Republic Act (RA) No. 9003 otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 has been stringently implemented all over the country by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and was adopted by the Local Government Units (LGUs). The ecological measure gradually changed the behavior of many Filipinos on solid waste management. Biodegradable or “nabubulok” and non- biodegradable or “hindi nabubulok” became a byword in every household. The RA 9003 yielded a positive environmental support and output from the Provincial Government of La Union. The Tulip Garden, a hidden jewel located in Barangay Casilagan, San Juan, La Union is one manifestation. A sheer initiative was established as a community vegetable garden featuring tulip flowers made of almost 9,000 recycled plastic bottles collected from the homes of barangay residents are cleaned and painted with bright colors that resembles flower bulbs like real tulips- known for their bold colors and beautiful shape, and most varieties are indeed almost perfectly symmetrical. This barangay which was once riddled with plastic wastes, is now taking environmental positive revolutionary steps. Tulips have become associated with the Netherlands, the major producer for world markets. The Tulip Garden is the brainchild of Casilagan residents led by their village chief, Barangay Captain Sani R. Subido, and is located in a 500 sqm. lot lent by Subido’s kin. Likewise, residents planted vegetables around the garden for the consumption of the whole community. With high hopes that residents will practice ecological solid waste management, households are encouraged to have two trash bins - one for recyclable and one for nonrecyclable wastes. The barangay council have placed trash bins all over the community to help lessen the garbage collection in Casilagan and they are planning to transform the tulip farm into a “Christmas village.” Ever since the village attraction was opened, tourists are coming in as admission is free. However, a donation box has been placed which will be used for the maintenance of the place. Tulips, are classic flowers that have been loved by many for centuries, symbolizes “perfect and deep love. “ The Casilagan Tulip The Casilagan Tulip Garden a local model of solid waste recycling and exquisiteness Barangay Officials of Casilagan, led by Brgy. Cpatain Sani R. Subido (8th from left), proudly poses with their barangay’s hidden jewel, D’ Amazing Casilagan Tulip Garden
2 DENR-EMB Region I passes surveillance audit for Integrated Management System (IMS) recertification by WQA Philippines SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union—The DENR-Environmental Management Bureau – Region 1 (EMB-1) headed by Regional Director, Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe, successfully passed the surveillance audit for Integrated Management System (IMS) covering 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 conducted by the Worldwide Quality Assurance (WQA) Philippines on February 2, 2023 via video conferencing and shall be recommended to be recertified for Integrated Management System (IMS). EMB-1 obtained its IMS certification in 2022 and has been a QMS Certified agency since 2017. Lead Auditor, Veronica Em, along with auditors Cecilia Estilo, Florida Cornejo, Homer Alarcon, and Avigale Villanueva of the WQA Philippines, an international certification body providing quality certification services for various kinds of management systems in diverse sectors, conducted a virtual audit of EMB-1’s Quality Management System, Environmental Management System, Occupational Safety and Health System, programs, management initiatives and documentation of the top management, Office of the Regional Director, Finance and Administrative Division, Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Division, Clearance and Permitting Division, and Provincial Environmental Management Units in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and Pangasinan. The auditors also inspected the EMB-1 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 processes. “Congratulations, Environmental Management Bureau – Region I for passing the Surveillance Audit. Your Office shall be recommended for 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 from WQA Philippines,” happily announced by Auditor Em during the online closing meeting attended by Regional Director Hipe, EMB-I division and section chiefs, PEMOs, and EMB-1 IMS core team members. Regional Director Hipe expressed her sincerest gratitude to the WQA Audit Team for their recommendation to recertify EMBRegion I for IMS as well as their suggestions to further improve the office operations. She likewise assured the auditors that EMB-Region I will strive to maintain its IMS certification to continuously enhance its services to the Auditors from WQA Philippines conduct virtual audit of EMB-I’s Quality Management System, Occupational Safety and Health System, programs, management initiatives and documentation of the top management, Office of the Regional Director, Finance and Administrative Division, Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Division, Clearance and Permitting Division and Provincial Environmental Management Units in Ilocos Norte, Iloos Sur and Pangasinan
3 BANI, Pangasinan—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 1 turns the spotlight on children in the celebration of the World Wetlands Day 2023 through the conduct of “Dalaw Turo” on February 02, 2023 in Dacap Norte Elementary School in Bani, Pangasinan. In recognition of the immense importance of wetlands to the welfare of the Filipino people and the protection of global biodiversity, February 2 of every year is declared as National Wetlands Day through Presidential Proclamation No. 74, series of 1999. The date was chosen by the Standing Committee of the Ramsar Convention in Ramsar, Iran that marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted as an international treaty in 1971. This year’s WWD theme, “It’s Time for Wetland Restoration,” highlights the urgent need to prioritize wetland restoration and the steps needed to revive them. According to the Ramsar Convention, nearly 90% of the world’s wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s, and wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests. At this rate, there is an urgent need to raise national and global awareness about wetlands in order to reverse their rapid loss and encourage actions to conserve and restore wetlands in the world. DENR-1, through the collaborative efforts of the Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG) and Conservation and Development Division (CDD), shared to forty (40) Grade 4 and Grade 6 students of Dacap Norte Elementary School the significance of critically important ecosystems found in wetlands to biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, freshwater availability, and world economies. The “dalaw turo” program also highlighted the role of DENR in the protection of the environment and the different wildlife found in wetlands, specifically in Bangrin Marine Protected Area. Bangrin Marine Protected Area (MPA), a mangrove forest situated in the municipality of Bani, Pangasinan is home to different migratory and indigenous birds. This local wetland provides valuable protection, sustain lives and livelihood of the communities of Bani. EMS II Joey Zarate of CDD introduced to students the different wildbirds and mangroves inhabiting Bangrin Marine Protected Area. Through fun and interactive learning activities, the students DENR-I recognizes the role of children as stewards of the environment in 2023 World Wetlands Day celebration Students of Dacap Norte Elementary School happily projects after the lecture during the conduct of Dalaw Turo
4 DENR’S QUINTUPLE ACTIVITIES FOR WORLD WETLANDS DAY 2023 REIGNITE STAKEHOLDER’S LOVE FOR NATURE SAN JUAN, La Union—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Strategic Communication and Initiatives Service (DENR-SCIS), through Ilocos Region, gathered over 200 participants for the celebration of this year's World Wetlands Day with the theme “It's time for wetland restoration” which highlights the urgent need to prioritize wetland restoration for a multi-stakeholders environmental engagement at San Juan, La Union last February 03, 2023. The said event was participated by DENR R1, under the leadership of Regional Executive Director - Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo, represented by Chief Administrative Office Mary Ann Escoto, Provincial Government of La Union represented by Executive Assistant to the Governor Hon. Justito Orros, Municipality of San Juan represented by Municipal Councilor Hon. Reginald Ng, Barangay Taboc led by Barangay Chairman Teofilo Cabiladas, Boy Scout of the Philippines La Union Council, Boy Scout of the Philippines Dagupan Council, Food Panda Philippines, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Jaime Ongpin Foundation, and Suzuki Philippines. Multiple activities were set to reignite stakeholders' love for the environment and inculcate to them the vitality of saving our wetlands. Before deploying the various participants to the environmental activities, a Partners’ Commitment Signing was first conducted to symbolize their willingness to be involved in the initiatives of the DENR in the protection, conservation, and proper management of the country’s environment and natural resources. After the program they were grouped into three. A group was assigned in Ili Norte, San Juan to witness the release of ten (10) sea turtle hatchlings and one (1) rescued mature green sea turtle initiated by Coastal Underwater Resource Management Action or CURMA, a nonprofit, volunteer and non- government organization (NGO) based in Barangay Ili Norte, San Juan, La Union and managed by father and son Dir. Toby Tamayo and Carlos Tamayo. These turtle hatchlings were released adjacent to the Marine Turtle Hatchery of the said NGO. Likewise, a coastal clean-up drive was conducted along the shores of Taboc, San Juan , La Union followed by a tree planting activity at Sto Rosario, San Juan led by Barangay Chairman Reynaldo Ubungen, of which the municipality is identified as a vulnerable area. Participants including the BLGU and constituents planted over 200 mangrove seedlings to reduce the risk of flooding. Summing up the celebration was an ecological tour at Lotus Valley Farm located at Dasay, San Juan, La Union owned and managed by a former military man and the rising star when it comes to Environmental Conservation and AgriTourism in La Union, Mr. Ramon Benito "Toby" Tamayo. He is currently serving as the Provincial Consultant on Sustainable Apiculture, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Development. The brief tour, which served as an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign for the importance of Photos from top to bottom: a) Partners’ Commitment Signing; b) Releasing of sea turtle hatchlings; c) Coastal clean-up; d) Participants from Food Panda Philippines; and e) Ecological Tour at Lotus Valley Farm
5 MOA Signing and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for newly installed preliminary disinfection and storage facility DENR-Environmental Management Bureau – 1 Regional Director, Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe; La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David; Vice-Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega; Bacnotan Mayor Divina Fontanilla; Bacnotan District Hospital Chief, Dr. Zenserly Pagaduan; and Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Eduardo Posadas, led the ribboncutting ceremony and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing for the newly installed preliminary disinfection and storage facility for collected COVID-19 related wastes in Bacnotan District Hospital, Bacnotan, La Union on January 24, 2023. The DENR through the Environmental Management Bureau initiated the provision of brand-new preliminary disinfection and storage facilities for COVID-19 related wastes worth P800,000 each to selected local government units across the country in an effort to improve the collection of COVID-19 related healthcare waste from quarantine facilities, testing facilities, and vaccination sites located in remote areas including small generators that are not serviced by a hazardous waste transporter and a Treatment, Storage and Disposal (TSD) facility. The said project shall likewise provide safe, secure containment and storage area for infectious wastes that will address the challenges of the improper collection, preliminary disinfection, and storage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), syringes, vials, and other COVID-19 related healthcare wastes. Regional Director Hipe expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Provincial Government of La Union headed by Governor Ortega-David and to the Bacnotan District Hospital headed by Dr. Pagaduan for partnering with the DENR-EMB in the said environmental undertaking. “This MOA signing today shall solidify our strong partnership and commitment to properly manage healthcare waste so that we, and the generations to come, can live in a safe, clean, and healthy environment,” she added. In her message, Gov. OrtegaDavid sincerely thanked the DENR-EMB for choosing the Province of La Union as one of the beneficiaries of the brand -new preliminary disinfection and storage facility for collected COVID-19 related wastes. “As we formalize our partnership, I and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, fully commit to intensify further the provincial Government of La Union’s hazardous waste management in the entire province for the sake of our kaprobinsyaan. And with the unending support of everyone including our partners, this would be possible,” said Gov. Ortega-David. A total of 14 brand-new preliminary disinfection and storage DENR-EMB 1 Regional Director Hipe (3rd from left) and La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David (2nd from right led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly installed preliminary disinfection and storage facility for collected COVID-19 related wastes in Bacnotan District Hospital
6 MGB 1 confers with stakeholders on Bamboo Plantation Update The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 1 (MGB-I) discussed with various stakeholders last January 17, 2023 at the MGB 1 Conference Hall, San Fernando, La Union regarding updates on the Bamboo Plantation Program in line with the Progressive Rehabilitation of mining companies and permit holders as part of their commitment to devote part of their permit areas to bamboos. The Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division conferred with the Helix Mining and Development Corporation on their Bamboo Plantation commitment in collaboration and coordination with the Barangay LGU in Tavora East in Pugo, La Union. The established Bamboo Plantation should have at least 85% survival rate by the end of 2023. This is part of the commitment of the company/permit holder in support to the Enhanced National Greening Program in the establishment and maintenance of the additional bamboo plantation. The development of bamboo resources is pursued to achieve socio-economic and environment DENR Ilocos Region naghandog ng mga regalo para sa Batang Juana AGOO, La Union—Sa pakikiisa ng Kagawaran ng Kapaligiran at Likas Yaman Rehiyon Uno na pinapangunahan ng Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo, CESO III sa taunang selebrasyon ng“National Women’s Month”, maraming aktibidad ang nakalinya bilang pagpupugay sa mga kababaihan sa kanilang mahalagang papel bilang ilaw ng tahanan at sa pagpapaunlad ng ating lipunan. Isa dito ang “Give a Gift Program” ng opisina na isinagawa noong ika-24 ng Marso sa DSWD Home for Girls, San Nicolas, Agoo, La Union kung saan nagbigay ng mga hygiene kits, damit, gamit sa pagaaral, at iba pa sa mga batang Juana sa naturang pasilidad. Ang Home for Girls ay isang pansamantalang tirahan na nagbibigay ng proteksyon, pagkalinga, edukasyon at rehabilitasyon sa mga inabusong mga batang babae. Upang pansamantalang makalimot ang mga bata sa kanilang mga pinagdadaanan, ang kagawaran ay nagbigay saya sa pamamagitan ng maikling programa. Bukod sa sayawan, kantahan, laro, at tawanan, napuno ang araw ng aral tungkol sa karapatang pambata at pangangalaga sa kapaligiran. Bago matapos ang programa, ay siya namang pamamahagi ng mga regalo sa mga batang Juana. Kasama sa aktibidad ay ang Samahan ng mga Manggagawa para sa Kalikasan (SAMAKA), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), at Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) na kasama din ang mga opisyal ng kani-kanilang Unyon. (RSCIG) Pinangunahan ng DENR, EMB and MGB Region I GAD Focal Point System and Representatives and iba’t ibang GAD-related activities na ginanap sa DSWD Home for Girls sa Agoo, La Union. Maliban sa pagbibigay kaalaman at saya, namahagi rin ang ahensya ng mga regalo sa Batang Juana) MGB-I and DENR I discusses with various stakeholders their commitment to support the Enhanced National Greening Program establishment and maintenance of additional bamboo plantation
7 DENR I UNVEILS NEW PENRO PANGASINAN RECORDS BUILDING DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan— Department of Environment and Natural Resources- I (DENR) Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo led the blessing and inauguration of the newly constructed DENR-PENRO Records Building in Dagupan City, Pangasinan on February 14, 2023. Through former Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENR) Officer Leduina S. Co, a budget proposal for the construction of the proposed three-storey Multi-Purpose Building was materialized. This is to ensure the safekeeping and storage of pertinent records and materials, decongest the existing PENRO building, and also a venue room for learning events and conferences. “There are two (2) significant events that we are celebrating, first is the completion of this DENR-PENRO Pangasinan Records Building – first in terms of the compliance to the DENR uniformed façade (colors blue, green and brown) as initiated by DENR Asec. Joan Lagunda under Undersecretary for Management, Atty. Ernesto Adobo. Secondly, sa lahat po ng may records building, ang may separate records building lang ang regional office. Pag PENRO at CENRO, naka-attach sa CENRO Office buildings. Pero eto pa lang ang nakita ko na nakahiwalay na records building na sa PENRO. Ito pa lang kauna-unahang separate ang DENR-PENRO Records Building,” RED Barcelo said. The establishment of new PENRO Pangasinan Records Building constructed within a land area of approximately five hundred seventyfive square meters (575 sqm), was built by virtue of a Contract Agreement executed by PENRO Raymond A. Rivera and the CAD Construction Corporation, represented by its President and CEO Mr. Kevin F. Dion. The new Records building used to be the location of the old Bureau of Forest Development (BFD) Regional Office Building. Further, two (2) new additional service vehicles (a Toyota pick-up and dump truck) were blessed which is a great relief to the mobilization efforts of PENRO Pangasinan in delivering efficient public service. Present during the inauguration were Hon. Belen Fernandez, City Mayor of Dagupan City, Former DENR-Region 2 RED Atty. Gil Aromin, Engr. Victorino Domingo, National President of Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines, PCol. Rajo Opelanio, Chief of Regional Maritime Unit I, Provincial Director Mary Ann Solomon of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-I (BFAR-I), OIC Assistant Regional Director for Management Services Engr. Raymundo C. Gayo, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services For. Felix C. Taguba, OIC PENR Officer of Pangasinan Dr. Chester O. Casil, OIC CENR Officer of Alaminos Engr. Ronnie M. Jacinto, OIC CENR Officer of Dagupan Engr. Noriel G. Nisperos, OIC CENR Officer of Urdaneta For. Rico G. Biado, Ms. Nora N. Caracas, OIC Chief Management DENR-I Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo (center) and other DENRI Key Officials together with Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez (5th from right), BFAR-I Provincial Director Mary Ann Solomon and PCol. Rajo Opelanio-Chief Regional Maritime Unit I (2nd from left).
MGB 1 gears to ISO recertification and conducts 2023 Management Review SAN FERNANDO CITY – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 1 conducted its Management Review on January 11, 2023 at the J&V Hotel and Resort in preparation to ISO Recertification. Last March 22, 2022, MGB 1 continued and retained its ISO Certification for ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 & ISO 4500 after successfully passing the surveillance audit with zero non-conformity by the certifying body, National Quality Assurance (NQA). The said review assessed the opportunities to improve and check the need to change the quality management system, the quality policy or the quality objectives. An Internal Audit was done last December 1 & 2, 2022. Assigned Internal Auditors conducted a cross audit in the divisions/sections (Finance and Admin Division, Mine Management Division, Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division, Geosciences Division, Documented Information, Pollution Control, Office of the Regional Director and Internal Audit). The said audit was headed by Internal Lead Auditor Katrina Carla Delos Angeles. During the Management Review various issues and concerns were discussed and presented. These included the monitoring and measurements of Integrated Management System (IMS) Results, changes in the IMS with external and internal issues (with needs and expectations of relevant interested parties), customer satisfaction and feedback, changes in significant environmental aspects/occupational hazards and its compliance obligations, IMS policy and objectives, status of corrective actions, results of internal audit and certifying body, process performance including IMS performance, adequacy of resources, effectiveness of actions to address risks and opportunities, opportunities for improvement and IMS integration of organization processes, DENR I educates LGUs about ‘Pawikan’ during the World Wildlife Day Celebration The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region I through the Conservation and Development Division (CDD) with PENRO Pangasinan and CENRO Western Pangasinan conducted a Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaign on Marine Turtle Protection and Conservation in celebration of the World Wildlife Day 2023 with the theme, “Partnership for Wildlife Conservation” at Dasol and Burgos, Pangasinan last March 3, 2023. To raise awareness on endangered species especially of marine turtles and persuade the citizenry on what they can do to protect and conserve them, the team discussed the various topics like Proper Identification, Biological Features and Importance of Marine Turtles; Marine Turtle Handling, Tagging, and Release as well as Hatchery Management and Hatchling Release. The said activity was participated by the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Municipal Agriculture Officer, Coastal Barangay Officials, and fisherfolks among others, open forum and games were carried out after. (RSCIG) Dasol Burgos MGB-I Internal Lead Auditor Supervising Geologist Katrina Carla Delos Angeles presents audit results during Management Review DMO I Sheila Mae Capoquian demonstrates the proper handling of pawikan eggs