous

has contributed to the worsening effects of and non-biodegradable waste will

climate change. As one researcher would call further pollute our waters and be

it, “climate change is a pandemic enabler, a harmful to our already depleted marine

pandemic accelerant and a multi-pathway resources.This has to be arrested and it

crisis engine”. This is true to a certain degree needs the help of everyone. More than

because recent pandemics have scientists ever, we need to heed the call for proper

looking at wildlife as its originator. The waste segregation and disposal as

increasing human contactwith wildlife due to mandated by the Republic Act

expansion and encroachment has resulted to 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste

a greater risk of other forms of pandemics. Management Act.

However, there is more to just As we enter into the last

Tirso P. Parian, Jr., CESO IV focusing on the health aspect of this quarter of this seemingly difficult year,

current pandemic. We also have to look the challenge remains for us to be

into its other residual impacts such as the resilient and adapt to the “new normal”.

Recently, we celebrated International proliferation of hazardous wastes coming Likewise, we move forward with a

Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer fromthe widespread use of personal protective renewed appreciation of the proper

and our hopes are high that measures equipment (PPEs) - hazmat suits, disposable utilization and management of our

prohibiting the use of ozone depleting gloves, disposable face masks, goggles, environment and natural resources.

substances have helped the ozone layer to face shields, and many others. If it is any That is, a people journeying together in

recover. In effect, this reduces the stress on indication, the recently celebrated Interna- the pursuit of a balanced and healthful

human health and the environment brought tional Coastal Clean-up Day has resulted ecology in accord with the rhythm and

about by the detrimental effects of climate to an increase in the number of these harmony of nature, as embodied in our

change. own 1987 Constitution.

‘PA Talk’ features nation’s protected areas

In the middle of persistent ef- Six (6) protected areas formed Expanded National Integrated

forts to stop the spread of COVID-19, the part of the first virtual discussion namely, Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS)
Department of Environment and Natural Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Act of 2018 (Republic Act 11038).
Resources (DENR) steps up public Sanctuary in Davao Oriental; Siargao
The law amends the previous
awareness on the importance of nature and Island Protected Landscape and version, Republic Act 7586, or the
Seascape in Surigao del Norte;
biodiversity to human well-being, homing Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park National Integrated Protected
in on the country’s protected areas. in Negros Oriental; Peñablanca Areas System (NIPAS), which
In June, DENR’s Biodiversity Protected Landscape and Seascape promotes and strengthens the
Management Bureau in partnership in Cagayan; Mt. Isarog Natural Park management of protected areas
with the office of Deputy Speaker Loren in Camarines Sur; and Mts. Iglit- in the Philippines to protect and
Legarda launched “PA Talk: Protected Baco Natural Park in Oriental Mindoro conserve the country’s rich
Areas for a Protected Future” – a monthly and Occidental Mindoro. biodiversity against various threats.

online conference for Protected Areas This episode which focused on During the conference, it was

in the Philippines. This once-a-month efforts to preserve and protect PAs from emphasized that with E-NIPAS, there
conference which piloted on June 22 shall environmental degradation, climate are now 107 legislated protected

run until all 107 legislated protected areas change, and other threats also marked the 12

in the country are featured. 2nd Anniversary of the enactment of the ‘PA Talk’ features ...

DENR VIII, 14th IB PA ink partnership 03

for community support program ENR

institutionalizing peace VISAYAN SPOTTED DEER

and development The Visayan spotted deer, also known as
the “Philippine spotted deer” or “Prince Alfred’s
“Communities in deer”, is a nocturnal and endangered species of deer
located primarily in the rainforests of the Visayan
disadvantaged areas ap- islands of Panay and Negros though it once roamed
other islands such as Cebu, Guimaras, Leyte,
preciate when they feel Masbate, and Samar.

involved in government Scientific name: Rusa alfredi
Phylum: Chordata
programs and projects. Higher classification: Rusa

We reach-out to them Source: http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/
visayan-wattled-broadbill-sarcophanops-samarensis/text
to know what they need
4 Tips for Staying Sustainable
from the government During Covid-19

and how they want their The coronavirus pandemic has upended daily habits
across the world, and one of the many consequenc-
community to be, and es has been the increased production of plastic.
From personal protection equipment (PPE) to take-
deliver their needs to out containers, plastics have become essential in
minimizing the spread of COVID-19. But even as
DENR Regional Executive Director Tirso P. Parian, Jr. and Command- our partner government we continue to make our health the top priority,
ing Officer of the 14th IB LTC Roberto B. Obaob sign the Memorandum agencies,” 14th IB there are still many ways to reduce our waste.
Below are some tips on how to stay sustainable even
of Agreement for the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Commanding Officer in the midst of a pandemic.
Program within their AOR. 1. Make Your Own Masks
Obaob stressed. When suiting up to go outside, opt out of disposable
masks. A great alternative is to make your own reus-
The Department of Environment In partnering with the 14th IB able cloth masks with materials you have at home.
and Natural Resources (DENR) in the for the implementation of the RCSP, 2. Avoid Single-Use Plastics When Possible
region sealed its commitment to support DENR VIII commits to provide Limit individually wrapped plastic items as much as
14th IB (Avenger) Philippine Army’s applicable program interventions possible, and look for items in glass or metal which
Retooled Community Support Program such as the implementation of the are infinitely recyclable materials
(RCSP) implemented in isolated and Enhanced National Greening program 3. Start Your Own Garden
conflict affected areas within their (E-NGP) in areas identified by the Another quarantine project to add to your list could
jurisdiction. 14th IB. It also commits to capacitate be to start your own garden if you have the space
“The DENR is delighted to partner the officers and complement program to do so.
with the Philippine Army for the implementation with the Regional Task 4. Give Plastic a Second Life
implementation of the RCSP. This Force strategic plans and development Turn your plastic yogurt tub into a new planter, knit
mechanism is laudable, knowing that agencies. plastic bags into baskets or use plastic coffee cups
we have a hand in ensuring that services Meanwhile, the 14th IB to paint with.
towards poverty reduction and envi- commits to establish data analysis Source:https://news.chapman.edu/2020/08/12/4-tips-for-stay-
ronmental protection reach the isolated of the issues and concerns regarding ing-sustainable-during-covid-19/
communities, and that these too are land and environmental problems,
geared towards peace and order”, DENR 8 endorse potential community-based
Regional Executive Director Tirso P. organizations to DENR for possible
Parian, Jr. said. involvement in its programs, facilitate
LTC Roberto B. Obaob, completion of requirements of the
Commanding Officer of the 14th IB beneficiaries, and assign a focal person
shared that the RCSP is being carried out to manage/monitor the implementation
by the Philippine Army as a mechanism to of DENR programs.
identify issues and needed government
interventions in far-flung areas. This is The signing of the Memorandum
line with the whole of nation approach of Agreement (MOA) between DENR
embodied in Executive Order 70 or VIII and the 14th IB for the RCSP was
Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict done on July 27, 2020 at the 14th IB PA
(ELCAC). This program ensures that Headquarters in Brgy. Uguis,
services provided by the government Mahaplag, Leyte.

to the community are geared towards

04

PENROs/CENROs CORNER

DENR CENRO Dolores donates operations.
lumber to 52nd IB Philippine Army This donation is specifically
intended for the construction and

rehabilitation of 52nd IB’s

administration building, dilapidated

quarters and mess hall within its camp

located at Brgy. Dao, Oras, Eastern

Samar.

“We are happy that our

partners in public service are making

use of confiscated forest products to

improve their workplace, and we

hope that an improved and more

comfortable workplace will bring

forth better and more efficient public

service”, DENR Regional Executive

Director Tirso P. Parian, Jr. said.

The donated lumbers were

gratefully received by the Commanding

Officer of the 52nd IB, 8th ID, Lt. Col.

Joven D. Bugarin during the ceremonial

signing of Deed of Donation held

at DENR CENRO Dolores. It was

52nd IB, Philippine Army receives donated lumbers from DENR CENRO Dolores. attended by OIC, PENR Officer of

The Community Environment Philippine Army. Eastern Samar, Forester Delia Abobo
-Benitez together with OIC, CENR
and Natural Resources Office in DENR CENRO Dolores Officer of CENRO Dolores, Forester
Flordeliza C. dela Cruz and PENRO
Dolores, Eastern Samar (CENRO disclosed that the donated lumbers Eastern Samar OIC-Chief, Technical
Services Division, Forester Myron O.
Dolores) donated 1,108 board feet of are sourced from forest products Garcia.

confiscated lumber to the 52nd Infantry confiscated by the office as a

Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, result of intensified law enforcement

Photo Release:

The Samar Island Natural
Park Protected Area Management
Board (PAMB) discuss activity
and research proposals presented
by some institutions. PAMB
Chairman RED Tirso P. Parian and
DENR VIII Assistant Regional
Director Jose Elmer C. Bascos
stressed that the board shall ensure
that permits and clearances are
duly complied, and that mitigating
measures favorable to the
environment are in place
before any activity within the PA is
approved.

05

DENR releases Olive Ridley Turtle
back to its natural habitat

With the turtle having Philippines, namely: green sea turtle

been out of the water for (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill turtle

several hours already, it was (Eretmochelys imbricata), olive

immediately released back ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

to its nearest natural habitat , leatherback turtle (Dermochelys

along the coastline of coriacea), and loggerhead turtle

Balyuan Tower in Magsaysay (Caretta caretta).

Boulevard, Tacloban City. The Olive Ridley Turtle

For this year, the is mostly carnivorous, feeding on

Olive Ridley Turtle is the jellyfish, snails, crabs and shrimps

11th but the first of its though it will occasionally eat algae

kind that has been turned and seaweed. It got its name from

over to the DENR and the color of its shell which is olive

released back to the sea. The green hue. It can reach a maximum

rest of those released were length of 2.5 feet and maximum

identified as green sea turtles. weight of 50 kilograms. They

“In spite of the pandemic and the There are seven species of can be found up to a depth of 150
economic hardships that affects us all, it marine turtles in the world. Six of these meters and stays underwater for up
is heart-warming to see that there are still species are found in Southeast Asia to two (2) hours. It has an estimated
people who do not use it as an excuse to and five of these can be found in the lifespan of 50-60 years.

slaughter for food or make money from

wildlife that they come across with,” says

Tirso P. Parian, Jr., Regional Executive

Director of the Department of Environment

and Natural Resources in Region VIII.

RED Parian made the statement

after another turtle was caught as

bycatch by a fisherman along the waters of

Cancabato Bay in Tacloban City on

August 07, 2020. It was immediately

turned-over to the Bantay Dagat of the City

Government of Tacloban who then brought

it to the DENR Regional Office for

assessment and proper documentation.

DENR technical personnel

identified it as an Olive Ridley Turtle,

classified as an endangered species through

DENR Administrative Order 2019-09.

While it is not critically endangered, it is

unlikely to survive in the wild if threats

to its survival continue operating. The

turtle measured about 68 cm. at its Curved

Carapace Length (CCL) and 63 cm. on its

Curved Carapace Width (CCW). Personnel from DENR 8 and Bantay Dagat of the City Government of Tacloban facilitate the release

of an Olive Ridley Turtle turned over by a fisherman that accidentally got caught in his fishing net.

06

Feature Story: Passion and Purpose
Lilibeth Solajes’ tree planting experience

vegetables, and all sorts of plants that

she hopes would make Mother Nature

grin with joy.

Lilibeth says her communion

with the outside world made her passion

for the environment grow even stronger.

Seeing environmental practices of

different races and how other countries

have managed to protect the

environment inspired her to take bigger

steps towards the realization of her

vision and passion for nature.

Albeit, like most beginners

Lilibeth struggled at first. “I bought

A portion of Lilibeth’s land planted with yakal seedlings from DENR. this piece of land filled with naturally

grown trees. Left a while due to my job

Her years of hard labor “My home garden in Tacloban is outside the country, the community

overseas finally found a break in a filled with greens, and in the many around this area started cutting down

serene environment when she went years I’m not home, I make sure the trees, maybe thinking that this area

home to develop a tree plantation in a that all are in bloom”, Lilibeth says. will be cleared for further development

piece of land she owns. According to her, she has always anyway”, she shares.

Ms. Lilibeth Solajes, a nature dreamed of a vast garden, one that’s “I was frustrated! I later

lover, spent almost half of her life peaceful and quiet. realized that my goal needs to go

working and living a busy life in In 2007, the realization of beyond planting. I felt the need to

different places abroad. Despite a this dream kicked-off. Home from educate the community about protecting

seemingly posh life overseas, she working abroad, Lilibeth acquired nature and sustaining its health for the

shares that growing plants and living a 24- hectare land in Sta. Rita, Samar, future”, she adds.

in a green environment is what truly just at the outskirts of the bustling Instead of condemning them for

makes her happy. For her, planting is City of Tacloban. From her mini their acts, Lilibeth hired individuals in

a passion that’s innate and an inkling garden at home, she desired to fill the community, including those who

that’s long been in her senses. this land with fruit trees, hardwood, were involved in the illegal cutting of

Lilibeth also fills her land with fruit-bearing trees such as calamansi and mango trees.

07

Lilibeth keeps the trees that grow naturally untouched Lilibeth shows RED Parian seedlings produced by her workers in her own farm.

trees to work on her 24-hectare land. They Lilibeth proudly shares that the corner, just take a step and go for
became partners in developing the area this passion, coupled with enthusiasm, it”, Lilibeth says.
into a farm and a man-made forest filled is her greatest driving force. Her “The most rewarding part
experience on environmental practices of my planting experience is seeing
with hardwood and fruit trees. the community transform from once
Admittedly though, Lilibeth says overseas tandems with her interests. violators of environmental laws
transforming the community and making This eagerness led her to finding a into my partners in creating a sound
them realize the value of environmental formidable ally with government environment”, Lilibeth adds.
agencies such as the Department of She proudly shares that their
sustainability was difficult. dependence on the land for their
“The community is engulfed in old Environment and Natural Resources daily survival is now coupled with
beliefs, old ways of doing things. Inculcat- (DENR). responsibility and accountability.
ing into their minds the value of today’s “The DENR gave me seedlings “I think their hard work not
only springs from the monetary
effort for the future couldn’t be done in a of yakal and other tree species for free. remuneration they get from doing
snap. They were rolling up their sleeves Planting these seedlings gives me so their job, they now understand the
for what would satisfy their needs today, much joy and satisfaction. Growing value of sustainability, protecting
including cutting down trees so they could these seedlings became a source the environment and natural
sell it, earn income, and serve food on their of livelihood for the community”, resources for tomorrow. The
Lilibeth says. transformation of the community, a
table”, she narrates. serene environment to rest, my green
She adds that some didn’t “I don’t have plans of land giving back to nature what it
understand why she has such passion harvesting these trees in the future, deserves – this is my purpose, and
for farming and tree planting. Such huge let it serve its purpose of carbon I have taken a step to achieve it”,
place could be turned into an outstanding sequestration”, she quips. Lilibeth shared.
business hub instead, giving her “I realized that when you are

immediate profit. Why wait for years to keen on your intentions, you will truly
see the fruit of her labor? She was often achieve your goals. You don’t have to
be an expert. Support is just around
asked.
Her endeavor questioned, Lilibeth

admits that she embarked into this activity

unarmed but optimistic. “My passion

for this venture has driven me to pursue

linkage with government agencies, NGOs,

and the community. My hands grow

plants, I know how to plant. But I have no

technical knowledge on farming, more

so, growing trees. I have passion, lots of Signages are installed to show the value of the Lilibeth raises her farm animals organically by allowing
glowing passion,” she explains. tree species she grows. them to graze on grass and green pasture.

Passion and Purpose DENR 8 holds... 8

Lilibeth Solajes’ tree planting experience

08

DENR challenges people to shift to plant-based
diet to help fight climate change

“The need to strengthen the proportion with three main food groups EMB 8 Regional Director Letecia R.
resolve of the people to lessen their carbon of “go, grow and glow foods”. Maceda.
footprint has never been as important and For EMB in Region VIII, According to the 2013 study by
urgent as today. Especially so that we made as early as April this year during the the United Nations Food and Agriculture
some headway in our effort to fight climate celebration of Month of the Planet Organization, meat and dairy—particularly
change during the long period of commu- Earth, they initiated an activity with from cows—account for around 14.5
nity quarantines brought by the pandemic”, similar objective dubbed as “EMB percent of the global greenhouse gases
says Regional Executive Director Tirso P. 8’s Home Gardening”, where they each year. That’s roughly the same amount
Parian Jr. distributed vegetable seeds to their as emissions from all the cars, trucks,
In particular, the DENR is employees and encouraged them to airplanes and ships in the world combined.
pushing for a change in the Filipino diet plant vegetables in their homes. The A recent study by the University
by switching to plant-based diet as an produce of which, they will donate of Oxford suggested that cutting meat and
effective measure to lessen the ecological to poor communities together with dairy products from a person’s diet could
footprint of human food consumption additional seeds for them to plant. It reduce his carbon footprint from food by
which coincides with the nationwide perfectly coincides to the objectives of up to 73 percent.
celebration of July as Nutrition Month. the current “Plant-Based Solutions for As shared by Brent Logan, global
To initiate some traction to the Climate Change” campaign. food lead of World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
call, a month-long public information “Instead of dole-out activities, and author of Diet for a Better Future
drive was launched by the Environmental the challenge is for the people Report, producing food for Earth’s 7.7
Management Bureau (EMB) dubbed themselves to plant and grow billion people is responsible for a quarter
as “Plant-Based Solutions for Climate vegetables then learn to share the seeds of the global carbon emissions that drive
Change”. Core to the campaign message to other members of their respective climate change. From that, about 40
is to encourage the public to include communities. In a way, we encourage percent comes from livestock production
more vegetables and fruits into their them to make vegetables a main and food waste, with the rest generated
diet as recommended by the Food and component of their diet and in effect, by rice production, fertilizer use, land
Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) in reduce their carbon footprints,” says conversion and deforestation to
accommodate commercial crops.

09

DENR celebrates International Coastal
Clean-up Day

Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Jose Elmer Bascos (right photo, in brown shorts), joins employees of PENRO Leyte and CENRO Palo in their
coastal clean-up activity during the observance of International Coastal Clean-up Day with the theme, “Safe Oceans Starts at Home”.

“The increasing trend of plastic And while the Philippines jostle us from complacency. Instead,

trash collected globally shows the need is on top of the list of number of let us be active agents of change by

for everyone to join in clean-up drives volunteers in the annual international taking concrete actions in finally

like this year’s International Coastal coastal clean-up, it is sad to note getting rid of these debris from our

Clean-up Day. More importantly, there that the Philippines is one of the waterbodies,” says Ms. Sumbeling.

is a need to change our lifestyle and top Asian countries that litters Through Presidential

consumption habit geared towards a plastic debris on our water bodies. Proclamation 470, series of 2003,

plastic-free debris on our waters, and Most of the plastic wastes found every third Saturday of September

the environment as a whole,” says Ms. on the coastlines, shorelines, rivers, has been declared as International

Melecia Sumbeling, Chief, Coastal lakes and waterways all over the Coastal Clean-up Day. The theme for

Resource and Foreshore Management country were identified as plastic this year’s observance is “Safe Oceans

Section (CRFMS) of the DENR wrappers, cigarette butts, plastic starts at Home”.

Regional Office VIII. utensils, food containers made of In particular, employees of the

Ocean Conservancy, a styrofoams, stirrers, plastic straw, plastic Provincial Environment and Natural

non-profit environmental advocacy bottles and plastic bottle caps, plastic Resources Office (PENRO-Leyte)

group based in Washington, D.C., has sachets and the like. Common among together with the Community

published their 2019 Ocean Conserv- them is that they are all single-use Environment and Natural Resources

ancy Report and record would show plastics. Office (CENRO-Palo) had their

that there was an upsurge of volume From that same report, there are coastal clean-up along the coastline

of plastic trash collected from 1992- around 8 million tons of plastic debris of Red Beach in Palo, Leyte. They

2019. From that same period, 2019 thrown to the waters and that is on top were able to collect 10 sacks of trash

recorded the largest volume with of the 150 million tons of plastic debris estimated at 50 kilos and consisting

more than 100 million kilos of plastic already floating on the ocean that mostly of plastic candy wrappers,

trash in more than 40 kilometers of results to biodiversity loss and plastic bottles, cellophanes and even

coastlines cleared by over a million contamination of the food chain. styfoam food containers.

volunteers from 154 participating “We hope that this distressing

countries. record of plastic trash around us will

10

DENR, LGU Ormoc underscore
sustainable use of environment
and natural resources in
rehabilitating quarry areas

Rehabilitation Plan of quarry “We will be meeting again, so DENR VIII Regional Executive Director Tirso P.
areas should be in the context of the we can guide you in the preparation Parian, Jr. expresses his appreciation to the Philippine
environment, stated Mines and of your rehab plan and discuss other Army for ensuring stregthened implementation of
Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 8 Regional concernsrelatingtoyouroperationsand environmental laws.
Director Leo Van V. Juguan. the environment”, RD Juguan added.
This, after sand and gravel Mayor Gomez underscored DENR VIII honors
concessionaires in Ormoc City the necessity of the rehabilitation
committed to rehabilitate their quarry plan for quarry sites and the Executive partnership with
sites in compliance to the order of Order suspending the exportation of
Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez. the City’s sand and gravel, which he armed forces
“The main purpose of the issued earlier this year.
rehabilitation plan should be to bring “Ormoc City is a major source “Aware of your dedication, we
back the efficiency of the river. It should of Class A sand and gravel for the always give due recognition for your
be in the direction of water flowing construction sector. Our role in the assistance in enforcing environmental
naturally and being replenished in a government is to protect our local laws and for providing us the needed
natural way”, RD Juguan said. rivers and the environment so you can security against sinister groups and
The DENR with its Mines continue your operations”, says individuals that ravage our natural
and Geosciences Bureau and the Mayor Gomez. resources for greed and profit”,
Environmental Management Bureau “The moratorium may be Regional Executive Director Tirso P.
assured that they will work hand-in- temporary. Our goal is to rehabilitate Parian, Jr. said addressing the 14th IB
hand with the quarry concessionaires our resources first, and we will do this (Avenger) Philippine Army.
in coming-up with an efficient and together, hand-in-hand”, he adds. RED Parian acknowledged the
effective rehabilitation plan favorable Philippine Army and the armed forces
to the environment. in general, for always offering a
hand to the Department in the perfor-
mance of its mandate especially when
enforcing the law upon people who are
usually armed.
“Our employees have nothing
but government-issued IDs, GPS and
cameras. This is where you come in,
and you have proven time and again
that we can depend on you”, he adds.
He likewise underscored the
interconnectedness of the DENR and
law enforcement agencies, stressing
that the two are indispensable partners.

MGB Regional Director Leo Van V. Juguan and Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez discuss the DENR VIII honors... 11
importance of rehabilitating the quarry areas during the meeting with quarry operators in
Ormoc City..

11

DENR deputizes ENROs for Calbayog PA DENR VIII honors...10

Deputized Environment and Natural Resources Officers of the Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape “You protect the country
take their oath before DENR RED and PAMB Chair Tirso P. Parian, Jr. The oath taking ceremony was witnessed and its citizens against enemies
by Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino, ARD for Technical Services Jose Elmer Bascos and Catbalogan of the state while us in the
CENR Officer Joselito Eco. Department, protect our
environment and natural
The Department of Environment within the PA provided in environment resources from those whose
greed for profit is insatiable.
and Natural Resources (DENR) in Eastern and natural resources laws, rules, and Without the environment, there
is no country and citizens to
Visayas is deputizing qualified citizens regulations. protect as there will be no livable
country to stay with. We are
for the protection of the Calbayog Pan-as They are obliged to deliver the all in this together, intertwined
by fate”, RED Parian stressed.
Hayiban Protected Landscape (CPHPL) in offender and the apprehended products He also commended
the armed forces for their
Calbayog City, one of the seven legislated and conveyances in coordination with exemplary performance even
amid the COVID-19 pandemic
protected areas (PAs) in Region 8. the appropriate official designated which led to the apprehension
of millions worth of illegally cut
Regional Executive Director Tirso by law to conduct preliminary lumbers in the islands of Leyte
and Samar.
P. Parian Jr. issued Regional Special Order investigation. They shall likewise act as RED Parian was invited
to speak before the members
No. 105 dated July 22, 2020, deputizing witnesses in court. of the 14th IB PA during their
Flag Raising and Donning
thirty-six (36) individuals from the City The deputation of said ENROs Ceremony held at their
Headquarters in Brgy. Uguis,
of Calbayog as Environment and Natural is in effect within a period of one year, Mahaplag, Leyte on July 27,
2020. The event also included
Resources Officers (ENROs). unless sooner revoked or terminated by a tree planting activity and
signing of the Memorandum
By virtue of their deputation, the the office. of Agreement strengthening
DENR’s involvement in the
ENROs are authorized to assist in the “The deputation of individuals implementation of the
Retooled Community Support
enforcement of laws, rules and regulations from the local community will strengthen Program (RCSP) in isolated
and conflict areas within their
under the jurisdiction of DENR within the enforcement of laws, rules and jurisdiction.

the territory of the Calbayog Pan-as regulations that protect the Calbayog DENR VIII Regional Executive Director Tirso P.
Parian receives tokens of appreciation from the
Hayiban Protected Landscape. Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape. 14th Infantry Battalion 8th ID Philippine Army.

They are authorized to investigate We will always value the community

activities violating the NIPAS Act as our partner in effectively managing

as amended or other laws relating to our environment and natural resources”,

protected areas and assist in the issuance RED Parian says.

of apprehension receipts, seizure orders, RED Parian administered the

and administrative hearings. oath of the Deputized ENROs during

The order of deputation further the 2nd Regular Protected Area

authorizes the ENROs to arrest, even Management Board (PAMB) meeting

without warrant, any person who has of the CPHPL held in Calbayog City on

committed or is committing an offense August 7, 2020.

12 DENR, LGU Ormoc...10

‘PA Talk’ features ...2 DENR donates confiscated...1 Last week, Mayor Gomez

areas, covering around 7.76 million (PA) for the repair of their respective convened the quarry operators in
hectares. In terms of land area, 15.7 percent offices and camps.
The donation included 1,410 Ormoc, officials of the LGU, DENR
is set aside for protected area and 1.4 pieces of lauan with a volume of 27,038
percent of territorial waters set aside as bd. ft. and an estimated market value of Regional Office, PENRO Leyte and
protected area. Before the amendment, there Php 1, 329,220.00. Also donated were
were only 13 legislated PAs in the country. 51 pcs of boat keels with a volume CENRO Ormoc, MGB, and EMB
“It is in accordance with our 23,149.145 bd. ft. and an estimated
Convention on Biological Diversity that market value of Php1, 152,820.24. to discuss issues and concerns
our biodiversity and our protected areas The said forest products were
must be in order. We should have 17 confiscated as a result of the successful relating to quarry operations in the
percent of our land area as protected area anti-illegal logging operation dubbed
and 10 percent of our marine waters as the “Battle for San Isidro Forest: City, particularly on the alleged
should be declared as protected area, to Anti-Illegal Logging Operation”.
ensure the continuous supply of food, and The DENR enforcement team in illegal extraction of sand and gravel
at the same time, continuous management coordination with elements from the
of our biodiversity,” Assistant Secretary Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine at the Panilahan River.
for Climate Change and concurrent National Police (PNP), acting on
Director of the BMB, ASec. Ricardo information from concerned citizens, He gave a stern warning
Calderon stressed during PA Talk’s pilot conducted operations at Brgy. Happy
episode. Valley, San Isidro, Northern Samar on to those operating illegally and
On July 28, 2020, Region 8’s April 24-26, 2020 and May 4-8, 2020
Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) that yielded to the seizure of forest vouched to seriously run after
takes center stage along with five other products with an estimated total market
PAs from other parts of the country. value of Php5.4 million. A portion of these violators and impose charges
Regional Executive Director Tirso P. which formed part of the donated forest
Parian, Jr., Protected Area Superintendent products. corresponding to their violations.
Zenaida Baisa, and members of people’s The Provincial Government of
organization operating within the PA Northern Samar and the concerned law Meanwhile, DENR
shares their best practices in engaging local enforcement agencies expressed their
communities in the management of appreciation for the donation and made Assistant Regional Director for
biodiversity and sustaining ecosystem a commitment to continue to answer
services. to the Department’s call in enforcing Technical Services Jose Elmer
“We take pride in presenting our environmental laws and to go after
protected areas to everybody through illegal poachers without let up. Bascos reminded the
this online conference. This way, we will ARD Bascos also extended the
encourage and strengthen its protection Department’s gratitude to all its active concessionaires to be mindful
and conservation as our natural defense partners in the performance of its
against calamities and diseases such as mandate and hopes to further strengthen of the requirements and permits
today’s pandemic”, Director Parian says. the established linkages.
Six other legislated PAs from that need to be secured from
Region 8 – Biri Larosa Protected Seascape
and Landscape, Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban authorities such as the National
Protected Landscape, Guiuan Marine
Resource Protected Landscape and Water Resources Board (NWRB)
Seascape, Mahagnao Volcano Natural
Park, Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape and to ensure sustainable use of the
Seascape, and Lake Danao Natural
Park will be featured in the succeeding country’s environment and natural
episodes.
resources.

DENR Region VIII

EDITORIAL STAFF

Augustus Ceasar V. Lantajo Perlice D. Belonias
Circulation Manager/Photogrpaher Haziel P. Carillo
Researchers

Johann Hein B. Arpon Hedy M. Yao
Bonavie M. Robinio Lay-out Artist

Writers

Rowena C. Opiniano
Managing Editor

Maita Reina G. Sucgang
Editor-in-Chief

TECHNICAL ADVISERS
Arturo N. Salazar

ARD for Management Services

Jose Elmer C. Bascos
OIC-ARD for Technical Services

Tirso P. Parian, Jr., CESO IV
OIC-Regional Executive Director

CONTRIBUTORS
PENROs/CENROs
Division Chiefs
DENR Employees

Kalikasan is an internal publication produced quarterly
by the Regional Public Affairs Office, Department
of Environment and Natural Resources, Region 8,
with office at Sto. Niño Extension, Tacloban City.
Contributions are welcome. However, the editorial staff
reserves the right to edit all articles contributed for

publication. Reprint is allowed as long as credit is given.

@DENR8Official Website: r8.denr.gov.ph