@DENR8OfficialWebsite: r8.denr.gov.ph Page Number INSIDE THIS ISSUE MOPA between DENR and Culaba Page 10 Wildlife Quiz Bee Page 03 Feature Story: Alas Onse Page 6-8 Official Newsletter Volume XX No. 3; July - September 2023 The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VIII joined forty (40) other government agencies in the service caravan organized for the Leyteňos at Visayas State University (VSU), Tolosa, Leyte. The DENR offered “Handog Titulo” to pre-identified qualified beneficiaries from the province of Leyte. Five hundred (500) indigenous seedlings of laua-an species ready for planting were also given to one hundred (100) beneficiaries. A DENR service booth also catered to public queries as regards DENR programs and services. Posters, brochures and other IEC collaterals were also distributed to the general public. The DENR was represented by Asec. Michelle Angelica Go, Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs, who expressed the message of support of the Department under the leadership of DENR Secretary Maria Antonio Yulo-Loyzaga. In her message, Asec. Go encouraged the Leyteňos to plant trees in order to mitigate the effects of climate change and to reduce the chances of being exposed to disasters such as Super Typhoon Yolanda. She highlighted her message by saying, “The community that plants together, stays together.” P12 DENR VIII provides Handog Titulo, seedlings for Leyteños in the 2-day service caravan Dubbed as Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, the
hard work and dedication of my predecessors. They have built a strong foundation for us, and I am grateful for their contributions. Likewise, the commitment and sincerity of the DENR 8 workforce. I am confident that the DENR 8 family, whoever their leader may be, will continue to work under the same momentum. Needless to say, the strength of any organization lies in its people, and I am committed to creating an environment where everyone feels motivated and valued. I was glad to have been warmly welcomed by DENR employees from every province that I went to during my first few days in the region. It was my goal to seek not only the support of the DENR key officials but of every DENR employee in accomplishing the targets and deliverables lodged in Region 8 under my lead. Above all, I desired to reach out to all employees to remind them that being caretakers of the environment is not only our responsibility as DENR workers but everyone’s divine mission, and to always be guided by 1 Corinthians 10:31 which says, “Whatever I do, I will do it all for the glory of God.” As we journey together, one of my priorities will be to align our goals and strategies to maximize our impact and create sustainable growth. Together, we will identify areas for improvement and implement measures to drive positive change. In my first few days as RED of DENR 8, we have recognized the importance of collaboration and nurturing strong relationships with our stakeholders, including clients, partners, and the community at large. To name a few, we have strengthened partnership with the Office of the Vice-President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) for the PagbaBAGo: A Million Learners and Trees in support to the enhanced National Greening Program (eNGP); the City Government of Catbalogan and 98 other entities for the rehabilitation of Antiao River in Catbalogan City in Samar, and the youth sector, specifically the Eagle Scouts of the Philippines (ESOP)-Leyte Islands Chapter for the ENR Ambassador Project. We are also doing our part in the implementation of the Project TRANSFORM or the Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilience and Sustainability through Multistakeholder Engagement. We also made rounds in various events such as service fairs and contests in partnership with other national agencies, academe, LGUs, and the CSOs. We made sure that environmental compliance of LGUS and industries are in place and that environmental laws are properly implemented. Likewise, we ensured that mining concerns are addressed. Apart from these early milestones is a myriad of challenges confronting the office. The road ahead may not be that seamless, but I am confident that if we work together in this divine mission of working for the environment, we will achieve remarkable things, attain even greater success, and reach new levels of excellence. 02 Tacloban City July - September 2023 Regional Executive Director’s Corner Thousands of volunteers from EV join beach, waterway clean-up on ICC Day 2023 Eastern Visayas joins thousands of volunteers in over one hundred fifty (150) countries in the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) Day, a global initiative dedicated to addressing ocean pollution through beach and waterway clean-ups held every third Saturday of September. In Tacloban City, the DENR Regional Office 8 led a cleanup in a coastal area of about 10.4 kilometers within Tacloban and Palo, Leyte. Around seven hundred (700) volunteers from different government agencies, youth organizations, business and private sectors, and local government units joined the activity. The volunteers collected waste mostly composed of single-use plastics such as food wrappers, plastic beverage bottles and caps, plastic bags, and sachets. In his message during the ICC program, Assistant Regional Director for Management Services Arturo N. Salazar reminded everyone that clean seas are crucial to people. "Clean seas impact sustainable development and are needed to maintain human health and well-being, P12 LORMELYN E. CLAUDIO, CESO IV which is why we have to pursue and advocate for clean and healthy seas Assuming into office as the first female Regional Executive Director of DENR 8 is indeed both a pleasure and an honor. In the early days of my stint in the region, I was told that under the baton of various male leaders, the DENR 8 family has worked relentlessly in the Department’s goal to promote human well-being and ensure environmental quality and sustainability. For that, I would like to acknowledge the
ENR History of the ICC The International Coastal Cleanup® began more than 35 years ago, when communities rallied together with the common goal of collecting and documenting the trash littering their coastline. The movement was catalyzed by the passion and spirit of two committed individuals. Back in 1986, Linda Maraniss moved to Texas from Washington, DC, where she had been working for Ocean Conservancy. She’d been inspired by the work her Ocean Conservancy colleague Kathy O’Hara was doing on a groundbreaking report called Plastics in the Ocean: More than a Litter Problem that would be published the next year. Linda and Kathy reached out to the Texas General Land Office, local businesses and other dedicated ocean lovers, and planned what would become Ocean Conservancy’s first cleanup. They asked volunteers to go beyond picking up trash and record each item collected on a standardized data card to identify ways to eliminate ocean trash in the future. The Cleanup has grown immensely in the 35 years since Linda and Kathy’s first Cleanup. Volunteers from states and territories throughout the United States and more than 150 countries come together each year and participate in a cleanup event near them. Over the years, this movement has created a family that spans oceans and country borders. It is a network that works together for something bigger than us. To our global network, we thank you. In 2003, Proclamation No. 470 officially designated the third Saturday in September as ICC Day, instilling a sense of vigilance among Filipinos in their support of the ongoing global fight against marine litter. The theme "Clean Seas for Healthy Fisheries" is carried by this year’s ICC which aligns closely with the objectives of the United Nations (UN) Ocean Decade Challenge 3 which is to “Sustainably Feed the Global Population”. This challenge recognizes the need to ensure sustainable food production from the ocean to feed the growing global population while safeguarding the health and productivity of marine ecosystems. https://oceanconservancy.org/trash-free-seas/international-coastalcleanup/#:~:text=Harnessing%20the%20Power%20of%20People,the%20world's%20b eaches%20and%20waterways. https://www.denr.gov.ph/index.php/news-events/press-releases/5759-2023-international-coastal-cleanup-day-ph-joins-anew-the-global-effort-to-protect-oceans https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/ocean/earthday.html 03 Ten Simple Things You Can Do to Help Protect the Earth DENR EV holds Regional Wildlife Quiz Bee International Coastal Clean-up The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)- Eastern Visayas spearheaded a Regional Wildlife Quiz Bee that was participated by ten (10) high schools across the region. The quiz bee aimed at strengthening DENR partnership with academic institutions and non-government organizations in instilling awareness on environmental education and protection. New Ormoc National High School (NHS), Dulag NHS, Palo NHS, Alang-Alang NHS, Juan Tismo NHS, Burauen Comprehensive NHS, Philippine Science HS, Burauen NHS, Patoc NHS, and Leyte NHS participated in the quiz bee which was composed of three rounds --- easy, average questions and difficult with a combination of multiple choice and identification. Two students from each participating should compete in the quiz bee. Burauen Comprehensive National High School won 1st place with a cash prize of P7,500; New Ormoc NHS placed 2nd with a cash prize of 5,000.00 followed by the Philippine Science HS who got 3rd place with a cash prize of P3,500. These three schools will represent the region in the National Wildlife Quiz Bee to be held in Ormoc City this November in celebration of the National Environmental Awareness Month. In her message, DENR EV Regional Executive Director Lormelyn Claudio encouraged the students to share their knowledge on wildlife to their families and friends in order to raise awareness on the P12 Tacloban City July - September 2023 2 students from each of the 10 participating high schools across Region 8 compete in the Regional Wildlife Quiz Bee 1. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cut down on what you throw away. Follow the three "R's" to conserve natural resources and landfill space. 2. Volunteer. Volunteer for cleanups in your community. You can get involved in protecting your watershed, too. 3. Educate. When you further your own education, you can help others understand the importance and value of our natural resources. 4. Conserve water. The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually end up in the ocean. 5. Choose sustainable. Learn how to make smart seafood choices at www.fishwatch.gov. 6. Shop wisely. Buy less plastic and bring a reusable shopping bag. 7. Use long-lasting light bulbs. Energy efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Also flip the light switch off when you leave the room! 8. Plant a tree. Trees provide food and oxygen. They help save energy, clean the air, and help combat climate change. 9. Don't send chemicals into our waterways. Choose nontoxic chemicals in the home and office. 10. Bike more. Drive less.
04 DENR conducts Regional Multistakeholder Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) Action and Communication Planning Tacloban City July - September 2023 The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region VIII through the Production Forest Management Section (PFMS) of the Conservation and Development Division conducted a 4-day Regional Multistakeholder CommunityBased Forest Management (CBFM) Action and Communication Planning held at the Oriental Hotel, Palo, Leyte on September 19-22, 2023. During the opening program CENRO Palo, Crisostomo Badeo stated part of the history and development of CBFM and stressed that there is a need to update the framework. “Issues and concerns regarding CBFM need to be addressed so we have an efficient framework for our work and financial plans in the coming years,” says CENRO Badeo. The activity was conducted to set the roadmap for the Department, CBFM People’s Organization (POs) and other CBFM Stakeholders for the effective and efficient CBFM implementation. Outputs of said activity such as the CBFM Regional Action Plan for 2023-2032 and the CBFM Regional Communication Plan will be used in support to the Updated CBFM Strategic Plan CYs 2023- 2032. Present during the activity were seventy participants from the Regional CBFMPO Federation and selected primary CBFM People’s Organizations, CBFM Coordinators from Regional, Provincial and CENRO levels, selected LGU Municipal Environment and Natural Resource Officers (MENROs), Municipal Planning and Development Officers P12 DENR signs MOPA with City Government of Catbalogan, 98 other government, private organizations for the rehabilitation of Antiao River The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Eastern Visayas signed a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) with the City Government of Catbalogan and ninety-eight (98) other government, private and civil society organizations including the eighteen (18) barangays of Catbalogan City along the Antiao main river for the rehabilitation of the Antiao River in Catbalogan City. Simultaneous with the MOPA signing was a river clean-up participated by representatives of the 98 partner organizations including barangay and city government officials and the DENR. Around two thousand (2,000) volunteers consisting of participants from partner agencies joined the river clean-up. In her message, DENR 8 Regional Executive Director Lormelyn E. Claudio emphasized the need for the city to establish a functional Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in every barangay along the main river and also to put up a central material recovery facility for the collection and proper disposal of special hazardous wastes. She also called for the enforcement of legal easement pursuant to the P10
05 Tacloban City July - September 2023 CENRO Maasin, PCDSI employees clean-up generate 35 sacks of non-biodegradable wastes Several employees from Personal Collection Direct Selling, Inc. (PCDSI) together with barangay officials, 4Ps members, and DENR-CENRO Maasin conduct a coastal clean-up activity in Brgy. Ichon, Macrohon, Southern Leyte. The 144 volunteers who joined the activity collected a total of thirty-five (35) sacks of non-biodegradable wastes. According to PCDSI, while they promise to bring quality and affordable products to its consumers they, likewise, promise to give back to mother earth by taking care of the environment as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility. DENR VIII participates in PLANT-RUN for CSC Anniversary The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) employees from the regional office and PENRO Leyte joined other government workers in the simultaneous nationwide fun run and tree planting activity dubbed as “PLANT-RUN” in celebration of the 123rd Philippine Civil Service Anniversary on September 17, 2023 with the theme: "Dynamism towards Strengthened Organizational Resilience and Sustainable Management." Two (2) DENR employees from the regional office who joined the fun run were able to bring home awards, specifically, Miguel Castillo won 3rd place for the 1km run and Lorna Mendrano bagged 3rd place for the 3km run. All the participants were able to plant around 300 toog seedlings near McArthur Park after the fun run. Per information from the Civil Service Commission, the event’s purpose was to raise funds for the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani to honor government workers who died in the line of duty through the provision of one-time financial assistance plus scholarship opportunities to their family members.
06 Ordinance Alas Onse: Advocating Oras’ Environment and Economic Development Tacloban City July - September 2023 The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is actively involved in formulating and implementing legislation and campaigns to address a wide range of environmental issues. One of the key challenges it has been tackling is plastic pollution, which is being addressed through the implementation of programs, projects, and laws such as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, also known as Republic Act 9003. There has been a growing response from individuals, academe, civil society, and local government units (LGUs) to address this environmental crisis. The LGUs in particular play a vital role in implementing and enforcing this law, and one exemplary LGU that is championing the cause of a plastic-free community is the Municipality of Oras in the province of Eastern Samar. Recently gaining recognition as the "Bayong Capital of Eastern Visayas," the Municipality of Oras has taken significant steps to combat plastic pollution, which has long been a major problem for this thirdclass municipality. Under the new administration led by Mayor "Mano" Roy C. Ador and with the support of the constituents, they have crafted a new ordinance named "Ordinance Alas Onse." This name signifies the momentous occasion when the ordinance was fully approved on November 11, 2022, at 11 A.M. Through Ordinance Alas Onse, the Municipality of Oras aims to further intensify its efforts in minimizing plastic pollution and promoting a sustainable environment. This demonstrates their commitment to addressing the challenges posed by plastics and their dedication to creating a cleaner and healthier community for all residents. P7
07 The Ordinance Alas Onse Tacloban City July - September 2023 The ordinance known as "Ordinance Alas Onse" has been implemented in the municipality of Oras to regulate the use of plastic cellophane and sando bags as packaging materials, as well as the utilization of polystyrene, commonly known as styrofoam, for food and beverage containers. This regulation applies specifically to Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This was passionately pushed through as Mayor Ador expresses concern over the increasing visibility of plastics and garbage, which has resulted in dump trucks being filled with plastics three times a day. In response, Mayor Ador has called upon constituents to assist in controlling plastic pollution within the community. Furthermore, Oras, which encompasses 18 barangays and 2 sitios along the Oras River, has been facing the issue of indiscriminate disposal of different types of plastics and non-biodegradable waste into the river and its surroundings. This has led to the obstruction of waterways during heavy rainfall, resulting in flooding in those areas. Mayor Ador reveals that approximately 20 thousand pieces of plastic are disposed of in the river each month. After thorough research and inspection, it was discovered that the public market, together with businesses and stores, significantly contribute to the excessive use of single-use plastics. To address this issue, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Oras has devised an ordinance that regulates the usage of any form of plastic in business establishments, stores, and public markets. Additionally, the ordinance introduces the use of "Bayong" bags to encourage locals to use them when purchasing items or carrying groceries from the market and other business establishments. Bayong Production Bayong is a type of woven bag made from dried leaves of the "Bariw" plant, a species of Pandan that is abundant in the town of Oras. This traditional craft is carried out by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Oras, particularly women's groups who have received skills training from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with support from the local government unit (LGU) of Oras. Over time, this training has been extended to other CSOs, including senior citizens groups, farmers organizations, and single mother groups. The production of bayong not only promotes environmental sustainability but also provides additional income opportunities for local residents, particularly housewives who support their husbands and families. Annie Anna Roncales, a member of the Tawagan Fenaora Women's Association, expresses the productivity and financial benefits derived from bayong making, stating, "In bayong making, we find ourselves very productive, earning an amount to buy for our family's needs. To encourage the use of bayongs as an alternative to single-use plastic containers, the LGU purchases each piece of bayong from the CSOs for P100. These bayongs are then distributed to every family in the municipality. The goal is to have "One Bayong, One Family," and this initiative has P8
08 ORAS P 7 Tacloban City July - September 2023 already been implemented in most parts of the town. As of early August 2023, approximately 10,000 bayong bags have been distributed out of the total 15,000 families. Mayor Ador emphasizes the environmental benefits of bayong, highlighting its biodegradability and safety for consumers. He promotes the use of bayong as a handy and eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags. While the LGU has implemented a regulatory ordinance to limit the use of plastic bags, it allows their use from Mondays to Wednesdays until every family and household is provided with bayongs. To ensure a sustainable supply of raw materials for bayong production, the LGU is collaborating with the Department of Agriculture to cultivate and preserve the Bariw plant locally. This partnership aims to reduce sourcing costs for bayong makers. Significant Change The implementation of Ordinance Alas Onse, which restricts the use of plastics, has brought about significant positive changes in the community of Oras. Mayor Ador reports a noticeable reduction in garbage collection and a decrease in the presence of rodents and insects due to improved waste segregation and disposal practices. The support of market business owners and vendors has also been crucial to the success of this ordinance. In addition to the environmental benefits, they profit from the sale and disposal of eco bags. The LGU continues to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic and encourages the use of ecofriendly bags and bayongs through daily announcements in the market area. The impact of Ordinance Alas Onse has extended beyond Oras, as people from neighboring towns now bring their own eco bags when shopping at the Oras public market. The LGU expresses gratitude to the residents for embracing the change and challenges brought about by Ordinance Alas Onse. They encourage the use of bayongs or any eco-friendly bag when visiting the market or making purchases. Oras' bayongs have gained international recognition through online purchases, and a Bayong festival is being planned to showcase the town's reputation as a producer of bayongs. Mayor Ador shares the aspiration of making Oras a tourism destination and eliminating floating plastics in their bodies of water. The implementation of Ordinance Alas Onse aligns with this goal. Despite the anticipated challenges in addressing plastic pollution, the LGU remains determined to minimize plastics in the community, recognizing that environmental goals are intertwined with economic progress. Bayong and eco bag usage are seen as solutions to mitigate climate change and address local unemployment. The LGU of Oras takes pride in being at the forefront of combating and managing plastics, with the hope that future generations will benefit from their development plans and goals as they implement the ordinance.
09 Tacloban City July - September 2023 DENR 8 inks MOPA with ESOP-Leyte Islands Chapter for the ENR Ambassador project The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 8 signed a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) with the Eagle Scouts Organization of the Philippines (ESOP)- Leyte Islands Chapter to formally include them among the ENR Ambassadors. The ENR Ambassador project is under the Tayo ang Kalikasan (TAK) advocacy campaign of the Department which engages the youth sector not only in the promotion of the DENR programs and activities but more so in changing behaviors of the citizenry towards environmental stewardship. Among others, the ENR Ambassadors will be provided by the DENR with IEC materials and collaterals that could be used for public messaging. They will also be provided with trainings and other learning events to further hone their skills. DENR 8 was represented by its Regional Executive Director (RED), Lormelyn Claudio while the ESOP Leyte Islands Chapter was represented by its Vice-President for External Affairs, Absal Naz Abah. RED Claudio expressed appreciation to the new ENR Ambassadors. "The DENR respects and trusts you. As what was said by our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, ang kabataan, ang pag-asa ng bayan." she stressed. The ESOP also expressed their message of support to the DENR. Mr. Abah said that they will be lining up activities geared towards supporting their partnership with the DENR in mobilizing people and changing behaviors for the environment. Also present during the MOPA signing was Ms. Marissa Solite and Ms, Maita Reina Sucgang for the DENR and some member scouts from the ESOP. The signing coincided with the holding of the first-ever Regional Wildlife Quiz Bee that was also spearheaded by the DENR 8. Aside from the ESOP, DENR 8 has already inked partnerships with some chapters of the Junior Jaycees (JJC) as ENR Ambassadors. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Eastern Visayas participated in the DPWH Regional Office 08’s coastal clean-up activity as part of their effort and commitment in keeping the environment clean and to ensure the maintenance of a litter-free coastal area within the region. Some employees from Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fire Protection also participated during event. Around 50 sacks of waste which comprise mostly of plastics were collected during the clean-up. The coastal clean activity is conducted regularly every last Friday of the month along the areas covered by the Leyte Tide Embankment Project spanning from Tacloban City to Palo, Leyte. DPWH-led coastal clean up generates 50 sacks of wastes
10 Tacloban City July - September 2023 DENR 8, LGU Culaba ink partnership agreement for improved land administration and management The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the municipal government of Culaba in Biliran inked a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) that seeks to fast-track the land titling process and improve land administration and management in the municipality. The MOPA stipulates agreements between the DENR and the LGU of Culaba for the implementation of the Rapid Land Tenure Appraisal (RLTA), a process to obtain a clear picture of the land tenure situation on the ground before land titling operations are entered into the area. The RLTA will be implemented to check and survey the current situation of lots in Culaba and provide an accurate inventory of the remaining untitled lands which can be subjected to land titling. As stressed during the MOPA signing, the RLTA shall serve as an avenue for the updating of old cadastral surveys and land titling activities that have already been affected by dynamic land tenure changes such as transfer from original claimant to buyers or heirs. These changes on the ground that are not reflected in the cadastral map will be determined through the RLTA. Per MOPA, the LGU shall provide access to the records necessary for the implementation and administration of the Land Management Office in Culaba, assign personnel and create necessary committees and teams, and spearhead IEC and community mobilization activities, among others. Meanwhile, the DENR shall conduct land titling activities, provide technical assistance, and facilitate necessary capacitybuilding activities, among others. DENR Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Atty. Dario O. Suarez represented Regional Executive Director Lormelyn E. Claudio during the MOPA signing. The municipality of Culaba was represented by the Hon. Mayor Humprey B. Olimba. The municipality of Culaba is one of the three (3) municipalities in the region targeted by the DENR for RLTA this year. DENR ARD for Technical Services Dario Suarez and Culaba Mayor Humprey Olimba sign the MOPA for an improved land administration and management in the municipality of Culaba. Witnessing the signing are LPDD Chief Estela Polinar and Biliran PENRO Valire Jess Abar and staff. PENRO Leyte, CENRO Palo spearhead planting of over 300 seedlings in an ENGP site in Alang-alang, Leyte The DENR 8 through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Leyte and the Community Environment and Natural Resources of Palo spearheaded a tree planting activity in Alangalang, Leyte simultaneous with similar activity in other parts of the country. Volunteers from the Isang Bansa Pilipinas Movement, Inc. Leyte (IBPM), Philippine National Police (PNP), Shell Philippines, Strategic Alternative Corporation (SAC), Global Port Tacloban Terminal, Inc., Philippine Ports Authority, some beneficiaries of 4Ps, Balik Probinsiya, Modified Conditional Cash Transfer, senior citizens and the local government unit of Alang-alang joined the activity. Over three hundred (300) seedlings of toog, yakal, and white lauan were planted by said volunteers in a half hectare area within an ENGP site. The nationwide simultaneous tree planting activity was conducted in support of the President's socio-economic agenda with a tagline "LAB for all: Lingap at Alagang Bayanihan." DENR offices likewise led the planting of bamboos in other areas to drumbeat the celebration of Philippine Bamboo Month in September by virtue of Presidential Procalamation No. 1401 dated 27th June 2022. (MPDOs) from municipalities with the most CBFM areas or timberlands, Support Groups from NGOs like Project Tarsier and Firefly Brigade, State Universities and Colleges offering Forestry or Environmental Science/ Planning courses such as Eastern Visayas State University and University of Eastern Philippines and representatives from other Government Agencies (OGAs) namely Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and Department of Agriculture (DA). CBFM Action and Comm Planning P 4
11 Tacloban City July - September 2023 DENR takes part in the Saad nga Balay Project for former rebels The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) takes part in the whole-of-nation approach for the establishment of a housing project for former rebels in San Jose de Buan, Samar. Dubbed as “Saad nga Balay”, the housing project aims to help rebuild lives shattered by armed struggle. This, by creating shelters for former rebels who hope to start their lives anew and re-integrate into the mainstream of society. The housing project that will initially benefit seventeen (17) former rebels shall soon rise in a 3.4-hectare area that will be subjected to a Gratuitous Special Use Permit (GSUP). The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Samar led the survey and delineation of the land where the housing project will be established. Each of the identified former rebel beneficiaries will be awarded a 100-square-meter lot within the Saad nga Balay project. The village will have houses for former rebels, a training center, and a farm for livelihood activities. The DENR also donated forest products for the construction of the housing units. The donated forest products came from trees affected by the development projects of the Taft Hydro Energy Corporation in Taft, Eastern Samar, which were turned over to the DENR. A total of four million pesos (P4M) has been set for the housing project. Of this, 2.5 million are from the provincial government of Samar and 1.5 million from the municipal government of San Jose de Buan. The housing project will be constructed in the spirit of Bayanihan, with assistance from government agencies such as DENR, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU). Said offices shall provide the manpower for the construction of the houses, construction materials and supplies, home starter kits, skills development trainings, and livelihood projects. Mr. Tito M. Labong, President of the Peace Builders Association in San Jose de Buan expressed thanks to the government for the support and assistance they received. “The coming together of various government agencies to provide assistance for former rebels will encourage those who are still joining an armed struggle to make peace with the government and be part of the society,” he added. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Saad nga Balay Housing Project was conducted last August 18, 2023. DENR Assistant Regional Director for Management Services Arturo N. Salazar, together with Samar PENR Officer Angelito Villanueva graced the event in behalf of the DENR. Also present were Tacloban City Mayor and Chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council Alfred Romualdez, Samar Vice Governor Arnold Tan, and the signatories to the Memorandum of Partnership Agreement for the establishment of Saad nga Balay Project. (R) DENR ARD for Management Services Arturo N. Salazar joins representatives of other offices in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Saad nga Balay Project for former rebels in San Jose de Buan, Samar. (L) Former rebels receive cash assistance from the provincial government of Samar and municipal government of San Jose de Buan.
12 @DENR8OfficialWebsite: r8.denr.gov.ph Hedy Y. Simbulan Researcher Devon Nexxus Nerza Layout Artist 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 Lormelyn E. Claudio, CESO IV Regional Executive Director CONTRIBUTORS PENROs/CENROs Division Chiefs DENR Employees DENR REGION VIII EDITORIAL STAFF DENR Holds Regional Wildlife Quiz bee P 3 DENR Provides Handog Titulo P 1 Tacloban City July - September 2023 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) 888 - 8586 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 caravan was available from September 23-24, 2023. The opening ceremony on September 23 was graced by others. The activity was also held simultaneously in three other provinces in the country - Ilocos Norte, Camarines Sur and Davao De Oro. The province of Leyte was the second province in Eastern Visayas to launch the service fair. global importance of wildlife and biodiversity. She also educated them on the divine mandate of being caretakers of the environment. The event was graced by the Executive Director of Philippine Biodiversity Foundation, Ms. Lisa Paguntalan, Private Sector Representative - Disaster Resiliency Sector of the Regional Development Council VIII, Mr. Judah Aliposa, and Dr. Teofanes A. Patindol of the Visayas State University who served as judges during the quiz bee. They were joined by Ms. Marissa N. Solite, Chief of the Conservation and Development Division of DENR Regional Office 8. The Regional Quiz Bee was conducted by DENR 8 in partnership with the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Philippine Native Tree Enthusiasts, and Robinsons North Tacloban. It was held on September 30, 2023 at Robinsons North, Tacloban City. and shores," says ARD Salazar. Other DENR field offices and bureaus across Eastern Visayas also led coastal cleanup drives in their respective areas in partnership with individuals and groups from national and local government agencies, business sector, private sector, youth organizations, and civil society organizations. Beyond waste retrieval, ICC volunteers documented the volume of waste collected, which will be submitted to the Ocean Conservancy and the UN Ocean Decade to contribute to global efforts to combat plastic pollution The DENR, in collaboration with organizations, implements a range of programs to address solid waste in cities and municipalities nationwide. This is in support of reinforcing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022, or Republic Act 11898 which mandates enterprises to establish EPR programs for plastic waste reduction, recovery, and diversion. Thousands of volunteers P 2 Water Code of the Philippines in order to prevent further pollution of the river system. “Our activity today is a remarkable event because it is not easy to involve 98 partner organizations for this undertaking. Rehabilitation of the river or dealing with solid and hazardous wastes management is not only the responsibility of the DENR, LGU and the barangays but also of everyone,” says RED Claudio. Stated in the MOPA was the commitment of the parties to develop a “Bring Back the Wow of Antiao River Rehabilitation Master Plan (ARRMP) anchored on Adopt-an-Estero Program of the DENR through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB). A trust fund will also be created from contributions of partner organizations and other funding source for the rehabilitation of the river. The river clean-up conducted was also the first of the many clean-ups in the river, as a regular monthly clean-up will be conducted as part of the rehabilitation plan. Per MOPA, the EMB will have to conduct a quarterly water sampling of the Antiao River to monitor the water quality of the river. It will also enforce environmental laws such as P.D. 1586, also known as Establishing an Environmental Impact Statement System, Including Other Environmental Mangement Related Measures and for other Purposes ; RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Act of 2000; RA 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004; RA 6969 or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990 and other relevant laws, rules and regulations through inspection and compliance monitoring of industrial and commercial establishments and institutions. DENR MOPA with Catbalogan P 4 House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Cong. Lolita Karen Javier, 2nd District of L e y t e Re p r e s e nt a ti v e , Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla and h i g h - r a n k i n g officials from the p a r t i c i p a t i n g g o v e r n m e n t agencies, among