DENR- XI EnviroNews 1st Quarter 2021

JANUARY - MARCH 2021

DENR Secretary Roy A Cimatu during the launching of Naboc River Rehabilitation in Davao de Oro

DREDGING OF NABOC RIVER THIS ISSUE
COMMENCES
1 Dredging of Naboc River commences
After a year of activity hiatus due to pandemic, the 2 CENRO New Corella moves to new office
dredging of Naboc River has finally commenced, 4 DENR allows disposition of residual stockpile in
immediately after a brief launching ceremony last
March 12, 2021 in Brgy. Naboc, Monkayo, Davao de DavOr to avert environmental hazards
Oro.
4 CMU-DENR XI ratify agreement for biodiversity
The ceremony was especially graced by conservation
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Secretary Roy A Cimatu along with other DENR 5 DENR-PNP XI converge for Mt. Apo conservation
Central and Regional top officials, members of the 5 DENR-XI to strengthen partnership with civic
local government units of the province headed by
Davao de Oro Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy, members of the society for environmental conservation
province’s indigenous cultural communities as well
as the dredgers or holders of the Industrial Sand and 6 For the LOVE of wetlands
Gravel (ISAG) permits. 6 CENRO Davao City seizes unregistered chainsaws
7 “Home” for rescued wildlife animals in DavNor
It can be recalled that in 2019, DENR-XI launched 7 PENRO Davao Oriental strengthens ties with
the “Lihok Alang sa Naboc”, a cleanup operation for
the 24-km Naboc River in Brgy. Mt. Diwata, Diwalwal, DOSCST, sees new president
Monkayo, Davao de Oro.
8 Baganga’s Mangrove Forest restored: An NGP
TURN TO PAGE 3 (Dredging of Naboc...) Success Story

JAN - MAR 2021 ENVIRONEWS 1

CENRO NEW CORELLA MOVES
TO NEW OFFICE

Officially in March 25, 2021, DENR-XI’s Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of New Corella,
formerly located at Brgy. Magdum, Tagum City has moved to its new office located in Manuel Roxas Ave. Purok 5, Barangay

Poblacion, New Corella, Davao del Norte.
Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco spearheaded the blessing and ribbon-cutting
ceremony of the new office, likewise thanking the employees for their unceasing support to CENR Officer Isabel C. Parilla.
Former Mayors of New Corella Rhodora Alcoran and Nestor Alcoran also graced the event along with DENR XI’s Assistant
Regional Executive Directors- For. Marcia G. Isip and Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan, Davao del Norte PENR Officer Victor

T. Billones and CENR Officer Rogelio M. Hermo of CENRO Panabo.
As a public office, CENRO New Corella is open from Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Their office can also be

reached through their mobile number at 0927-504-0019.

EDITORIAL Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG)

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jayvee Jude V. Agas

LAYOUT & GRAPHICS EDITOR Christine I. Salvador

MANAGING EDITOR Analou T. Monajan

WRITERS/ PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ronald N. Amacio Mutia Bianca Camille A. Gambong

April B. Lepardo For. Leynon Jay M. Bargamento

Concepcion L. Apostol For. Yzel Jay D. Enerlan

Engr. Anita Calonzo Benedict Lejano

Bagani Fidel A. EvascoCONSULTANTS CONTACT US
Regional Executive Director Telephone: (082) 234 0905
Email: [email protected]
For. Marcia G. Isip Website: www.r11.denr.gov.ph
Assistant Regional Executive Director
for Technical Services @denr11official

Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan ENVIRONEWS is the official newsletter of the Department of
Assistant Regional Executive Director Environment and Natural Resources, Region XI (DENR-XI).
for Management Services
All rights reserved. Copyright 2021 by DENR-XI.
2 ENVIRONEWS JAN - MAR 2021
No part of this newsletter shall be reproduced in any manner
without the permission from DENR-XI. This newsletter is
distributed free to DENR employees, clients, and other
stakeholder.

DREDGING OF NABOC RIVER COMMENCES

Dredgers showcasing their state-of-the-art The Secretary also challenged the river rehabilitators
machine which will be used in the entire to make the operation a success. He emphasized that
there is no other option but to succeed and that the
duration of dredging activity. project is one that “we cannot afford to fail.”

Gov. Uy likewise expressed the commitment of the
local government of Davao de Oro to support and
pursue the sustainable project, all for the common
good of the province’s constituents.

Dredging forms part of the full-scale rehabilitation
of the Naboc River, an all-out effort to restore its clean,
pristine and toxic-free condition. As parting words,
Sec. Cimatu called for the people of Monkayo’s full
participation. “We are here to help and guide you, but as
soon as we already gave you the means to [rehabilitate],
do your share, help clean your very own river.” he said.

The project is pursuant to President Rodrigo R. RED Evasco (left) and Sec. Cimatu (center)
Duterte’s pronouncement of his complete disgust on checking the machine and throws queries on
the condition of the said river during his State of the
Nation Address (SONA) back in 2017. The river’s high its functions.
content of hazardous chemicals such as mercury,
cyanide and fecal coliform has exceeded the water
quality standards for Class C Rivers which can be
attributed to the illegal ore processing plant
operations in the upstream of the said barangay.

Prior to the commencement of the dredging, the
DENR has conducted series of conferment and
preliminary activities. These include issuance of Cease
and Desist Order (CDO) against the carbon and pulp
and ball mill operators and have them transferred from
Mt. Diwata to Mabatas Mineral Zone in Brgy. Upper Ulip,
Monkayo.

Moreover, there were also river cleanup activities,
signing of agreement between the LGU and the DENR
for the rehabilitation, desilting and quarrying of the river,
site identification for the installation of mercury-recovery
facilities, constant water sampling, conduct of sample
dredging as well as an all-out stoppage of mineral
processing operations for those who still did not
transfer to the allotted processing zone.

Currently, and as planned, the 9.98 km part of the
river will be dredged mechanically. The stretch is
subdivided into nine (9) quarry blocks within the
dimension of 1-kilometre long, 40- meters wide and
2-meters deep in average while the 14.02 km of it,
mostly upstream will undergo desilting process.

“Naboc River is alarmingly choked with heavy metals
which are hazardous both to the health of the people
and the environment. Our target is to make the river
free from these chemicals, particularly mercury, and the
only way to do it is to conduct dredging.” said Secretary
Cimatu in his speech.

JAN - MAR 2021 ENVIRONEWS 3

DENR ALLOWS DISPOSITION OF RESIDUAL STOCKPILE IN DAVOR TO AVERT
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS by Benedict Lejano, MGB-XI

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources by the LGU. The residual stockpile amounting to 37,392.123
through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau has allowed WMT was found during the ground validation conducted by
the disposition of residual stockpiles brought about by the the DENR-MGB. The team also confirmed that the stockpile
previously issued Small-scale Mining Permits by the Provincial may cause environmental hazards if it will not be removed.
Local Government Units through Presidential Decree 1899 and
Republic Act No. 7076. MGB-XI Regional Director Atty. Jasper Alberto H. Lascano
said that the Environmental Management Plan is in place to
A residual stockpile was allowed to be disposed of in Baran- ensure that environmental issues will be addressed and that
gay Tagbinonga, Mati City, Davao Oriental in accordance with rehabilitation activities will be done once the clearing
DENR Administrative Order 2019-19 issued by Secretary Roy A operation ceases.
Cimatu. Residual stockpiles are those that were
extracted during the time of a valid mining permit but were “Our engineers and technical personnel are closely
unable to be disposed of prior to the expiration of the permit. monitoring the operations to ensure that they will comply to
the limitations set by the Ore Transport Permit and Mineral Ore
Among the requirements for the disposition of residual Export Permit and more importantly, the approved programs
stockpile are: (1) Small-scale Mining Permit issued by the and rehabilitation measure,” RD Lascano said.
LGU; (2) Environmental Compliance Certificate; (3)
Environmental Management Plan; (4) Sworn Affidavit of The DENR-XI likewise is closely monitoring this operation
Undertaking; (5) Certificate of Posting (Publication) and No specifically that occasional rain showers are being experienced
Objection by the various Local Government Units covering the by the Region due to La Niña and Tropical Storm Auring.
residual stockpile area and; (6) Environmental Management DENR-XI Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco
Plan whose budget shall not be less than 10% of the gross emphasized the need for a pro-active approach not only for
sales value of residual stockpile. environmental protection but likewise for Disaster
management.
The initial applicant that was granted an Ore Transport
Permit and Mineral Ore Export Permit for the disposition “We have to make sure that we put the welfare of
of residual stockpile is Phil. Youbang Mining International communities as part of our environmental efforts,” said RED
Corporation, a former Small-scale Mining Permit holder issued Evasco.

CMU-DENR XI RATIFY AGREEMENT FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

hamiguitanense (a wild berry), pitcher plants Nepenthes
justinae and Nepenthes alfredoi as well as ferns Lindsaea
hamiguitanensis and Actinostachys minuta, the smallest grass
fern recorded.

MOA signatories, from left to right (sitting): Davao Oriental For fauna species, CEBREM recently discovered
PENR Officer For. Alberto Bandiola, RED Bagani Fidel Metapocyrtus bronsi, a new species that was collected in the
Evasco, CMU President Dr. Jesus Antonio G. Derije and lowland secondary forest of MHRWS. According to the
Dr. Victor Amoroso researchers, the species’ presence of yellow gold to bronze
markings with green to blue scales and legs entirely black are
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR what made it differ from other congeners. Other fauna
XI) recently signed a memorandum of agreement with Central discovered from the past include Paruparu cebuensis
Mindanao University (CMU), a government academic hamiguitanense, Arophala eridanus davalma and Taraka
institution and is one of the top universities in the country hamada dustinkeani.
located in Maramag, Bukidnon.
The thorough and extensive research results of CEBREM
CMU, through its Center for Biodiversity Research and were also used in the inscription of MHRWS as UNESCO World
Extension in Mindanao (CEBREM), has been one of the Heritage Site back in 2014. The team was led by the globally
conservation partners of the DENR through its conduct of acclaimed teacher and researcher, CMU’s Professor Emeritus
scientific research, biodiversity monitoring and other and Project Leader, Dr. Victor B. Amoroso.
conservation activities.
For all these valuable contributions, the DENR extends its
Since 2004, the institution has been conducting biodiversity gratitude for the said institution and have both sealed an
research in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) agreement for continuous conduct of scientific research,
in Davao Oriental. The researchers have unceasingly unveiled extending the scope from MHWRS to whole Davao Region.
the richness of flora and fauna of the said mountain and have The DENR, on the other hand, will facilitate the provision of
discovered a number of new species that are mostly site- technical assistance.
endemic.
The signing of agreement was conducted in CMU campus,
Some of flora species they have described in MHRWS just in February 25, 2021 as part of the “Biodiversity in Selected
this year is Hypericum perryongii. Previously, they also Mountain Ecosystems of Mindanao for Conservation and
discovered Dilochia deleoniae (a ground orchid), Vaccinium Suatainable Development” research Project. The ceremony
was made between the DENR-XI, represented by Regional
Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco and CMU,
represented by its President, Dr. Jesus Antonio G. Derije.
Both parties expressed their affirmation and support, all for
the conservation and preservation of the environment.

4 ENVIRONEWS JAN - MAR 2021

DENR-PNP XI CONVERGE FOR MT. APO CONSERVATION

with 100-hectare within the Multiple Use Zone (MUZ) of MANP,
particularly located at So. Lutangan, Brgy. Kapatagan, Digos
City. Davao del Sur.

“It is only a stepping stone towards a bigger future in forest
protection management in our protected areas.”, said For.
Marcia G. Isip, DENR XI’s Asst. Regional Executive Director for
Technical Services, adding that it is not just for the DENR and
PNP but for the citizenry as well.

PNP XI’s director, PBGEN Filmore B. Escobal said that the
understanding also lines up with their agency’s program- the
Pulis Makakalikasan.

“It is also embedded in our core values, which is “Maka-Diyos,
Makatao at Makakalikasan.”, Dir. Escobal which is said.

With an eye toward revitalization and reforestation of the Through the said MOU, it is expected to provide an
Philippine’s highest peak, Mt. Apo Natural Park, the opportunity for both agencies to strengthen collaborative
directors of the Department of Environment and Natural mechanism in forest protection and rehabilitation of Mt. Apo
Resources (DENR XI) and Philippine National Police Natural Park.
(PNP-XI) signed up an understanding, last, March 11, 2021
at DENR-XI Regional Office, Lanang, Davao City. “With our partnership and with this new endeavor that we
have entered into, I am truly hopeful that this becomes a
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) stipulates that success not only to our respective agencies but also to the
both parties agree to revitalize forest protection and forest law status of Davao region’s environment.”, stresses DENR XI
enforcement activities and to establish forest nurseries within Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco.
PNP training camp and adjacent areas of Strict Protection
Zone (SPZ) which shall be planted in the identified The MOU was signed by RED Evasco representing the
rehabilitation areas within the MANP. DENR-XI while PBGEN Escobal signed for PNP-XI. Signing
as witnesses are DENR XI’s ARED Marcia G. Isip and PNP XI’s
Pursuant to MANP-Protected Area Management Board OIC-Regional Logistics and Research Development Division
(PAMB) Resolution No. 2007-06, the PNP has been allocated PTLCOL Rodrigo Benedicto H. Sarmiento, Jr.

DENR-XI TO STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP WITH CIVIC SOCIETY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSERVATION

To further strengthen the partnership with the civic society During the meeting, RED Evasco and Bishop
for its efforts on environmental protection, conservation Apigo together with Provincial Environment and
and management, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) of Davao Oriental
Natural Resources (DENR-XI) Regional Executive Director Alberto N. Bandiola discussed the pressing environmental
Bagani Fidel A. Evasco had a courtesy call with the Bishop issues and concerns within the province such as illegal
of Mati Most Rev. Abel C. Apigo, DD. mining and logging activities, the expansion of fishponds
in Brgy. Dahican, the reservation of mangroves and the
RED Evasco said there is a need to further strengthen the conservation efforts within the protected areas.
collaboration between the church and the government
especially when it comes to the welfare of the country’s JAN - MAR 2021 ENVIRONEWS 5
environment and natural resources.

”When it comes to our efforts to push for environmental
preservation, the government cannot do it alone thus we
are also preserving our partnership with everybody and the
church is no exception. The fact remain that when it comes
to the environment, all of us are its beneficiaries and all
of us are the stakeholders, the reason why we must work
together,” RED Evasco said.

On the other hand, Bishop Apigo expressed his
willingness to support the environmental advocacies
of the government especially in the protection of Davao
Oriental’s protected areas such as the Mt. Hamiguitan
Range and Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) and the Pujada
Bay Landscape and Seascape (PBLS).

FOR THE LOVE OF WETLANDS DENR-XI’s Protected Area Management and Biodiver-
sity Conservation Section (PAMBCS) spreads an environ-
DENR-XI RED Evasco visits the exhibit mental love by putting up a month-long exhibit that
February is associated with the word “love” and the heightens awareness about the value and benefits of
many ways to express it. It doesn’t have to be towards a wetlands.
person only.
It also highlights the migratory bird sites in the
Love for nature and wildlife, anyone? region and the avian visitors it houses including the
critically-endangered Chinese Crested Terns.

Due to the limited movement around the region,
the exhibit is being conducted within the vicinity of
DENR-XI Regional Office in Lanang and is only
accessible to the employees and visitors who have
official appointments.

“No wetlands, no water, no life. Indeed, wetlands
and mankind are inseparable, hence, we do encourage
everyone to keep our planet alive and be always vigilant
in protecting, conserving and even loving our wetlands,
our lasting gift especially for the next generations to
come.”, stresses PAMBCS Chief Marigelaine Arguillas.

CENRO DAVAO CITY SEIZES UNREGISTERED CHAINSAWS

by Engr. Anita Calonzo, CENRO Davao City

Within just the first quarter of the year, DENR-XI,
through its Community Environment and Natural
Resources Office (CENRO) Davao City has apprehended
five (5) units of STIHL 070 Chainsaw which were
allegedly used to cut trees within the Timberland Zone
of Baguio and Marilog Districts in Davao City.

The apprehension is the result of the series of
monitoring, mobile/foot patrol and LAWIN activities
conducted by CENRO Davao’s Enforcement and
Monitoring Section (EMS) personnel together with the
Bantay Bukid.

Bantay Bukid is a pool of external forest watchers 2002” and Executive Order No. 23 or “Declaring a
which were hired to help monitor the forest condition Moratorium on the Cutting and Harvesting of Timber
and to help avert occurrence of any illegal activities. in Natural and Residual Forests and Creating the
Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (AILTF). As imposed
Report says that the apprehended chainsaw units under Section 77 of PD 705 and RA 9175, violators will
were used to illegally cut the trees within the said areas. be penalized with imprisonment and fines.
The first 3 chainsaws were apprehended on January 18,
2021 at Marilog and Baguio Districts. On March 3, 2021, The apprehension was conducted by CENRO Davao
another unit was confiscated at Marilog District while under the leadership of OIC, CENR Officer Marvin D.
the most recent, March 6, 2021, 2 units were likewise Parilla through its Enforcement and Monitoring
seized on the same area. Section headed by Forester II/Chief of EMS, Jamel M.
Limpao. This is part of the DENR’s continuous efforts of
The violators allegedly escaped and abandoned the halting timber poaching in our forest lands.
unregistered chainsaw units in the area. Currently,these
were taken into the custody of CENRO Davao City. The DENR is firm in implementing environmental
laws and shall continue to intensify the patrolling
The illegal cutting of trees and the use of chainsaws activities for the mere purpose of preserving the
units without permits from the DENR is a violation of country’s natural resources.
RA No. 9175 otherwise known as “The Chainsaw Act of

6 ENVIRONEWS JAN - MAR 2021

“HOME” FOR RESCUED WILDLIFE ANIMALS IN DAVNOR

by For. Yzel Jay D. Enerlan, CENRO New Corella

For seven (7) years now, the Regional Wildlife Rescue Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Local
Center (RWRC) in Tagum, Davao del Norte has been Government of Tagum for the co-management of
home to rescued and turned-over wildlife animals. RWRC located at Brgy. New Balamban, Tagum City.
It is being co-managed by the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources through its With a total area of 2.23 hectares, this rescue center
Community Environment and Natural Resources Office which started its full operation in 2014, is under the
(CENRO) New Corella and the City Government of jurisdiction and supervision of DENR-XI’s Community
Tagum. Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)
New Corella.
The establishment of this rescue center is pursuant to
Section 32 of Republic Act 9147 also known as the To date, there are already forty-five (45) wildlife
“Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act species being housed and cared for in the Center
of 2001”. consists of eighteen (18) mammals, thirteen (13) reptiles,
and fourteen (14) birds. Among these, the most
Last July 5, 2011, DENR-XI entered into a 25-year commonly turned-over wild animals are Philippine
Macaques, Reticulated Pythons, Brahminy Kites, and
Serpent Eagles.

This year, after a thorough assessment for suitability
for release, four bird species have been freed back to
the wild.

More or less, RWRC can accommodate 25 mammals,
20 reptiles, and 30 bird species. Additional cages will
be constructed this year by the City Government of
Tagum.

PENRO DAVAO ORIENTAL STRENGTHENS TIES WITH DOSCST, SEES NEW PRESIDENT

by For. Leynon Jay M. Bargamento, CENRO Mati

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer the Pujada Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape
(PENRO) Alberto N. Bandiola and Community (PBPLS) and Mati Protected Landscape (MPL) through
Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) the signing of memorandum of agreement.
Zaldy Lumaan paid a courtesy call to the newly installed
President of the Davao Oriental State College of Science In his remarks, President Ponce pledged his
and Technology (DOSCST), Dr. Roy G. Ponce. unwavering support to the DENR in all of its
undertakings that are related to the conservation and
The said meeting was meant to further strengthen protection of the environment. He also laid out his
the partnership and collaboration between the DENR plans in running the college in the early phase of his
and the DOSCST in the conduct of research and tenure as the SUC President. He also highlighted his
extension activities in the two (2) protected areas plans of expanding the fields of research especially in
situated within the jurisdiction of CENRO Mati namely soil regeneration and soil health and the introduction
of new courses and curriculums.

JAN - MAR 2021 ENVIRONEWS 7

BAGANGA’S MANGROVE FOREST RESTORED:
AN NGP SUCCESS STORY

Rehabilitated Mangrove Area - 2020

Beneficiaries’ fresh catch also able to establish a “Floating Restaurant” as their
additional source of income. It is exclusively managed
Members of the Poo Kinablangan Developers by the PKDA members. Though its operation was
Association (PKDA) which are beneficiaries of the temporarily stopped due to Covid-19 pandemic, they’re
National Greening Program (NGP) in Baganga, Davao still looking forward for a comeback.
Oriental expressed gratitude for the government’s
assistance when their community was battered by “We are grateful for the opportunity that the
Typhoon Pablo in 2012. government gave us. We are now enjoying a better
living condition. Thank you as well to DENR that despite
The super typhoon destructed the municipality’s our far-flung area, you reached out to us.” PO Chairman
mangrove area which caused the loss of livelihood of Hermes Bonsay expressed.
the coastal community. There were even reports that
the residents resorted to slaughtering endangered DENR XI-Baganga CENR Officer David Fabila, Jr. also
species such as sea turtles due to scarcity of food. attest to the program’s success. “Right now, we can see
that the project is successful in terms of socio-economic
In 2015, the DENR XI aimed to restore the upliftment and environmental rehabilitation.”, he said.
community’s livelihood by rehabilitating its mangrove
area. Through NGP, the office handed over cash NGP is a reforestation program of the DENR which
assistance to PKDA as the selected Peoples likewise aims to alleviate the poverty in the country.
Organization or PO which the beneficiaries used to
purchase propagules for the replanting of mangroves. CENR Officer Dave Fabila site visit

As of 2020, a total of 234 hectares has been
planted with mangrove mostly with Bacauan and
Pototan species.

With the remaining cash that they had, they were

8 ENVIRONEWS JAN - MAR 2021