1st QUARTER NEWSLETTER CY 2020

Official Newsletter Volume XI No. 01; January - March 2020

RED Parian lays down DENR-RO8
priorities for 2020

Volunteers clean-up the coastline of Anibong,
Tacloban City.

DENR lauds private
sector - led coastal
clean-up drive

Tirso P. Parian, Jr., OIC-Regional Executive Director, addresses the key officials of DENR-RO8 during the “The fight to beat waste
New Year’s Call. pollution necessitates all to be on
board. Everyone should contribute
“Echoing the instruction of DENR and the years to come under his because sustaining a clean and
healthy environment is shared
Secretary Roy Cimatu, we will intensify leadership. responsibility,” says Tirso P. Parian,
Jr., Regional Executive Director of
our commitment to realize the 10 priority It can be recalled that upon his the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources in Region VIII.
programs of the DENR which highlights appointment to lead the DENR in 2017, RED Parian made the remark
as he shows his appreciation for the
clean air, clean water and solid waste Secretary Roy A. Cimatu laid down clean-up drive spearheaded by the I
Love Tacloban Foundation recently.
management”, says Tirso P. Parian, Jr., his 10-point priority programs which “With the cooperation
of the community itself and by
OIC-Regional Executive Director of the are Forest Protection; Biodiversity tapping the government, academe and

Department of Environment and Natural Management; Land Management; DENR lauds private... 12

Resources (DENR). National Greening Program; Clean Air;

This was the message OIC- Clean Water; Solid Waste Management;

Regional Executive Director Tirso P. Climate Change; Geohazard

Parian, Jr. to the key officials of the Assessment, Groundwater Assessment

DENR-RO8 during the traditional New and Responsible Mining; and Ecosys-

Year’s Call to drumbeat the direction of the tems Research and Development.

Department in the region for this year RED Parian lays down... 12

INSIDE A deadly DENR lauds LGU Student turns-
THIS ISSUE wake-up Initiative on Solid over wildlife
Waste Management species to
call DENR

@DENR8Official Website: r8.denr.gov.ph

02
Message from the Secretary of the Department

implement environmental laws. Administrative Services is the

However, as of now, we stay at designated caretaker of the

home and let the designated Central Office. The Regional

frontliners of the government Executive Directors exercise

implementing the enhanced command and control as far

quarantine in Luzon being as environmental concerns

performed by members if of the region including the

PNP, AFP, PCG and other Regional Offices while the

departments, and those heads of the PENRO and

carrying the task of health CENRO are in charge of their

concerns in the containment respective areas.

of the corona virus: the My instruction also

DOH and health workers in includes the designation of a

public and private hospitals. DENR Officer on duty at the

DENR exemptions as Central Office to act on

of today are the personnel emergency situations

assigned as skeletal group involving any DENR personnel
like bus drivers, personnel nationwide on a case-to-case
augmenting the DITr to ferry basis, to be rotated daily among
Secretary ROY A. CIMATU health workers and those the Usecs and Asecs. He/She
can either work at home or the
Work at home is the doing very essential task at the Central Office as situation
strategy of our Department to Central Office. warrants.
help prevent the spread of the Additional skeletal works Again, stay at home
virus by each personnel by not may be organized as the need with your family and let’s
(unknowingly) being a carrier arises subject to the approved pray to the Lord for the safety
himself/herself of the virus and of the IATF. Clarification in of health workers in the
at the same time not to be the interpretation of DBM on frontline and an end of this
infected. We have mandates personnel salaries specifically crisis. Be safe and in good health.
to perform in normal times
by providing direction to on jo orders has been issued

by the Task Force. Director of

DENR highlights importance of women to
nation-building

“As we celebrate National Parian, Jr., of the Department of Environ- contribution of women-employees

Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) ment and Natural Resources in Region of the Department in the

2020, it is an opportune time for us to VIII. implementation and attainment of

highlight the many significant and pivotal Spearheaded by the Philippine its various programs and projects.

role of women in our nation’s colorful Commission on Women (PCW) with The DENR in the region is

history and that of the Department. the theme, “We Make Change Work for a testament of the significant role

Through the years, women have time Women”, the DENR in the region kicked of women in nation building with

and again proven themselves in their -off the month-long celebration with many of them occupying managerial

contribution to nation-building,” says a zumba activity and a short program positions. In the regional office

Regional Executive Director Tirso P. to honor the sacrifices and invaluable DENR highlights... 11

A DEADLY WAKE-UP CALL 03

Humankind and the society we countries have already initiated ENR

live in have come a long way in terms community quarantines, paralyzing PHILIPPINE LEAFBIRD

of development and progress. From the schools, offices, businesses and even The Philippine leafbird
(Chloropsis flavipennis) is a species
Enlightenment Period to the Industrial churches. of bird in the Chloropseidae family.
It is endemic to the Philippines. It is
Revolution, people have used their The question we ask, how did it found in the islands of Mindanao,
Leyte, and Cebu. Its natural habitat is
reasoning and intelligence to usher in the happen? subtropical or tropical moist lowland
forests. It is threatened by habitat
dawn of new inventions and technological There is no clear cut answer loss. Its stronghold appears to be
Mindanao, with populations small in
advances. Geographically, nations are to that yet. However, it was reported Leyte and in Cebu, the species could
already be extinct.
separated by natural boundaries like that the first cases of the viral infection
Source: https://thewebsiteofeverything.com/ani-
oceans, mountain ranges and vast deserts. started in Wuhan Market in China where mals/birds/Passeriformes/Chloropseidae/Chlorop-
sis-flavipennis
In reality, advances in communication and there is the selling of meat coming from
Use Coronavirus To Reset Your Life
transportation have transformed the a wide variety of exotic wild animals for Sustainability

world as a global village – within including snakes, bats and pangolins. The spread of coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shaken daily habits
easy reach of each other. And just recently, it was discovered by around the world. Can we use this emerging
pandemic to do some good and reset daily habits
It has its perks and undeniably, Chinese researchers that they found a to be more sustainable?
Here are some areas of personal
makes our way of life comfortable, coronavirus in smuggled pangolins consumption to rethink while you
have extra time on your hands.
convenient and even pleasurable. that has 99% genetic match to the virus Kill/Lessen Your Commute
Telecommuting is simple and afforda-
However, it comes not without a circulating in people (Researchers at the ble for almost any job/business. If you’ve never
tried one of the many videoconferencing services
price. More often than not, to feed an South China Agricultural University in Guang- — Zoom, Webex, Google Hangouts, and others —
they are easy to use and affordable.
industrialized nation and its mechanized zhou/ https://www.nature.com/). There are Plan To Shop Sustainably
Make one big change to how you shop
industry, the environment becomes the still lingering questions and debates on during the COVID-19 outbreak. Decide to go to the
store only once a week or work out a route that lets
convenient sacrifice on the altar of the veracity of this scientific hypothesis you cover all your needs on one trip.
Use Natural and Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products for
progress. Our insatiable greed has left but it is worth considering. Your Home
Natural and eco-friendly simple cleaning
a mark of decades of unabated and Our country has our own products (baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice) can
handle most of your household cleaning needs and
large-scale extraction and utilization endemic Philippine pangolins found help save you money while not harming the envi-
ronment.
of diverse natural resources to feed a in Palawan province. For that reason, Plant a veggie garden in your backyard
Source:https://www.luc.edu/sustainability/campus/focus_are-
mechanized road to progress. This has DENR Undersecretary Ernesto D. as/sustainabilityinthetimeofcovid-19coronavirus/

resulted to air pollution and smog filling Adobo, Jr. has issued a statement that

the horizon of major cities globally. such findings of pangolin as a potential

Together with it came noise pollution, immediate host should serve as a

and waterways became clogged and warning for commercial trade of

polluted. Forest degradation and denuda- insect-eating mammal and all other

tion resulted to increasing temperature, wild animals. “We should stop

flooding, landslides and recurring strong patronizing and buying wildlife

typhoons. We continue to pay the costly species,” said Usec. Adobo.

price for our mistakes and even arrogance. There seems to be a connection

We have had a number of outbreaks like between wildlife to that of the virus.

that of the deadly Spanish flue, Ebola It is wrong to assume that, as pointed

virus disease, Avian influenza, Severe out by Usec. Adobo, wildlife crime is a

Acute Respiratory System (SARS), victimless and not a serious offense.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome There are actually victims as it deprives

Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and many the ecosystem of wildlife species

others that has made a global impact. and eventually will make humans

The current coronavirus disease themselves as the victim if the illegal

(COVID-19) has brought even the mighty wildlife trade will subsist.

nations to their knees as thousands already The call, therefore, to stop

perished to the virus and hundreds of illegal wildlife trade has never been

thousands infected. To protect its citizens,

A deadly wake-up... 05

04

PENROs/CENROs CORNER

PENRO Leyte creates forest protection commitee

to address enviromental issues in Carigara

neighboring towns.” PENR Officer of

Leyte Moises B. Dela Cruz said.

PENRO Dela Cruz also said

that the MFEPC envisions to provide

the concerned communities in Carigara

with environmental services and

programs to reduce poverty and too

much dependence on the natural

resources for their livelihood and other

economic activities.

“The protection of the

environment and conservation of

the natural resources especially in

Carigara with so many identified

environmental problems need a col-

MFEPC members signing the memorandum of agreement (MOA)for the protection and conservation of the laborative action of all sectors. We
environment in Carigara, Leyte at the DENR cannot do it alone”, he

The Community Environment illegal mining and other destructive stressed.
and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) practices that aggravates the Different sectors and partners
of Palo, Leyte under the supervision destruction of the forest and other in Carigara agreed to collaborate
of the Provincial Environment and natural resources in said with the DENR for the protection of
Natural Resources Office (PENRO) municipality. their remaining natural resources by
Leyte initiated the creation of the Multi “Through the creation of a entering into a Memorandum of
Agreement with the DENR as
Sectoral Forest and Environmental Multi Sectoral Forest and Environ- members of the MFEPC. The
Protection Committee (MFEPC) for the mental Protection Committee, we Committee composed of thirty
will seek the participation of a vast representatives from the Municipal
municipality of Carigara, Leyte. Local Government Unit of Carigara,
The creation of the committee number of stakeholders to protect
seeks to intensify collaboration and conserve the forest and other
of efforts against illegal logging, natural resources in Carigara and its
PENRO Leyte creates... 12

Photo Release At least 446 chainsaw were seized in Brgy.
board feet of illegally Busali, Brgy. Hugpa, and Brgy.
cut forest products were Pinamongahan, all within the
seized by the Philippine municipality of Biliran. Charges
National Police (PNP) were filed against identified
- Biliran in a series of owners of the undocumented
operations held during lumbers and equipments in
the first week of January violation of P.D. 705 or the
2020. The undocumented Revised Forestry Code of the
lumbers composed of Philippines. The seized lumbers
toog, antipolo, acacia and chainsaws were turned
mangium and gmelina, over to the Provincial
with three units
Photo Release... 12

DENR beefs up resolution of land 05

cases in Eastern Visayas DENR 8 has also hired

The Department of Environment DENR Legal Division. lawyers to handle legal concerns

in the field offices. These lawyers are
and Natural Resources (DENR) in “Without going through the hired on a Contractual status for the
Eastern Visayas is speeding-up tedious process of litigation, land Community Environment and Natural
resolutions of land cases in the region. disputes may now be settled through Resources Office (CENROs) and the
According to its Legal Division, arbitration, mediation, or negotiation. implementing PENROs pursuant to
DENR 8 has gained from the The procedure is faster and entails DENR Memorandum 2019-385.
implementation of the Alternative lesser cost”, Atty. Diasanta said.
Said Memorandum on the
Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedure “What’s more gratifying with hiring of lawyers dated May 2,

implemented by the office pursuant to mediation through theADR procedure is 2019 signed by Atty. Ernesto D.
Republic Act 9285 or the Alternative that relationships, especially involving Adobo Jr. cites DENR Secretary
Dispute Resolution Act of 2004 and family and friends, destroyed by land Roy A. Cimatu’s statement, “I have
Executive Order 523, Instituting the Use disputes are rebuilt”, Atty. Diasanta made it my priority to have lawyers
of ADR in the Executive Department of adds.
assist in the law enforcement
the Government. The ADR became operational at functions of the DENR’s provincial

Report from the DENR 8 reveals the DENR in December 2016 with the and community field offices rendering
that in 2019, there were 116 land cases issuance of DENR Administrative frontline services”.
resolved by the office. Of these, 82 were Order 2016-30 calling for the
Meanwhile, DENR Regional
resolved by the field offices and 34 by establishment of mechanisms and tools Executive Director Tirso P. Parian,
the regional office. for ADR in the disposition of land Jr. who vows to be persistent in

“Most of these cases were claims and conflicts, the organization filing cases against violators of
handled by DENR Alternative Dispute of a pool of ADROs, and the creation environmental laws says “we will
Resolution Officers (ADROs) accredited of a committee and secretariat tasked to continue to protect our environment
by the office after rigorous training implement the ADR process.
and natural resources from
and examinations”, says Atty. Mel Jun To further beef-up exploitation and make sure that cases

A. Diasanta, Officer-in-charge of the enforcement of environmental laws, will be filed against perpetrators”.

A deadly wake-up ... 3 the Earth from our Ancestors, we bor- that dirty surroundings also

as urgent as it is now. This was row it from our Children”. We should contribute to the spread of the
the emphatic statement of DENR
Secretary Roy A. Cimatu when he said, treat Mother Nature with respect so that, virus. Thus, we need to sanitize
“The ongoing COVID-19 global outbreak
should serve as a stark reminder of the dire together, we shall march onwards to an our homes and workplaces.” says
consequence for humans of the
illegal wildlife trade, which has ecologically-balanced, sustainable and DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu.
been pushing endangered and
vulnerable wildlife species toward progressive future. This is not a losing fight.
extinction.” We believe that the fight
against COVID-19, though protracted Meantime, the DENR We shall prevail but we all need to
and deadly, is winnable and will also pass
just like other outbreaks. However, it is a encourages its stakeholders to pitch in work as a team. After all, we are
wake-up call for each and every one that
we are not the masters of our environment. towards the fight against COVID-19. It fighting for our own survival.
We are but merely its stewards, as the old
Indian proverb says “Treat the earth well: reiterates its call for
it was not given to you by your parents,
it was loaned to you by your the public to ensure
children. We do not inherit
that its surround-

ings are clean to

curtail the spread

of the virus. “While

we take care of

ourselves against

the COVID-19

pandemic, we also

need to consider

Photo by: Themba
Hadebe/AP Photo

06

Feature Story: SAFEGUARDING OUR WETLANDS
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

You never miss the water until

the well runs dry” fittingly describe the

misgivings of many communities with

regard to the importance of wetlands.

For decades, there has been

a global clamor for the public to take

cognizance of the value and benefits that

wetlands provide. In 1971, governments

the world over adopted the Convention

on Wetlands (also known as the Ramsar

Convention) as the only global treaty

which focuses on the protection of

wetlands. The Government of the

Philippines enforced the Ramsar

Convention on November 8, 1994 with

seven (7) sites designated as Wetlands of

International Importance and a surface

area comprising 244,017 hectares. A wetland teeming with mangrove plantation at Brgy. Naungan, Ormoc City is just one of many wetlands

However, for the most part this in Eastern Visayas.

was received half-heartedly, and in some
cases, even on deaf ears. It was only laudable effort has since been replicated for fishes, sanctuary for migratory birds
during the historic temporary closure and across the archipelago with a sense of dubbed as “visitors without passports”
rehabilitation of the world-class tourist urgency.
and a dependable protection from

destination - Boracay Island - that the Knowing the wetlands flooding.
conservation and wise use of wetlands According to the World Wildlife What then is the significance of wetlands?
became a hot topic. It hugged the headlines

of the tri-media and was a favorite topic Foundation (WWF), “a wetland is a Again from the WWF,

on the internet and the various social place where the land is covered by water, “wetlands...are some of the most

media platforms. This paved the way either salt, fresh or somewhere in productive habitats on the planet. They

for creating public awareness on the between. Marshes and ponds, the edge of often support high concentrations of

importance of wetlands. a lake or ocean, the delta at the mouth animals - including mammals, birds, fish

Following the marching orders of of a river, low-lying areas that frequently and invertebrates—and serve as nurseries

no less than President Rodrigo R. Duterte flood—all of these are wetlands.” for many of these species. Wetlands also

to clean up what he referred to as a Eastern Visayas is host to a support the cultivation of rice, a staple in

“cesspool”, DENR Secretary Roy A. number of areas considered as wetlands. the diet of half the world’s population.

Cimatu took charge and sadly assailed Among these, the DENR is monitoring And they provide a range of ecosystem

how negligence resulted to the wetlands seven (7) wetlands because of the services that benefit humanity, including

of Boracay losing its purpose. He presence of migratory birds considered as water filtration, storm protection, flood

emphasized that as kidneys of the earth, one of the gauges to determine a healthy control and recreation. Without wetlands,

wetlands must be restored to act as wetland. These sites are: Ormoc Bay cities have to spend more money to treat water

catchment during rainy days and prevent Wetlands in Ormoc City; Carigara Bay for their citizens, floods are more devastating

flooding. Aside from absorbing excess Wetland located in the municipalities to nearby communities, storm surges from

rainfall, wetlands with their mangrove of Carigara and Barugo, Leyte; Guiuan hurricanes can penetrate farther inland,

forest also serve as breeding grounds Intertidal Flats in Guiuan, Eastern Sa- animalsaredisplacedordieout,andfoodsupplies

of marine species and are home to both mar; Maqueda Bay Wetlands along the are disrupted, along with livelihoods.”(https://

endemic and migratory wildlife. municipalities of Jiabong and Paranas, www.worldwildlife.org/habitats/wetlands)

True to his words, Secretary Samar; Lake Bito in MacArthur, Leyte; We should therefore allow wetlands

Cimatu pushed for the unprecedented St. Bernard-Hinunangan of Southern to co-exist with us and not treat them as a

action of reclaiming and rehabilitating Leyte; and Tres Marias Islands located in hindrance to our definition of progress and

the wetlands of Boracay Island to restore Palompon, Leyte. These wetlands have development. Wetlands are our natural

them to their original state. The same been verified to offer breeding grounds dependable ally as they offer a myriad benefits

free of charge. Properly managed, it can otherwise, the less than favorable trend of 07

generate alternative livelihood through wetlands condition can be attributed to many there are also barangays in Guiuan,
recreation tourism, assist in mitigating sea level factors. It can be the wanting of needed Eastern Samar with intertidal flats that
rise, give rise to fertile agricultural lands, con- information to have proper appreciation of are being monitored for the presence of
trol destructive flooding and serve as buffer its existence which can branch out to not migratory birds. Built up communities
from storm surges and strong winds.
well planned-out development of wetland have replaced what used to be thriving
Presently, we are witnessing positive areas. Another culprit may be attributed to mangrove trees in these wetlands.
signs of people becoming more responsible to irresponsible utilization of its resources and When Typhoon Ursula struck in
the environment. They are now enlightened of the population boom that results to illegal December of 2019, the coastal
the importance of wetlands, drawing lessons encroachment.
from events such as storm surges and floods. barangay of Baras in that town

One such abuse is that of rampant experienced flooding caused by storm
Teresita Dumdum, a septuagenarian from the cutting of mangrove as a rich source of surge reaching up to 1.6 meters. Houses
coastal town of Paranas, Samar has observed quality fuel wood for home and commercial near the shore were washed away and
that more than 200 meters of once dry land uses which is common among communities. docked fishing boats were destroyed. It
along the coastline of Brgy. Poblacion in that Mangrove trees are also being used as raw was higher than what they experienced
town is now underwater due to increasing level material in the building of houses and fences. during super typhoon Yolanda. Clearly,
of seawater. She shared, “this unfortunate event
Melchor Garado, a farmer from the reduced number of mangrove trees
was happening just as the mangrove forest in Brgy. Panagmitan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar, has significantly increased the risk
the area was getting sparse and fish catch was narrated how people from the poblacion to storm surges and flooding in the
becoming scarce.” This is a testament of the and other neighboring towns would even area. “When mangroves were still in
cause and effect relationship between healthy use chainsaw to cut mangrove trees in great abundance, we would hide our boats
mangrove ecosystems with stable soil to that numbers to be used as firewood for their there during inclement weather which
of bountiful marine resources. The absence of bakeshops. “It is a good thing that many was an effective shelter.That is no longer
one results to wanting of another.
bakeshops are now into electric ovens. the case lately,” lamented Roberto

Wetlands as a thing of the past? Unfortunately, there are still reported Rodriguez, barangay captain of Brgy.
incidents of cutting under cover of Campoyong, an adjacent barangay of

There was a time that wetlands as darkness and using bancas,” says Mr. Garado. Baras, Guiuan, E. Samar.

they are, were left undisturbed by any form of Vicente Abadiano, a 74 year Dwindling resources
human activities. As a result, they thrived old fisherman and a 20-year resident of

and were a healthy habitat of varied forms of Poblacion, Paranas, Samar has witnessed “There was a time that the

wildlife. Wetlands then were a fully functional a noticeable decline of fish catch and the area was still thickly forested with

natural deterrent against flooding and a contin- numbers of migratory birds visiting the area mangrove trees and my father who was

uous source of water to the communities. became lesser and lesser through the years. a fisherman, can easily catch 12 kilos

Through the years, wetlands have “It is clear to me now that the denudation of fish on ordinary days. Now, we

undergone a total make-over. Worst, in some of mangrove forest due to rampant cutting consider it a lucky day if we are able to

places they cease to be as such and have and illegal poaching is the cause for the catch 3 kilos,” says Annalyn Caadan, a

been converted to other uses. Wittingly or dwindling of the once abundant presence of resident of Brgy. Baras..

Residents of the same barangay
migratory birds,” says also noticed that fewer migratory birds
the elderly Abadiano. are seen on the wetlands. They likewise
A village chief testify that there are even species of
in Motiong, Samar birds which they haven’t seen anymore.
also attributed the
Melchor Garado, a farmer of
cutting of mangroves Brgy. Baras was quick in pointing out
and rural development the cause for the declined number of
into mangrove forest migratory birds and the dwindling fish
as culprit for dwindling catch. He said, “mangrove denudation
coastal and marine has deprived fishes of their natural
resources as well as the breeding grounds and it in effect denied
proliferation of solid the migratory birds the food they need
waste, especially those as well as their roosting area.”
made of plastics.
As part of several Hope remains for the wetlands

A thick mangrove plantation at St. Bernard, Southern Leyte is a favorite site of migratory migratory sites that It is a bitter pill to swallow that
birds and has since been identified as a Bird Sanctuary. DENR is monitoring,

Safeguarding our wetlands... 08

Feature Story: SAFEGUARDING OUR WETLANDS FOR A SUSTAINABLEDEFNRU8ThoUldsR...E 8

08

Safeguarding our wetlands ... 06

witness the fruits of their labor with a

significant increase of the mangrove forest

in their area.

Josefa Tabala, an elderly who has

resided in Brgy. San Isidro since the 1970’s

is a living witness to the increasing trend of

migratory birds in the area after they have

been aggressive with mangrove growing

along the coastal area. “Ever since we have

restored the mangrove forest, it greatly

reduced the flooding in our barangay

and has sheltered us numerous times

from strong waves. We also noticed the

increasing volume of fishermen’s catch

from the sea like that of shrimps, shells

and different types of fishes,” shared Ms.

Annually, DENR continue to support the annual Asian Waterbird Census which seeks to monitor the Tabala.
distribution and population of waterbirds and status of wetlands. Likewise, many local government
units are increasingly cooperating with

we have to first suffer the consequences wetlands have been protected since the national government agencies like DENR
of the abuse many of us have committed treaty was adopted in 1975. and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
on our wetlands and the environment In Eastern Visayas, mangrove Resources (BFAR) in the implementation
as a whole. But as has been forest rehabilitation has been and enforcement of environmental laws
repeatedly pointed out, it is from humbly taking center stage with many sectors of particularly on mangrove, coastal and
learning and accepting our shortcomings society who are now into mangrove marine resources. This is made even more
that we are able to start a new beginning growing. Ecotourism ventures within effective with the support and compliance
armed with all the lessons of the past. wetlands have been developed or are by the residents themselves. They now
People and communities are slated for development. A concrete know better than to disregard the wetlands.
now better equipped with the needed example is the Naungan Mangrove This recent development, both
information for them to appreciate the role Ecopark in Ormoc City which has initiatives from the public and private
of wetlands to our very own existence - even been a source of additional income sectors, is pointing us to the right direction
survival. Even government projects geared by the members of the Naungan San - a revitalized and a hopeful future of
towards urban and rural development Juan Mangrove Planters Association wetlands. While optimistic of what
already take into account the need to (NSJMPA). lies ahead, we must not put down our
preserve and protect the wetlands. Progress In St. Bernard, Southern guard and be swayed to complacency.
is not simply equated to the length of roads Hopeful, yes. But we must not
concreted or the buildings constructed. Leyte, there is a proposed bird
The rule of thumb is that of holistic forget that there is still much to done.
development – human progress and
development that does not sacrifice the sanctuary along
environment. In this case, the wetlands,
knowing too well that it is not simply a the wetlands that
saturated land. It is more than that.
Based on the monitoring of the encompasses
World Wetlands Foundation (WWF), there
has already been positive development barangays San
since the Convention on Wetlands was
signed in Ramsar, Iran as an international Isidro, Panian and
treaty for the conservation and sustainable
use of wetlands. Himbangan because
Already, many governments, institutions
and organizations have initiated efforts of the monitored
for wetlands conservation and protection.
It is said that close to 193,000 hectares of presence of migra-

tory birds which the

residents describe

to be in their

“thousands”. Having

organized them-

selves into a

mangrove planters

association, they Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign to students and residents
within or near wetlands has been an integral component of the DENR to raise the level
are now starting to of awareness on the importance of wetlands.

09

A vendor at a wet market in Paranas, Samar uses a paper bag to wrap her product while buyers usually bring their own eco bags, reusable fish nets and
baskets when doing their marketing.

DENR lauds LGU Initiative on Solid Waste
Management

Environment Secretary Roy A. non-renewal of their license to operate. Ecological Solid Waste Management
“It was not easy and we expect Act that has been in existence for years
Cimatu has been resolute in engaging
communities towards environmental more challenges ahead. To be inclusive, but many refuse to implement simply
activism which is summed up in his we involved everyone through public because it is difficult. “It is the only
advocacy campaign “Ikaw, Ako, Tayo ang hearings before the ordinance was way forward for Paranas-on and it
Kalikasan”. Recently there has been an passed to hear the sentiments of the entails behavioral changes or
increasing number of individuals, civil constituents. There were oppositions transformation from the people,” added
society and local government units who but we stood our ground though it Atty. Babalcon.
was not a popular decision. We are The persistence of LGU of
have responded to this call to action.
One of these is the LGU of Paranas convinced that we have the legal basis Paranas is now paying off. The people
in Samar which enacted Municipal and that it is the only way to prevent are already accustomed to the
Ordinance No. 38 series of 2019 or “An the ever-increasing volume of plastic ordinance and it is becoming more of
Ordinance Prohibiting and Regulating the wastes on the streets, backyards and a habit. Neighboring LGUs are also
Use of Plastics for Goods and Commodities even along the coastline,” reveals Atty. following their steps with the LGU of
that End Up as Residual Waste and Eunice Babalcon, Municipal Mayor of Motiong implementing an identical
ordinance just recently and then the
Promoting the Use of Eco Bags and Other Paranas.
She further reiterated that any LGU of San Sebastian already made
Environment Friendly Practices as
Alternative.” Those found in violation program on solid waste management a commitment to make their own
of the ordinance shall be penalized with will not succeed without the support ordinance against plastic pollution.
Php500.00 for first time offenders or to of the people, especially the will of the As the campaign of the LGU

render some form of community service. barangay officials. And when it was of Paranas to reduce, if not eliminate,
The amount doubles up in the subsequent rolled out to the barangays, the people plastic pollution gains momentum,
violations. Business establishments who understood it perfectly as being DENR Regional Executive Director
DENR lauds LGU... 12
violate the ordinance faces the prospect of mandated by law under R.A 9003 or the

10

DENR supports the Annual Asian Waterbird Census

kingfisher, among others.

“The presence of these

waterbirds is an indication that

although some of our mangrove

areas may have been damaged by

recent natural calamities, there are

still healthy wetlands for migratory

birds seeking food and shelter away

from the colder climate where they

originally came from,” says DENR

OIC-Regional Executive Director

Tirso P. Parian, Jr.

Result of the waterbird

census will be collated, analyzed

and recommendations will be

formulated. Like the previous

White-collared kingfisher was one of the migratory birds identified during the waterbird count along the man- data collected, it will serve as a
grove area of Lake Bito, MacArthur, Leyte. contribution in the conservation
activities locally and in other parts
The Department of Environment Carigara Bay Wetlands in Carigara and of the world. It includes species
and site conservation, research
and Natural Resources (DENR) continues Barugo and the Tres Marias Islands in programs and campaign plans to
raise awareness of the importance
to support the annual Asian Waterbird Palompon. The waterbird count was of wetlands.
TheAsianWaterbirdCensus
Census which seeks to monitor the also conducted at the Southern Leyte is an annual event and runs parallel
to other international censuses of
distribution and population of waterbirds Bird Sanctuary in St. Bernard, Southern waterbirds in Africa, Europe and
Neotropics under the umbrella of
and status of wetlands. The presence of Leyte which covers the barangays of the International Waterbird Census
(IWC). The synchronized AWC
waterbirds is one of the key indicators San Isidro, Panian and Himbangan. In 2020 was scheduled on January 4 –
19, 2020. Sites covered during the
which tells whether wetlands, such as Samar, the waterbird count was done census include all types of natural
and man-made wetlands, including
mangrove areas, are still ecologically at the Maqueda Bay Wetlands within rivers, lakes, reservoirs, ponds,
freshwater swamps, mangroves,
healthy. the towns of Motiong, Jiabong and mudflats, coral reefs, rice fields
and sewage farms and the like.
In the recently concluded water- Paranas. In the province of Eastern

bird count in the region, there were fewer Samar, the census was done at the

migratory bird species observed compared Guiuan Intertidal flats.

to the census of the previous years. “The Among the migratory birds

recent typhoons, Tisoy and Ursula, which identified during the waterbird count

caused some damage to our mangrove was a Northern Pintail duck at Lake

areas may have displaced the migratory Bito which was a new island record.

birds,“ says Ms. Ingelina Lantajo, Other species were Great Egret, Great

Development Manager Officer II, who is Knot, Gray Heron, Common Sandpiper,

the DENR focal person for the conduct of Golden Plover and white collared

the waterbird count.

The census was conducted in

seven (7) wetland sites region-wide to

assess and compare the quantity of

migratory birds and variety of species

counted from the previous years. In Leyte

province, the census was conducted

in the Ormoc Bay Wetlands, Ormoc

City; Lake Bito Inland Wetland in

the municipality of MacArthur;

Photos by: Joseph Abuda Magana

11

Student turns-over wildlife species to DENR

An eastern grass owl (Tyto longimembris) rescued by DENR CENRO Ormoc personnel in Kananga, Leyte through a grade 12 student.

“We were ecstatic to see unique the owl. “My learning made me aware Regional Executive
species of bird right at our backyard, but of its value. Wildlife needs to be
we never thought of keeping it as pets. protected and preserved, and we need Director Tirso P. Parian, Jr. said the
I know they should be in their natural to conserve our forest resources, their
habitat”. home”. Mary Ann stressed. Department is happy to see active
Mary Ann Mercolita, a grade “With the help of my
12 student from Ormoc City shares her classmates, I immediately requested partners in environmental
encounter with an adult Eastern grass owl the Department of Environment and
(Tyto longimembris) which flew to their Natural Resources (DENR) through protection and wildlife preservation
backyard in Sitio Toril, Brgy. Masarayao, their social media account to rescue
Kananga, Leyte. the owl which my father first kept at among the younger generation.
“They were three, two of the birds home to ensure its safety. We were
flew and the other one stayed, and this happy that it was immediately rescued He stressed that while the
concerned me a bit. Maybe it wasn’t in by the DENR CENRO Ormoc”, Mary
good condition, so I thought it has to be Ann added. younger ones are taking simple
rescued by animal protection experts”, The rescued owl was brought
Mary Ann said. to the DENR Regional Wildlife steps, the agency is making an
Mary Ann added that their Science Rescue Center in Palo Leyte for
lesson at school was on wildlife and proper care and rehabilitation before it ardent appeal to the general
biodiversity when she encountered
is released to the wild. public to rescue and turn-over

wildlife species to the nearest

DENR office to ensure their safety.

RED Parian also warned the public

against keeping endangered

wildlife species as pets since this

is a violation of Republic Act

9147, An Act Providing for the

Conservation and Protection of

Wildlife Resources and their

Habitats.

DENR highlights.. 02 the PENR Officer and its two (2) CENR the equal and active participation of

Officers are all women.men. women in addressing issues on the

the Assistant Regional Director for Tech- For this year’s celebration, environment, climate change, and
nical Services position is occupied by a the DENR National Gender and disaster risk reduction confronting
woman, in her concurrent capacity as Di- Development Focal Point System also them”, RED Parian says.
vision Chief. adopted the theme, “Women can make
This is on top of four (4) other CHANGE in Climate and Disaster To strengthen DENR-women
women Division Chiefs out of the eight Resiliency”. employees’ participation, slated to be
(8) divisions within the regional office. Taking into account Eastern conducted are training workshop on
Likewise, 33% or 2 of 6 Provincial Envi- Visayas as prone to natural disasters Gender and Development and lectures
ronment and Natural Resources Officers compounded by the destructive effects in R.A. 9262 or “An Act Defining

(PENROs) are women, and 18% or 2 of of climate change, women are Violence Against Women and their
11 Community Environment and Natural challenged to be at the forefront of Children, Providing for Protective
Resources Officers (CENROs) are also climate and disaster actions. “It is the Measures for Victims, Prescribing
women. In the province of Eastern Samar, commitment of the DENR to push for Penalties therefore, and for Other
Purposes”.

12 PENRO Leyte creates ... 04 RED Parian lays down ... 1

academe, people’s organizations, RED Parian also instructed

DENR lauds private... 1 cooperatives, local water district, the DENR’s key officials in the region

other stakeholders, it is our desire that non-government organizations, me- to strengthen and regularly
we will set an example for the people to dia, national government agencies reach out to the field offices,
be conscious of their environment and especially those in the most remote
make it a form of habit to maintain the (DILG, DA, BFAR, DAR, MSWD, areas and bring the office closer to
cleanliness of their surroundings,” says and BFP), law enforcement agencies the people. “We should connect the
Mr. Raymund Romualdez, president of the such as the Philippine Army, Philip- Department closer to the people and
I Love Tacloban Foundation, a non-profit pine National Police, Coast Guard, mold them to be our dependable ally in
and non-government organization. Office of the Asst. Provincial the implementation of our programs
Close to 300 participants from
different schools, I Love Tacloban Prosecutor, and hospitals. and projects by developing them to
Youth, members of Alpha Kappa
Rho, city hall employees, residents of The creation of the MFEPC is become informed citizens, particu-
consistent with DENR Department larly on environmental laws”, added
Administrative Order No. 17, Series RED Parian.

of 1995 with subsequent amendments Even as the Department has
the barangay and other civic-minded on the institutionalization of the Multi made the commitment to be more
individuals joined in the coastal clean-up Sectoral Forest Protection Committee aggressive in the performance of its
at Brgy. 68, Anibong of this city. in the DENR system. This has been tasks, it will also put in place measures
With the slogan “Cleanliness proven as an effective strategy for that will ensure the safety of its
Starts With Me”, the activity aims to forest protection and environmental personnel in the light of recent
assist the residents in the collection and attacks against forest law enforcers
segregation of wastes along the coastline law enforcement. in the region and in other parts of the
accumulated during the latest typhoon
Ursula. Echoing the advocacy of DENR, Photo Release ... 04 country.
“Ikaw, Ako, Tayo ang Kalikasan”, Mr.
Romualdez encouraged everyone to be Environment and Natural Resources On the other hand, the
responsible in the proper solid waste Office (PENRO) of Biliran for Department is enjoining the public
management and ensure that the coastlines
are free of waste, plastic especially. custody and proper disposition. for its continued full support and
The I Love Tacloban Foundation
Regional Executive Director active cooperation in the imple-

Tirso P. Parian, Jr. says the DENR mentation of DENR programs and

is closely coordinating with projects as the region welcomes a

the operatives of the Philippine new decade.

National Police and the Philippine
has signified that the clean-up drive is Army for the conduct of joint

just one of the series of clean-ups slated operations against timber poaching. DENR Region VIII
to be conducted in the different barangays, “The series of operations
especially coastal barangays, to raise with our law enforcers is just one EDITORIAL STAFF
awareness on solid waste pollution and e way of showing perpetrators that the
ncouragetheFilipinovaluesof“bayanihan”. Department is serious in its aim to Augustus Ceasar V. Lantajo Perlice D. Belonias
“This kind of activity is consistent intensify forest protection and curb Circulation Manager/Photogrpaher Bonavie M. Robinio
with the priority programs of Secretary timber poaching activities in the
Roy A. Cimatu with clean air, clean water region”, RED Parian says. Haziel P. Carillo
and solid waste management on top of the “In instances such as Researcher
list. We are on the right track and should apprehensions of forest products,
be unrelenting in our collective effort to we cannot just leave the perpetrators Johann Hein B. Arpon Hedy M. Yao
combat waste pollution,” says RED free of the consequences. Sanctions Writer Lay-out Artist
Parian. will be imposed on violators of our
forestry laws”, he adds. Rowena C. Opiniano
Managing Editor

Maita Reina G. Sucgang
Editor-in-Chief

TECHNICAL ADVISERS
Arturo N. Salazar

ARD for Management Services

Eugenia N. Bautista
OIC-ARD for Technical Services in Concurrent Capacity

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

DENR lauds LGU ... 9 the LGU of Paranas along with other CONTRIBUTORS
LGUs who have their own local PENROs/CENROs
Tirso P. Parian, Jr. says “this is Division Chiefs
indeed a testament that the DENR ordinances in support of a cleaner DENR Employees
alone cannot fulfill its mandate if and healthier environment for their
it will not have the support of the constituents. In the face of growing Kalikasan is an internal publication produced
local government units, business environmental challenges, we are quarterly by the Regional Public Affairs Office,
sector and all other stakeholders.” constantly reminded that it is Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
“We commend this initiative of everyone’s responsibility to protect the Region 8, with office at Sto. Niño Extension, Tacloban
environment,” RED Parian says. 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