2 EMB-Region I maintains Integrated Management System certification DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) – Region I headed by Regional Director, Engr. Maria Dorica NazHipe, maintains its Integrated Management System certification (ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS), ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (EMS) and ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management System) from Worldwide Quality Assurance (WQA) Philippines after successfully passing the second surveillance audit conducted on February 2, 2023. EMB-Region I is the first EMB regional office to obtain IMS certification in 2022 and has been a Quality Management System certified government agency since 2017. The IMS certification maintained by EMB-Region I through the leadership of Regional Director Hipe is a testament to the agency’s commitment to continuously enhance its services to the public, comply with environmental requirements, minimize environmental footprints, and ensure safety and good health of the EMB-Region I personnel and its stakeholders and clients. WQA Philippines, a reputable management system provider worldwide, conducted a virtual audit of EMB-Region I’s QMS, EMS and OH&S programs and management initiatives and documentation. They also inspected the EMB-Region I office through a live virtual tour and evaluated the agency’s strategies and engagement to reduce occupational injuries and diseases, promote and protect physical and mental health, and prevent or minimize negative environmental impacts from office operations and EMB Region I, headed by Regional Director Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe, received the Integrated Management System recertification for ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS), ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (EMS) and ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management System LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 1 under the leadership of Regional Executive Director, Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo staged the first “Mutya ng Kalikasan 2023” pageant at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen Pangasinan, on June 8, 2023, which is part of the celebration of the department’s 36th Founding Anniversary and Environment Month. The pageant highlighted the beauty, wit, talent, and environmental advocacies of seven (7) empowered young ladies from different offices of the Department in the region; Ms. Paula Blessie Morante of MGB, Ms. Jassmyn Hazel N. Navora of EMB, Ms. Risha May Taberna of the Regional Office, Ms. Franzess Ann Audchris P. Ricardo of PENRO Ilocos Norte, Ms. Jingle Princess P. Tacsiat of PENRO Ilocos Sur, Ms. Erika Mae G. Balagot of PENRO La Union, and Ms. Dyesebel Amok of PENRO Pangasinan. Carrying her advocacy of inventing green opportunities, Ms. Erika Mae G. Balagot bested the 6 other equally intelligent and beautiful aspirants. The 23-year-old crowned Mutya ng Kalikasan 2023 is an accounting graduate and currently working as a Financial Analyst under the National Greening Program of PENRO La Union. With this year’s theme of Environment Month, No to Waste: Advancing Circular Economy to #BeatPlasticPollution, the candidates paraded in their creative costumes made of recycled materials such as rubber, paper plates, bottle caps, abaca, and plastic straws among others. Inspired by her feminine and delicate features, that of an olden Belle of the Ball, Ms. Erika Mae G. Balagot of PENRO La Union, awarded with Best in Creative Costume confidently wore her two-piece gown sewn with “harina” cloth, accented with ruffles made from plastic wrappers, and skirt made from strips of sacks of rice. The accent of her creative costume is the attached ball gown made from welded scrap metals decorated with scrap papers and plastic spoons assembled to emulate “anahaw” leaves. With Erika’s grace and confidence on stage and her quick-wit answers during the question-and-answer portion, she definitely impressed the crowd and judges. Settling in first and second runner-up spots, respectively, were Ms. Jingle Princess P. Tacsiat of PENRO Ilocos Sur, who DENR 1 Mutya ng Kalikasan 2023 highlights environmental advocacies
3 The City Government of San Fernando, La Union coordinated with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office 1 as City Mayor Hermenegildo A. Gualberto and DENR - Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Director Socrates G. Gaerlan had a collaborative meeting on May 15, 2023. The meeting was focused on addressing the water crisis in the city and Mayor Gualberto asked for the assistance of DENR - MGB in providing solutions for it. Also present during the meeting were Ms. Julie Ann HiponaSias of City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and Mr. San Fernando City LGU coordinates with MGB 1 in addressing water crisis MGB 1 holds Regional Director turnover ceremony SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 1 sends off Outgoing Regional Director Socrates G. Gaerlan and welcomes Incoming Regional Director Carlos A. Tayag in a turnover ceremony on July 17, 2023 at the DENR 1 Social Hall, Sevilla, San Fernando City, La Union. This is in compliance with the DENR Special Order No. 2023-420 dated July 6, 2023 issued by DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga assigning Dir. Gaerlan at the Office of the Undersecretary for Integrated Environmental Science and designating Dir. Tayag at MGB Regional Office No. 1. RD Gaerlan reported that the Financial and Physical accomplishments for the Priority Programs are already 100% accomplished. Innovations such as the electronic filing of travel orders and Digital Asset Management System, deputation of the members of the Philippine National Police and technical personnel of different local government units were done during his stint as RD in the Ilocos Region. The ceremonial passing of the MGB flag and key of responsibility was witnessed by DENR 1 Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo. In his acceptance message, RD Tayag expects for collaborative efforts with DENR-1, MGB-1 and EMB-1 in the implementation of mining laws and regulations as well as the promotion of responsible and sustainable mining towards mineral resources development on various programs, plans, events and activities in the Ilocos Region. (L-R): Outgoing Regional Director Socrates Gaerlan, DENR I Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo, incoming Regional Director Carlos A. Tayag during the ceremonial passing of the MGB Flag.
4 DENR-EMB Region I holds 7th Regional Ecological Solid Waste Management Summit CALASIAO, Pangasinan—The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) – Region I of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Ecological Solid Waste Management Section spearheaded the 7th Regional Ecological Solid Waste Management Summit on June 27-28, 2023 at Monarch Hotel, Calasiao, Pangasinan and via Zoom Meetings in celebration of the Philippine Environment Month with this year’s theme of “No to Waste: Advancing Circular Economy to #BeatPlasticPollution.” The said Summit aimed to promote camaraderie and build a strong network among local government units and solid waste management practitioners/stakeholders; introduce and promote available technologies and practices that stakeholders could adopt; and share best practices among stakeholders to further strengthen the implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act in Northern Luzon. It will likewise strengthen and augment the milestones and accomplishments of Ilocos Region on RA 9003 and other Environmental Laws. Highlight of the Summit was the awarding of Plaques of Recognition to LGUs and partners for their compliance with RA 9003 and Best Practices on solid waste management. The blended event was physically and virtually attended by about 262 Local Chief Executives, MENROs, NGAs, NGOs, educators, solid waste management practitioners and other stakeholders. EMB-I Regional Director, Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe, expressed her gratitude to the participants and lauded the continued initiatives and efforts of the LGUs in Region I in strengthening the implementation of RA 9003. “Dati, palaging ang LGUs ang itinuturo pagdating sa pangangasiwa ng basura pero ngayon kailangan na rin natin ang kooperasyon at pakikilahok ng mga ibat-ibang industriya at manufacturing sectors para pangasiwaan ang kanilang mga produkto na sa huli ay humahantong bilang mga basura. Ang ating hinahanapan ng paraan noon ay kung paano i-dispose ang ating basura ngunit sa pamamagitan ng Extended Producer's Responsibility (EPR) law, gustong pagtuunan ng pansin ng ating pamahalaan na sa pag-produce pa lang ng packaging (L-R): La Union PENR Officer Engr. Cezar Manuel Cabansag, CENR Officer of Alaminos Dr. Chester O. Casil, Pangasinan PENR Officer Raymond Rivera, Executive Assistant to Municipal Mayor of Calasiao Mr. Miguel Sto. Domingo, DENR I Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo, Assistant Secretary for Enforcement, Solid Waste Management & LGU Concerns Atty. Daniel Darius M. Nicer, EMB I Regional Director Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe, Ilocos Sur PENR Officer Rosemarie Jornacion, Province of Pangasinan Executive Assistant to the Governor Atty. Ronn Dale Castillo, PG ENRO for Ilocos Sur Edgar Yabes. DENR Assistant Secretary for Enforcement, Solid Waste Management & LGU Concerns Atty. Daniel Darius M. Nicer acknowledge the participants specially the LGUs which plays an important role in the implementation of the approved 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plans.
5 and EMB-Region I. “Let us unite and contribute to an ecofriendly legacy that the future generation will inherit for the sake of a healthy and sustainable environment. We encourage your continuous contribution, active participation and sincerest involvement in our mandated endeavor towards nation- building. Let us bear in mind that Waste isn’t a waste, until we waste it. Don’t convert wealth to waste, convert waste to wealth.” said RED Barcelo. The Summit’s keynote speaker, DENR Assistant Secretary for Enforcement , Solid Waste Management & LGU Concerns, Atty. Daniel Darius M. Nicer, warmly welcomed and acknowledged all the particpants in the summit especially the LGUs who play important roles in the implementation of the approved 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plans. “As we continue the progress as a nation, a region, and a province, always remember the Environment—lumingon tayo sa pinanggalingan. Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan. Lahat tayo galing sa environment. We can only survive long term if we protect the environment. We are glad that you fully support the programs of the DENR,” said Asec. Nicer. EMB-Region I recognized 16 LGUs whose 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plans were approved by the National Solid Waste Management Commission from 2022-2023 and Approved Ten-Year Solid Waste Management Plan Municipality of San Nicolas, Pangasinan City of San Carlos, Pangasinan Municipality of San Vicente, Ilocos Sur Municipality of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte Municipality of San Juan, Ilocos Sur Municipality of Bantay, Ilocos Sur Municipality of San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur Municipality of San Fabian, Pangasinan Municipality of Sinait, Ilocos Sur Municipality of Badoc, Ilocos Norte Municipality of Carasi, Ilocos Norte Municipality of Gregorio Del Pilar, Ilocos Sur Municipality of Suyo, Ilocos Sur Municipality of Sugpon, Ilocos Sur Municipality of Alilem, Ilocos Sur Municipality of Mabini, Pangasinan Innovative SWM Programs BJMP-Dagupan City, Pangasinan San Aurelio National High School, Balungao, Pangasinan Ilocos Norte Eco-Hub JV F. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. (Hall of Fame Award) Model Barangay in Solid Waste Management Brgy. Payocpoc Sur, Bauang, La Union Brgy. Sinapangan Norte, Bangar, La Union Brgy. Casilagan, San Juan, La Union Brgy. Caparispisan, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte Brgy. Amilongan, Alilem, Ilocos Sur Brgy. Herrero Perez, Dagupan City Brgy. Quinaoayanan, Bani, Pangasinan Brgy.General Luna, Mangatarem, Pangasinan Brgy. Callagiup, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur Brgy. Ili Sur, San Juan, La Union Brgy. Baccuit Norte, Bauang, La Union Effective Composting LGU Mangaldan, Pangasinan LGU Balungao, Pangasinan LGU Dagupan City, Pangasinan LGU Binalonan, Pangasinan Model LGU in Compliance with the Provisions of RA 9003 LGU Tagudin, Ilocos Sur LGU Alcala, Pangasinan LGU San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte LGU Bolinao, Pangasinan LGU Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur LGU Agoo, La Union LGU San Fernando City, La Union Model LGU in Waste Diversion Activities LGU Bani, Pangasinan LGU Currimao, Ilocos Norte LGU Paoay Ilocos Norte LGU Basista, Pangasinan LGU Vigan City, Ilocos Sur LGU Bautista, Pangasinan Best in Solid Waste Enforcement Implementation Municipality of Naguilian, La Union Exemplary and Supportive Environmental Activities Provincial Government of Pangasinan 100% approval of all LGU 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plan Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte Exemplary and Proactive Environmental Activities Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur Outstanding and Sustained Environmental Stewardship Provincial Government of La Union (Continued on p.11)
6 2023 Philippine EnThe Department of Environment and Natural Resources– Ilocos Region , together with its line bureaus—the Environmentof the 2023 Philippine Environment Month. This year’s theme, of the Philippine Environment Month, “No to Waste: Advancicountry’s woes on plastic pollution. Under the leadership of DENR I Regional Executive Director, Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo, along wDirector for Technical Services For. Felix C. Taguba, and OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Management Services Engr. RaymundoTogether with various environmental partners, EMB I spearheaded the Simultaneous Cleanup Activity at the Government Center, Brgy. Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union. Almost 250 personnel from various government agencies and volunteers from the barangay participated and collected around seventy (70) kilograms of recyclables, 606 kilograms of biodegradable wastes and 528 kilograms of residual wastes. In partnership with the Philippine Information Agency-I (PIA-I), a Press Conference dubbed “Kapihan sa Ilocos” ensued at the DENR Social Hall. Queries from various media representatives from DZAG Agoo, SMNI, DZRD Sonshine Radio Dagupan, Bombo Radio La Union and Philippine Star were answered by the Key Officials of DENR I, EMB-I and MGB-I. Thru the Conservation and Development Division (CDD), a twoday Research Reef Assessment and Mapping was conducted in the Municipality of Bauang, La Union. Together with PENRO La Union, DENR Region I SCUBA Diving Team surveyed reefs of Bacuit Norte to conduct a validation / extraction of Crown of Thorns Starfish (CoTS) and underwater cleanup. As a regionwide celebration, several activities such as ball games (basketball and volleyball), Mutia ng Kalikasan and cheer dance competition were actively participated by DENR I employees at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center, Lingayen, Pangasinan DENR 36th Founding Anniversary and Family Day In support to the People’s Organizatiobrooms, wallets, vermicompost fertilizedried chips etc.) were displayed and soldDENR I Trad
7 nvironment Month tal Management Bureau—I (EMB-I) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau—I (MGB-I), conducted various activities in celebration ing Circular Economy to #BeatPlasticPollution,” wherein these observances call for immediate collective action to address the with EMB I Regional Director, Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe, MGB-I Regional Director Geol. Socrates G. Gaerlan, Assistant Regional o C. Gayo, several activities were actively participated by the DENR I employees, various stakeholders and volunteers. In observance of the week-long celebration, a social media tri-fold flyer was created and posted in DENR-Ilocos Region, the Official Facebook Page of DENR I. Also, a one-minute radio plugging was aired on DZNL Aksyon Radyo, a local radio station situated in La Union. Along the shoreline of Lingayen Beach, a coastal clean-up was held in Lingayen Pangasinan. Among the participants were regionwide DENR I employees and residents on the area. Fifteen (15) sacks of wastes, comprised mostly of plastic bottles, single-used plastics and cigarette butts, were collected. Selected DENR employees from the Regional Office, PENRO Pangasinan, CENRO Eastern Pangasinan, and members of Masonic Lodge No. 217 joined in the tree planting activity at Brgy Malico, San Nicolas, Pangasinan. Sixty-seven (67) participants planted 600 seedlings of narra (400), caimito (30), tamarind (70), and guyabano (100) in two (2) hectares of Masonic Lodge No. 217 adopted sites. on, products from “ridge to reef” (soft er, agricultural crops, vegetables, chips, d at affordable price. de Fair With the Office’s version, MGB topped the game versus EMB while MS overpowered TS during the elimination round. For the championship round, the Management Services hailed as winner. Family Feud (Continued on p.8)
8 2023 Philippine Environment Month… from p. 7 The Culminating Program and Awarding Ceremonies took place on July 06, 2023 at Hotel Ariana and Restaurant, Bauang, La Union. The search gave recognition to various partners and stakeholders who have contributed their unrelenting support towards the implementation of the Department’s programs, projects and activities for Calendar Year 2022 that resulted in effective conservation, management, development and protection of the region’s natural resources. The following were recognized and awarded as DENR 1’s Best Environmental Partners: Best Tenure Holder (Renewable Energy) – North Luzon Renewable Energy Corp. (FLAG) Best Tenure Holder (Forest Development) – CS 1st Green Agro-Industrial Development Inc. Best People’s Organization – Saranay Vintar Multi-purpose Cooperative Best Media Partner – DZRD Sonshine Radio Station Best National Government Agency – Department of Public Works and Highways Best Youth Organization – Lupon ng mga Indibidwal na Nangangalaga ng Kalikasan, Inc. (LINK) Best Individual Partner – PGIS-SPM Christopher Baterina Best Law Enforcement Agency – La Union Police Provincial Office Most Compliant Business Sector (EMB) – San Miguel Foods, Inc. (B-MEG Binalonan Plant) Best LGU Partner – Municipal Category (Compliant to RA 9003) – LGU Tagudin Best LGU Partner – Provincial Category (Compliant with all Environmental and Mining Laws) -Provincial Government of La Union Best LGU Partner – City Category (Compliant with all Environmental Laws) -City Government of San Fernando, La Union Best LGU Partner in Maintaining Air and Water Quality – LGU Binalonan Best NGO Partner – Jaime V. Ongpin, Foundation Best Environmental Partner in the Mining Industry – Northern Cement Corporation Special Awards (EMB and MGB) Greater Goods Mining Integrated Mining and Information Education Region I (I-MINE) Provincial Government of Pangasinan Also, winners of the Cheerdance Competition, Volleyball and Basketball Games during the DENR Sportsfest / Family Day were awarded. Cheerdance Competition Champion—Environmental Management Bureau 1 st Place— Pangasinan (PENR and CENR Offices) 2 nd Place—Regional Office Basketball Game Champion—Ilocos Norte (PENR and CENR Offices) 1 st Place—Regional Office 2 nd Place—Pangasinan (PENR and CENR Offices) Volleyball Game Champion—Pangasinan (PENR and CENR Offices) 1 st Place—Regional Office 2 nd Place—Environmental Management Bureau
9 DENR 1 contingent joins Earth Day 2023—Takbo para sa Kalikasan SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – Several officials and personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 1 (DENR-I) together with the agency’s line bureaus, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-I) and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB- I) participated in the celebration of the 53rd Earth Day 2023 with this year’s theme: “Invest in our Planet” which highlighted with a fun run traversing the major roads of the city proper of San Fernando, La Union last April 15, 2023. A short program and Zumba first took place in front of the City Hall of San Fernando before the fun run commenced. The said Fun Run dubbed as “Takbo Para sa Kalikasan” (Run for Nature), was initiated by the City Government of San Fernando, La Union and the Lupon ng mga Indibidwal na Nangangalaga ng Kalikasan (LINK) Inc., a network of youth committed to empower young people in the protection, conservation and proper management of the environment and natural resources which was founded by City Vice Mayor Alfredo Pablo “Alf” Ortega. LINK is DENR Region 1’s ENR Ambassador which has become a force multiplier in environmental advocacy. The fun run was participated by more than a thousand individuals from various sectors of the civil society like the academe, local and national government agencies, uniformed personnel, among others. “All of us has the responsibility to preserve our environment, to love our Mother Earth, it is not only today that we show our support and love to mitigate the problem of our environment we are facing now but let us start as early as now to preserve, conserve our environment,” Vice Mayor Ortega said during his inspirational message. All the participants happily joined the activity in which they tried their best to garner the first place in the Fun Run, best Zumba dancer and group or agency with the most number of participants and shared their experiences and values they gained on the activity. “Bilang isang kabataan napakalaking opportunity ang ganitong kaganapan para sa kalikasan lalo na kami po ang susunod na henerasyon…kaya hinikayat ko ang mga kapwa ko kabataan na mag volunteer at tutulong sa lahat ng activities na alam namin makakaresolba sa problema sa ating kalikasan,” the newly- crowned Ms. San Fernando City 2023 said. Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970 by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as a day of education about environmental issues and support for the protection of the environment. As described by Photo Credits: Lupon ng mga Indibidwal na Nangangalaga ng National Geographic, “it is an annual celebration that Kalikasan , Inc. (LINK)
10 MGB 1 remains to be ISO certified MGB I Regional Director Geol. Socrates Gaerlan, together with MGB I employees, readily posed during the successful surveillance audit. The bureau maintained its ISO Certification for ISO 9001: 2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018. SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. 1 continues with its ISO Certification for ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 & ISO 4500 after successfully passing the surveillance audit with zero non-conformity last May 2, 2023 by the certifying body, National Quality Assurance (NQA). The recertification is another feat for MGB 1 as it has gone a long way from its first ISO IMS certification on December 2017. With the continuous development in providing high quality services, improving efficiency and attaining sustainability, MGB 1 took the step up in achieving international quality recognition. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international setting body which provides guidelines to ensure that products, processes and services fit for their purpose. The audit aimed to confirm that the management system had been established implemented and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the audit standard To evaluate the ability of the management system to ensure the client organization meets applicable statutory, regulatory an contractual requirements; To evaluate the effectiveness of the management system to ensure it is continually meeting its specified objectives; To identify as applicable, areas of the management system for potential improvement. NQA Lead Auditor Mr. Rannie Bernardino commended MGB 1 and noted ten (10) good points. These are as follows: 1. Top management and staff commitment in implementing and maintaining IMS was commendable. 2. Complete, updated and well-maintained documented information is noteworthy. 3. Consistent good results of customer satisfaction survey was commendable. 4. Good, complete and updated records and reports with datasheet filing & handling and completeness of documents & evidence for Finance and Administrative Division (FAD), Geosciences Division (GSD), Mine Management Division (MMD), and Mine Safety Environment Social Development Division (MSESD) was commendable. 5. Competency of staff and auditees with valid PRC License was commendable. 6. No accident/incident was reported in the year 2022 is noteworthy. 7. Conduction of regular OSH committee meeting was verified and noteworthy. 8. Regular submission of SMR and CMR was verified and noteworthy. 9. Achievement of established targets was confirmed and noteworthy. 10. Proper maintenance of MRF is evident and noteworthy. There were no major and minor non-conformity in the audit findings however there were eight Opportunities for Improvements (OFI) noted. MGB 1 Regional Director Socrates Gaerlan congratulated everyone for the job well done and (Seated at the center) RD Gaerlan thanked the National Quality Assurance and also the employees of MGB I for the successful conduct of surveillance audit
11 Alilem, Ilocos Sur Mayor Velmor P. Sumabat; Sugpon, San Gabriel, La Union Mayor Lany B. Carbonell; Basista, Pangasinan Mayor Jolly R. Resuello; Balungao, Pangasinan Mayor Maria Theresa Peralta; Ilocos Sur Vice-Mayor Rene Crisanto Lubrin; Binalonan, Pangasinan Vice-Mayor Bryan Louie R. Balangue personally attended and received their plaques of recognition. DENR Ilocos Sur PENR Officer Rosemarie Jornacion; Pangasinan PENR Officer Raymond A. Rivera; La Union PENR Officer Engr. Cesar Manuel A. Cabansag; Alaminos City CENR Officer Chester O. Casil; and Dagupan City CENR Officer, Engr. Noriel G. Nisperos, also physically attended the summit. Lectures on Environmental Laws and the different online services of EMB immediately followed the awarding ceremonies to ensure the delivery of information and quality assistance to the LGUs and different stakeholders. Atty. Ivy Joyce Lanada De Pedro, Atty. III of the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) Secretariat, Legal Division of EMB Central Offfice, presented the salient features of the Republic Act 11898, also known as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act, in support to the campaign to beat plastic pollution. The said law is expected to aid in advancing a circular economy that mitigates climate change and protects life-supporting ecosystems by avoiding or minimizing pollution while maximizing the use of materials. Ms. Liana M. Lalata, Local Government Operations Officer II of the Department of Interior and Local Government-Region I, presented the roles of the LGUs in Solid Waste Management, functions and responsibilities of the Solid Waste Management Board and re-oriented the LGUs on the indicators of Environmental Management for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Assessment. Ms. Victoria Gaetos, Executive Vice President of Metro Clark Solid Waste Management Corporation, presented their Best Practices in Sanitary Landfill Operation and Management. Ms. Mayoleen L. Belen, Owner of Dragon 8 Junk Shop, presented their various recycling initiatives. The LGU awardees also shared their best practices in ecologically managing solid waste through audio visual presentations which may be replicated by other municipalities and cities. EMB-I, Environmental Management Specialist (EMS) II, Engr. Sherwin SJ. Labilles presented the ECC and CNC Online Application Process. Senior Environmental Management Specialist (SEMS), Mr. Benedict R. Manapat discussed the Online Permitting and Monitoring System including the Pollution Control Officer (PCO) Online Application. Chemical & Hazardous Waste Section Chief, Engr. Leo S. Dulay, presented the Company Registration System and the Hazardous Waste Management System. The physical and online participants raised their questions and concerns which were addressed by Regional Director Hipe, the resource speakers and the EMB-I technical personnel during the open forum. EMB – I Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Division Chief, Engr. Ryanne N. Narvaez, and Solid Waste Management Section Chief, Engr. Bernadeth B. Agusto, concluded the 7th Region I SWM Summit with profound gratitude to the LGUs and various stakeholders. Information, (Center photo) Awarding of Certificate of Recognition and token to DENR Asec. Atty. Daniel Darius M. Nicer; Some of the awardees who received their plaque of recognition in compliance to RA 9003 and Best Practices on solid waste management DENR-EMB Region I holds 7th Regional… from p. 5
DENR-EMB Region I holds “Kabataan, Kasangga para sa Kalikasan in Saint Louis College in celebration of the Month of Planet Earth SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union—The DENREnvironmental Management Bureau – Region I through the Environmental Education and Information Unit conducted the “Kabataan, Kasangga para sa Kalikasan” (KKK) for students of Saint Louis College (SLC), City of San Fernando, La Union on April 28, 2023 at Fr. Burgos Gym, Saint Louis College, City of San Fernando, La Union. The KKK is an environmental caravan that aims to strengthen environmental education among the youth and drive positive behavior change towards environmental protection and conservation. It was actively attended by about 200 college students of SLC taking up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majors in Marketing Management, Financial Management, Operations Management, and Human Resource Management, Bachelor of Science in Office Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Criminology. EMB-I Regional Director, Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Saint Louis College headed by Rev. Fr. Caluza for partnering with EMB-1 in the said information, education and communication (IEC) activity. “The founding goals of SLC centered on True Christian Living, Relevant Academic Excellence, Active Social Involvement, and Committed Professional Leadership as well as the energy, optimism, passion, ingenuity, and determination of Louisians like you are exactly what the DENR needs to successfully carry out our goal of intensifying climate and environmental literacy,” said RD Hipe. Mr. Kenedy Flores, SLC Course Facilitator - Environmental Science, warmly welcomed the students and sincerely thanked EMB-I for conducting the KKK in their campus. He challenged the students to prove to the DENR and mother nature that they, the youth, are allies for environmental protection. RD Hipe and the students jump-started the KKK by energetically dancing to DENR’s solid waste management advocacy song “Kung Walang Aksaya, Masaya.” Regional Director Hipe also turned over various IEC materials to Mr. Flores. Environmental Monitoring Officer Prince Jay Santiago presented the salient features of Republic Act 9003 or the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000” and discussed the types and sources of solid waste, segregation at source, establishment of materials recovery facility (MRF), small scale composting in households, and the roles of the local government unit in the implementation and enforcement of RA 9003. He also emphasized the 3Rs approach in managing solid waste: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Dr. Zenaida Paday-os, Information Officer II of the DENR-1 Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group, talked about the “Environment and the Youth.” She stressed the significant role that the youth play in taking care of the environment because they comprise a larger part of the population, have more access and exposure to information related to various social issues, have access to various media and channels to air their voices, and they can help make their influence felt. Dr. Paday-os likewise presented the legal bases of youth empowerment and environmental education in the country and what the youth can do to protect the environment. Environmental Management Specialist II Ma. Virginia Mercedes Eufrocina Acosta presented the salient features of Republic Act 6969 or the “Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990” and enumerated the common toxic and hazardous wastes and their adverse effects to the environment and human health. She also shared with the participants the proper management, transport and disposal of hazardous and healthcare wastes starting from the household up to the Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility. Engr. Rogelio Gabuyo Jr., EMB-I Climate Change Unit Head, discussed the climate system, the greenhouse effect, sources of greenhouse gases, global warming potential, climate change and its causes and effects. He also presented the indicators of a warming world, evidences of climate (L-R): EMO Prince Jay Santiago, EMS II Ma. Virginia Mercedes Eufrocina Acosta, Mr. Kenedy Flores, EMB I RD Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe and IO II Dr. Zenaida L. Paday-os turned over various IEC materials to Saint Louis College. EMB I RD Hipe expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the students of Saint Louis University headed by Rev. Fr. Caluza for partnering with EMB I in the conducted IEC activity.