@DENR8OfficialWebsite: r8.denr.gov.ph Page Number INSIDE THIS ISSUE PENRO N. Samar Coastal Clean-up and Youth Jam Page 10 EAGLE Awardees Page 03 Feature Story: MUFA Page 6-8 Official Newsletter Volume XX No. 2; April-June 2023 A senior citizen from Matalom, Leyte, who planted thousands of mangroves to protect his home and neighborhood from big waves caused by typhoons, was presented with the prestigious Normandy Honors for Peace with the Earth Award. Mr. Geldardo "Gary" Dabasol was recognized for his initiative in implementing a nature-based solution that protects the community from typhoons. He was honored for his dedication and effort in planting over ten thousand (10,000) mangroves in Brgy. Punong, Matalom, Leyte since 2013 from propagules he gathers along the coastline of his village. The award which aims to give international recognition and global gratitude to those who have made significant contributions to protecting the environment and promoting peaceful interactions with nature was presented by the Normandy Chair for Peace Movement, the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development in Washington DC and Paris, the Asia-Pacific Center for Environment Law in Singapore, the International Council for Environmental Law in New York and Madrid, and the Environmental Law Program of the University of Hawaii. It was given during the Recognition of Good Stories and Gratitude to the Moving Characters: Bayanihan na Pasasalamat Para sa Katauhan held at the Ramon Magsaysay Center in Manila on April 19, 2023. "I didn’t plant mangroves to earn money. I've just loved planting ever since I was a kid," Mr. Dabasol said. "I planted mangroves to serve as our natural defense against big waves and strong winds and to serve as home to a variety of marine resources. I never thought that somebody would recognize what I have done here in our P12 GLOBAL GROUPS HONOR SENIOR CITIZEN FROM LEYTE WHO PLANTED THOUSANDS OF MANGROVES Gary Dabasol
During the 2nd quarter of the year, we have celebrated significant environmental celebrations such as Month of the Planet Earth (April), Month of the Ocean (May), World Environment Day (June 5), and Philippine Environment Month (June). The common message of these celebrations centers on the need to invest in our planet for the sustenance of all forms of life. It also calls for the need to reinvigorate global commitments to address the perennial problem of plastic pollution. In our observance of Environment Month, aside from the usual tree planting activity, coastal clean-up, and IEC campaigns, we have organized an arts and culture caravan to help us convey the message of beating plastic pollution. This was in partnership with local cultural artists whose main goals are to shape the minds and hearts of the youth into assets for the nation and the environment instead of liabilities. The contestants, who were mostly youth, were made to integrate into their contest piece the message of addressing plastic pollution. This was our way of instilling in their young minds the responsibility to help the environment breathe by reducing plastic proliferation. The competitions consisted of canvas bag painting, essay writing, spoken word poetry, rap songs, acoustic band, and eco-cosplay competitions. Also, a significant event in June is the celebration of the 36th DENR anniversary. On this occasion, we recognized the meritorious performance of our officials. The Best CENRO and PENRO awards, including special awards in the Administrative, Finance, Forestry, Lands, and Biodiversity sectors, were conferred through the implementation of the Environmental Awards for Governance and Leadership Excellence (EAGLE) at the regional level. Loyalty awards were also conferred to employees who have served the department for 25, 30, 35, and 40 years. Likewise, we recognized our partners in the judiciary for their unwavering support and dedication to the enforcement of environmental laws. Thus, we have awarded plaques of commendation to esteemed judges during the DENR anniversary. After all, our capacity to achieve great heights in the service of our people and the environment is also because of our partners. We are only in the first half of the year, and it is our foremost goal to be on track to accomplishing our physical and financial targets. Together with the dedicated men and women of DENR Rehiyon Otso, we will continue to serve the public and fulfill our mandate as the primary government agency responsible for protecting and conserving our environment and natural resources. We have already achieved a lot, but we still have more to accomplish. Let us continue to put our best foot forward as we move on to the third quarter and the second half of the year. 02 Tacloban City April - June 2023 ARTURO E. FADRIQUELA Regional Executive Director’s Corner ‘Invest in our Planet’ highlights Earth Day, Month of the Planet Earth celebrations On April 22, the country joined the global community in celebrating Earth Day under this year's theme, "Invest in Our Planet." The theme encourages everyone to unite in partnership for the planet and invest their time, money, and effort into protecting the Earth and ensuring its sustainability. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Eastern Visayas shares that investing in the planet could be done through simple actions like conserving water and energy, reducing waste, planting trees, using public transportation, eating locally sourced food, and adopting sustainable practices. It further reminds all sectors that all must take action against the climate crisis and invest in a green economy that will leave the world in a better state for future generations. The Earth Day celebration was first started in 1970 when millions of Americans took to the streets to protest against the pollution of the environment. Since then, the celebrations have grown annually, becoming one of the most significant environmental observances in the world. In the Philippines, April 22 of every year has been declared as the Philippines' Earth Day under Presidential Proclamation 1481, signed on April 10, 2008, by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to raise the level of awareness on environmental degradation and destruction in the country that threatens the very quality of life of many Filipinos. Presidential Proclamation 1482 was also P12
ENR The Philippine Sea is the largest in the world in terms of the surface area covered. It stretches 5.695 million square kilometres and lies in the western part of the North Pacific Ocean. While there is so much more about the largest sea in the world, let us explore some interesting and mind-boggling facts about the Philippine sea. 1. Discovered by the explorer, Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 The Philippine Sea was first discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. A Portuguese explorer, he wanted to circumnavigate the planet. However, his travels and explorations were sponsored by the Spanish crown. 2. Philippine Sea is named after Spanish King Philip II The Philippine Sea is named after the Spanish King Philip II. After the maiden voyage of Magellan to the Philippines and neighbouring islands, Portugal entered into conflicts with Spain, claiming its territories. However, in 1542, Spain reconquered its possessions; islands, neighbouring sea routes, including the Philippines from Portuguese control. 3. History’s biggest carrier-to carrier war was fought in the Philippine Sea. A deciding battle between two naval powers, the United States and Japan, the Battle of the Philippine Sea in 1944 is one of the important wars fought during World War 2. It eliminated Japan’s ability and right to carry out huge-carrier operations in the region. 4. Philippines Sea is home to the deepest point on the planet- Challenger Deep The Challenger Deep, the deepest point on earth, is located in the Mariana Trench in the Western Pacific Ocean, near the Philippines and Mariana Islands. Mariana trench is the deepest place on earth, spanning 2550 kilometres. Challenger Deep is located about 300 kilometres to Guam, in its southwest and its depth is estimated to be 36,070 feet 5. The Pacific Ring of Fire crosses the Philippine Sea The Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of increased seismic activities, tectonic movements and about 450 volcanoes span a large chunk of the Pacific Ocean and also passes through the Philippine Sea plate. It is named ‘the ring of fire’ due to the presence of many active volcanoes and earthquakes in the surrounding regions. The Ring of Fire stretches 40,000 km and covers Indonesia, the Philippines, islands of Kuril, western North American coastline etc. 6. The Philippine Sea is one of the world’s richest marine biodiversity hotspot The Philippine Sea has the world’s most diverse and rich marine ecosystem. It hosts more than 500 coral species and about 20% of the planet’s species of shellfish. The Philippine Sea is home to 3,212 species of fish, 486 species of corals,800 species of seaweed, and 820 species of algae. The Philippine Sea is the breeding ground of a multitude of marine fish such as Whales, Japanese eels, Tuna. The Philippine Sea is the home of many deadly snakes, giant octopuses, sharks and many turtle species. https://www.marineinsight.com/know-more/largest-sea-in-the-world-6-facts-youmight-not-know/ https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/green-tips-for-a-cleaner-environment 03 ENVIRONMENT MONTH 2023: 7 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint DENR EV confers best PENRO, CENRO awards for CY 2022 through EAGLE Month of the Ocean 2023 Largest Sea in the World- 6 Facts You Might Not Know Tacloban City April - June 2023 1. Dial it down. Moving your thermostat down just two degrees in winter and up two degrees in summer could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. 2. Turn it off. Artificial lighting accounts for 44 percent of electricity use in office buildings. Make it a habit to turn off the lights when you're leaving any room for 15 minutes or more. 3. Use cold water. Using cold water can save up to 80 percent of the energy required to wash clothes. Choosing a low setting on the washing machine will also help save water. 4. Switch to e-billing. Paper products make up the largest percentage of municipal solid waste, and hard copy bills alone generate almost 2 million tons of CO2. Save paper by signing up for e-billing. 5. Buy local. Buy fresh, local food to eliminate the long distances traveled and preserve nutrients and flavor. 6. Recycle. You can recycle plastic bottles, paper, electronics and batteries, among other items. 7. Go solar. Powering your home with solar panels can reduce your electric bills, shrink your carbon footprint and increase your home's value. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Eastern Visayas conferred best Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) and Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) awards to the best performing field officials for the year 2022 through the implementation of the Environmental Awards for Governance and Leadership Excellence or (EAGLE) in the regional level. Six (6) PENROs and eleven (11) CENROs vied for the award. A regional SubPerformance Management Team (PMT) team was locally created to evaluate the eligibility and merit of the field officials pursuant to the criteria and guidelines set forth in the Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2019-04 which implements the EAGLE as further amended by DAO 2021- 18. Seventy (70%) of the key officials’ performance was assessed based on their efficiency in the delivery of output and services and thirty (30%) of the rating was based on the leadership qualities. PENRO Angelito Villanueva of PENRO Samar was awarded as the Best PENRO and ranked 1st in the PENRO category with a rating of 88.19%, followed by PENRO Alejandro Bautista of PENRO Leyte who was ranked 2nd with a rating of 84.56% and PENRO Lea Torres of PENRO Eastern Samar was ranked 3rd with a rating of 84.17%. For the CENRO Category, CENRO Crisostomo Badeo of CENRO Palo got the Best CENRO award with a rating of 86.96%, followed by CENRO Baldomero Nuñez of CENRO Ormoc who ranked 2nd with a rating of 85%; CENRO Eugene Mozo of CENRO Borongan ranked 3rd with a rating of 83.91%, CENRO Paquito Dabuet of CENRO Catarman ranked 4th with a rating of 82.98% and CENRO Alexander Casco of CENRO San Juan ranked 5th with a rating of 78.27%. In addition to the best PENRO and CENRO awards, the Regional PMT also conferred special awards for the following sectors: Administrative and Finance, Forestry, Lands and Biodiversity. Only one (1) awardee was chosen from both the PENRO and CENRO category for each special award. The awards were conferred to the best field implementers during the 36th DENR Anniversary celebration last June 9 which was graced by Asec. Gilbert Gonzales who served as the guest of honor during the event. P12
04 Tacloban City April - June 2023 DENR R8 HONORS 31 EMPLOYEES FOR THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region VIII honored thirty-one (31) employees for their dedicated service to the Department through the “Loyalty Service Awards” presented during the DENR 36th Anniversary celebration in June. Among the thirty-one (31) employees, fourteen (14) were awarded for their 25 years of service, three (3) for 30 years of service, seven (7) for 35 years of service and another seven (7) employees for their 40 years of service to the DENR. DENR Regional Executive Director Arturo E. Fadriquela lauded all the service awardees for their dedication and commitment through the years. “We salute you for rendering your years in the service, and sharing your expertise to the department. We are blessed to be working with you.” he says. Director Fadriquela also reminded the DENR8 personnel that the service they give are for the public and that the people are hoping that all employees will perform their best. “Remember that, we are privileged to be serving the public and there are many expectations from us, so we must also give excellent public service in return,” he adds. Also present as a guest of honor during this event was Assistant Secretary for Field Operations- Luzon and Visayas and the Director and the Director of the Environmental Management Bureau in concurrent capacity Asec. Gilbert Gonzales. The activity was one of the highlights during DENR 36th Anniversary celebration held last June 9, 2023 at the Leyte Normal University, Tacloban City which was participated by all regular and contractual employees of DENR Region VIII with some personnel of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) VIII and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) VIII (L) Edwin A. Gad (middle) receives his Plaque of Service Loyalty Award for rendering 25 years of service given by the Assistant Secretary for Field Operations- Luzon and Visayas, Asec. Gilbert Gonzales with DENR VIII Regional Executive Director Arturo E. Fadriquela, ARD for Management Service Arturo N. Salazar and ARD for Technical services Atty. Dario O. Suarez (from right- left) during the DENR’s 36th Anniversary celebration. (R) Ma. Lordes Coveros, 40 years in service receives the same award.
05 Tacloban City April - June 2023 DENR EV collects 210 sacks of wastes in the simultaneous coastal clean-up In celebration of the Month of the Ocean 2023, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Palo spearheaded a coastal clean-up activity at the coastal area of Barangay Baras and Candahug, Palo, Leyte. About 115 participants took part in the clean-up which include volunteers from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office, 805th Maneuver Company of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Education (DepED) Leyte Division, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office, The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Eastern Visayas joined the nationwide simultaneous coastal clean-up drive spearheaded by the DENR Central Office in celebration of the 2023 World Oceans Day on June 8, 2023.A total of two hundred ten (210) sacks of wastes were collected in thirteen (13) sites across Eastern Visayas and participated by more than Eight Hundred Twenty Two (822) volunteers from both the private and public sectors including students and youth groups. In the clean-up drive spearheaded by the DENR Regional Office at the UP-Botanical area along Magsaysay Boulevard, Tacloban City, one of the clean-up sites around EV, thirty-nine (39) sacks of wastes with an estimated volume of 500 kilos comprising mostly of single-use plastics, food packaging materials such as styrofoam and plastic wrappers and rubber materials like tires were collected on that day. DENR Eastern Visayas OIC-Regional Executive Director, Arturo Fadriquela shared that "Malasakit" and "Disiplina" are needed from the public in order to contribute to the worldwide conservation and restoration efforts for our oceans. The United Nations celebrates World Oceans Day every year on June 8. This year's theme, "Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing, " highlights the importance of conserving and restoring our oceans as well as reiterate the need to ensure the sustainable management of our coastal and marine ecosystems. CENRO Palo spearheads coastal clean-up activity for Month of the Ocean 2023 barangay officials and residents of Barangays Baras and Candahug and some CENRO Palo personnel. 12 sacks of wastes with an estimated volume of 225 kilos composed mostly of residual wastes were collected in the clean-up activity.
06 Tacloban City April - June 2023 MUFA’s Resilience Amidst Adversity and Its Inspiring Recovery The implementation of the different programs of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that aim to address poverty and food security, socioeconomic income, climate change mitigation, social justice, biodiversity conservation, and forest restoration, have provided opportunities for farmers to be part of the workforce and be partners of the department in carrying out its mandate, at the same time alleviate their economic condition. One of the People’s Organizations (PO) in Southern Leyte that partnered with the department is the Malico Upland Farmer’s Association (MUFA). The PO’s Journey Partnering with DENR Established at Brgy. Malico, San Francisco, Southern Leyte, MUFA was formally organized in 2001 and was duly registered at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the same year. Eighteen (18) farmers originally composed the group. They became a beneficiary of the Integrated Social Forestry, (ISF) Program of the government and was also awarded with the Community Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) tenurial instrument by the DENR covering a total land area of 532.50 hectares of timberland for a duration of 25 years. Among their initial program activities were natural resources management implemented through reforestation project, and Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) methods to improve forest productivity. Leaned towards environment and natural resources management, the PO became a project beneficiary of REDD+ in 2011 and the National Greening Program (NGP) in 2014 where they needed to plant indigenous trees. Over the years, The DENR provided significant technical assistance to the PO, enriching their know-hows in project documentation and skills in enhancing their reforestation and livelihood projects. True enough, the PO members acquired knowledge from management seminars, training on simple bookkeeping and technical skills from the training on farming and organic vegetable production, nursing operation, plant propagation, organic fertilizers and plantation management and maintenance.
07 Tacloban City April - June 2023 Bad Seed and Challenges “Mainly, poor management and leadership caused a major setback to the association’s progress”, PO President Femie R. Galvez revealed. “Some members lost the desire to get involved in the activities of the project such as site preparation, planting, and maintenance due to lack of transparency in terms of financial resources of the association. Commitments of the members waned as they felt uncertain,” he added. In 2019, they asked DENR for assistance and crafted a resolution requesting for election of new set of officers to reorganize the group. Another challenge faced by the farmers is the infestation of pests and insects. The caterpillars defoliated some of their planted Falcata during their development period and have not recovered. However, the rattan and other fruit tree plantations survived. In 2021, MUFA faced a formidable challenge that left their members homeless and hopeless after the year’s strongest typhoon “Odette” hit Southern Leyte. Typhoon Odette destroyed their houses and devastated all their plantations and crops, taking away their only source of livelihood. DENR sowing seeds of hope When MUFA members felt they lost all they have worked on for years, DENR was quick to respond to the needs of the PO. MUFA managed to get back on track after the rehabilitation programs of the different agencies and departments of the government. With the current PO President Femie R. Galvez, MUFA found a way to start hoping for a better life after being devastated by a typhoon at the end of 2021. Provided by the local government units and other concerned agencies with their immediate needs like food supplies and relief goods, DENR took an immediate action to help MUFA and other POs that forged partnership with the department by assisting them in crafting proposals for additional projects to support their families rebuild their homes and source of income. In February 2022, DENR Region 8 in coordination with PENRO Southern Leyte awarded them with a CBFM-CARP Rattan and Agroforestry Based Project costing P929,750.00 for a 35-hectare land area. The CBFM-CARP is DENR's flagship forest management project that addresses the management of forest products while improving the lives of upland farmers and promoting sustainable forest management. The project yielded a very significant assistance to the families of the PO. The CBFM-CARP 35 has. Rattan and Agroforestry Based Project includes the plantation 20.0 has. Rattan Plantation, 10.0 has. Falcata Plantation and 5.0 Has. Fruit trees intercrop with Abaca. They were also capacitated thru Information, Education and Communications (IEC) campaigns on DENR laws and regulations, new training on Bamboo and Rattan furniture making, handicraft making and togue production. In addition, they were provided with two (2) horses amounting to P40,000.00 each under the ARP Program that they use for hauling and transporting seedlings. Reaping the fruit of their labor In December 2022, MUFA submitted their accomplishment report for the CBFMCARP’s 35 hectares Rattan and Agroforestry Based Project. With their dedication and hard work, MUFA has fully achieved 100 percent of their target. With the PO being inactive for a while P8 due to leadership issues, their performance
08 Tacloban City April - June 2023 MUFA P 7 and accomplishment were affected as an association. They were then required to adhere with the DENR program requirements to get other projects. MUFA then registered their group in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as Malico for Agricultural Sustainability and Holistic Environment Inc. (MASHEI). Being SEC registered, in 2023, DENR awarded them with an Enhanced National Greening Program (NGP) project of ninety (90) hectares with the target of fifty-six thousand two hundred fifty (56,250) indigenous seedlings to be planted that is worth P1,530,000.00. Nine families were contracted to carry out the planting of indigenous tree seedlings at the ENGP site in Brgy. Tuno, San Francisco, Southern Leyte. As results in engagement to NGP projects, there were purposive investment among the contracted families. One family acquired his own fishing boat, and one repaired his house after receiving the first released amount they worked for the implementation of the project. Currently, there are fifty-four (54) working and active members composed of 12 women and 43 men who are secured with P5,000 - P7,500 average salary for 15 days of work in the farm per month. The group still welcomes new members to be able to help more people in the community. Road to sustainability Other agencies like the Department of Agriculture (DA) also provided material assistance of a few farming equipment like water pump, host and tank which can be very useful with their newly submitted fish farming and pig raising proposal to DENR for year 2024. Recently, the LGU of San Francisco aided the organization with a capital of ▒▒125,000 for a rice business. MUFA has set regulations with the purchase and loans process to members and nonmembers. All members are entrusted to borrow one (1) half sack of rice (equivalent to 10kg) payable for a month, while nonmembers can avail of this privilege with a guarantor from the organization. With these new proposals and projects, MUFA has high hopes of not only gaining from it but also serving sustainability for every member of the association. “DENR has not forsaken us, and we are assured to recover and have new aspiration even after the setbacks from typhoon Odette,” Galvez says. MUFA is determined to work harder as one and save money to give incentives to all the members every December of the year. Of gratefulness and of divine wisdom Following the core values of DENR, MUFA chooses to be good stewards with the work entrusted to them too. They have been cooperative and appreciative of the people they work with and persevere to continue learning for their improvement. “We are very grateful to DENR with all the opportunities and assistance through the NGP and CBFM-CARP projects. Through these, our needs are met, and we can send our children to school,” Galvez added. Overcoming challenges was not an easy thing to do for MUFA. It took them years to resolve their issues. But thru that, they discovered how to be resilient. With the help of DENR they are more inspired to help other farmers in the future. “If we choose to fear God, we can’t do and go wrong. We depend on God and reestablish our association with trust, integrity, respect, and unity,” Galvez stressed. ₱
09 Tacloban City April - June 2023 Thirty-eight (38) candidates of Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) explored the Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge in Basey, Samar as part of their five-day experiential tour in Eastern Visayas. This key ecotourism destination in Eastern Visayas is within the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), the largest legislated protected area in Eastern Visayas. Mr. Larry Rambacod, President of the people’s organization (PO) Sohoton Service Cooperative, which manages the ecotourism site, expressed thanks to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Tourism (DOT) and the local government unit of Basey for their continued support to their organization through capacity building, technical assistance, and logistics, which enables them to manage the site and prepare for the influx of local and even international tourists. With the visit of the MUPh candidates, the PO expects to receive more visitors in the coming days. "It is my first time to visit and experience Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge, and I really appreciate its beauty," says Miss Eastern Samar Airish Ramos. "I will use the Miss Universe pageant as a platform to bring out good causes. Most especially, for the people to be more caring of our environment and be conscious of environmental issues confronting our planet," shares Miss Agusan Del Norte Jannarie Zarsoso after her caving experience. Meanwhile, DENR 8 Regional Executive Director Arturo E. Fadriquela says, "the provincial government of Samar and the DENR are working closely with partners in activities and interventions within the SINP that will support its bid for the UNESCO World Heritage List." "The visit of Miss Universe Philippines candidates to our protected area is an important activity that will help showcase the universal value of SINP and promote sustainable management of the PA," he adds. ### (bmr) MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES CANDIDATES VISIT EV PROTECTED AREA DENR 8, VARIOUS SECTOR JOIN HANDS IN CELEBRATION OF PHILIPPINE ARBOR DAY 2023 P12 More than 12,000 seedlings of different indigenous species were planted in celebration of the Philippine Arbor Day last June 24, 2023. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Office 8 led the celebration in the simultaneous nationwide tree planting activity across six provinces of Region 8. The said tree planting activity was participated by over 5000 individuals coming from DENR 8 and its field offices, government agencies, and the private sector. Among the indigenous species planted were Yakal, Narra, Kulipapa, Kamagong, among others.
10 Tacloban City April - June 2023 HR @ UR SERVICE. As part of the celebration of the Philippine Environment Month in June, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 8 conducted the second Human Resource (HR) @ UR Service. The activity aims to show gratitude and appreciation to the hard-working employees of DENR 8 by offering them frontline services from other government agencies such as the Philippine Statistics Authority, (PSA), PhilHealth, Social Security System (SSS), PAGIBIG, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and Philippine Red Cross, as well as health and wellness activities including personal care and grooming, reflexology, medical check-up, laboratory tests, and bloodletting. HR @ UR service Around 50 senior high school students of Biri National High School participated in plogging, and coastal clean-up followed by an earth jam held at Biri LaRoSA Protected Area Management Office in celebration of the Month of the Ocean. Biri National High School teacher and Committee Chair on Solid Waste Management Alexander Dela Fuente expressed his appreciation to the DENR for conducting the activity in their area, hoping that the awareness campaign will strengthen the implementation of Republic Act 9003 PENRO NORTHERN SAMAR SPEARHEADED A COASTAL CLEAN-UP AND YOUTH JAM P12
11 Tacloban City April - June 2023 MGB 8 holds regional BADMINTON YEAR II mining summit The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 8 recently held a regional mining summit which was attended by partners and stakeholders from the mining industry, local government units, national government agencies, academe, media and civil society. Carlos Tayag, Regional Director of MGB 8 in his opening message welcomed all attendees and underscored the importance of holding the mining summit. “This 2-day event will tackle the most recent policies and developments in mining and this will also be an opportunity to hear best practices in elevating the nationwide mission of responsible mining,” he says. Ms. Janice Canta, City Planning Officer who represented Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez during the event said that mining is but a privilege and not a right which must be regulated in such a way that this activity is done responsibly. She also said that sustainable and responsible mining is a shared responsibility by all concerned. In his message, DENR Eastern Visayas OIC Regional Executive Director, Arturo E. Fadriquela, appreciated the MGB 8 for its initiative to hold the summit. He also challenged the players in the mining industry to take a serious look in their responsibility towards responsible mining for the benefit of both the present and future generations. “DENR is with you in promoting responsible mining. I hope that all the mining operators who are here for the summit will all take a serious look on your responsibility,” says RED Fadriquela. The mining summit was in To promote and implement health and wellness among the employees of DENR Region Office 8, employees of DENR, EMB and MGB 8 joined the DENR Anniversary Badminton Tournament – Year 2 on June 26-28, 2023, held at the Multi-purpose Hall, DENR Regio8. Delegations from the field offices in the region also participated in the 3 categories of the Badminton tournament. Overall champion for Badminton for the Women’s Doubles was from PENRO Palo, while Men’s Doubles Champion was from Management Services and the Mixed Doubles Champion were from the Technical Services. MVPs for Women’s Double were Perlis Cuayzon Ramos of PENRO Leyte and Elvis James De la Cruz of Region Office’s Management Services. Meanwhile, Marvin Cartajena of Technical Services bagged the MVP for the Mixed Double Category. The badminton tournament started during the DENR’s 35th year anniversary coined as P12 ‘Badmintunay”.
12 @DENR8OfficialWebsite: r8.denr.gov.ph Kalikasan is an internal publication produced quarterly by the Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group, 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. Contact Information Office of the Regional Executive Director : (053) 832 - 0825 Office of the Assistant Regional Executive Director for Management Services : (053) 832 - 1887 Office of the Assistant Regional Executive Director for Technical Services : (053) 832 - 0827 Administrative Division : (053) 832 - 0655 Finance Division : (053) 832 - 0822 Planning and Management Division : (053) 832 - 0027 Legal Division : (053) 832 - 0862 Survey and Mapping Division : (053) 832 - 0863 Enforcement Division : (053) 832 - 2196 Licenses, Patents and Deeds Division : (053) 832 - 0630 Conservation and Development Division : (053) 832 - 0032 Hedy Y. Simbulan Researcher Devon Nexxus Nerza Layout Artist Atty. Johann Hein B. Arpon Bonavie M. Robinio Joy P. Tagget Writers Augustus Caesar V. Lantajo Circulation Manager/Photographer Rowena C. Opiniano Editor-in-Chief TECHNICAL ADVISERS Arturo N. Salazar, CESO IV ARD for Management Services Atty. Dario O. Suarez OIC-ARD for Technical Services Arturo E. Fadriquela OIC-Regional Executive Director CONTRIBUTORS PENROs/CENROs Division Chiefs DENR Employees DENR REGION VIII EDITORIAL STAFF INVEST IN OUR PLANNET P 2 Tacloban City April - June 2023 GLOBAL GROUPS P 01 signed on the same date, declaring the whole month of April each year as the Month of the Planet Earth. DENR Eastern Visayas conducted information, education, and communication activities across the region to mark these celebrations. It likewise launched through its FB page DENR Eastern Visayas, a digital poster-making contest dubbed KalikasART. ENR Ambassadors, youth groups, students, and volunteers also participated in a tree-planting activity at Brgy. Paglaum, Tacloban City on April 22, 2023./bmr ### partnership with the Association of Responsible Miners and Operators of Region 8 (ARMOR). One of the highlights of the summit was the sharing of the best practices of mining operators especially in terms of providing livelihood to the community and protecting the environment through responsible mining. Hinatuan Mining Corporation and Emir Mineral Resources Corporation were shared their mining best practices and community engagement while Techiron Resources Inc. and Concrete Solutions Inc. narrated how they protect the environment while creating a sustainable community.### (bmr) small village. I am truly grateful for this recognition," he added. Mr. Dabasol further shared that his only technique and proven method for making his mangroves flourish and survive over the years is constant nurturing. "Taking care of my planted mangroves is like taking care of a dear child. With the help of my wife, I clear the mangrove area of plastics and other waste tangled in the roots to enable the trees to grow well. Also, to prevent organisms thriving in the area from ingesting or getting entangled to the plastics," he said. Mr. Dabasol’s passion for planting mangroves made rounds on social media and inspired other entities to do the same. "A priest from my hometown requested that I assist in planting mangroves in his area. I was also requested by some offices to impart my know-how in planting mangroves," he shares. Atty. Antonio ‘Tony’ Oposa, Jr., a world-renowned environmental advocate who chaired the event, said that "inspiration is the highest and most powerful form of leadership. A good story is the most powerful tool to inspire and set hearts on fire." Meanwhile, DENR Regional Executive Director Arturo Fadriquela hopes that more individuals and groups will be inspired by the story of Mr. Dabasol and continue taking actions towards environmental protection and sustainability. Mr. Dabasol is the lone honoree from Region 8 who received the Normandy Honors for Peace with the Earth Award. He joined other honorees of the country in the fields of environment, education, law, solid waste management, road sharing, eco-governance, marine conservation, and international environmental law./acvl DENR EV OIC, Regional Executive Director (RED) Arturo Fadriquela congratulated the EAGLE awardees for CY 2022 and challenged them to keep up their good works in achieving the targets and deliverables of the region for the given year. “This is our way of promoting leadership excellence and best performance by seeing to it that your best efforts are paid off with recognition, ” says RED Fadriquela. From 2018 until 2021, EAGLE was given to the best field implementers at the national level. The evaluation covered DENR Regional Offices, EMB Regional Offices, MGB Regional Offices, PENROs, and CENROs. DENR EV… P 3 MGB 8 … P 11 DENR 8… P 9 commonly known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Volunteers who joined the plogging and coastal clean-up collected around 15 sacks of segregated nonorganic and recyclable trashes composed of plastic, drinking bottles, and cans which were disposed appropriately. Meanwhile, the youth jam was packed with music and lecture prepared by PENRO personnel and OJTs from University of East Philippines (UEP) College of Science. Topics discussed during the lecture were about Solid Waste Management and Climate Change that called for reflection and commitment from the students to support in protecting and conserving our environment and natural resources. PENRO NOTHERN SAMAR P 10 The DENR-8 Assistant Regional Director Atty. Dario O. Suarez in his message pointed out that the Department is relentless in protecting the environment and this is as our action to adapt and mitigate Climate Change-related events. He lauded everyone from various government and private organizations who continuously support the massive reforestation efforts of the Department. Atty. Suarez also added that “if everyone planted one tree, we can make a forest”. Tree Planting Day also known as ‘Arbor Day’ is a nationwide annual celebration every June 24th. It was institutionalized by the DENR through the Republic Act No. 10176 which mandates the government and private sectors to observe and conduct tree planting activity.