JAN - MAR 2023 ENVIRONEWS 1 A TASTE OF DAVAO DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga together with Undersecretary for Field OperationsMindanao Joselin Marcus E. Fragada and Assistant Secretary for Field Operations-Western Mindanao and FMB Director Arleigh J. Adorable graced the ribbon cutting for the opening of the Multi-stakeholders Forum Mindanao Exhibit last February 1-3, 2023 held at Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City. The exhibit features the different programs, projects and activities of DENR Regional Offices across the country. With the assistance of DENR XI RED Bagani Fidel Evasco, the officials took their time to grasp the environmental activities and the culture of Davao Region which showcases its rich biodiversity highlighting its eleven (11) Protected Areas. TURN TO PAGE 3 (A Taste of Davao...) JANUARY - MARCH 2023 THIS ISSUE 1 A Taste of Davao 2 Parada Dabawenyo 2023 3 Promoting Sustainable Tourism 4 Gender and Development (GAD) Corner DENR XI Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel Evasco briefs DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga on the different DENR-XI activities and culture of Davao City. 7 DENR-XI records sighting of the scanty bird Chinese Crested Tern for consecutive years 6 PENRO Davao oriental to further expedite lands and forestry-related permits 6 DENR XI Employees harness public service skills 8 Davao’s Malagos Watershed and the life it gives and protects
2 ENVIRONEWS JAN - MAR 2023 In support to the local government of Davao City, DENR-XI led by Assistant Regional Executive Director for Technical Services, For. Victor T. Billiones, together with at least 250 contigents from different organizations, join the 86th Araw ng Dabaw - Parada Dabawenyo, held last March 18, 2023. Happy Araw ng Dabaw! Parada Dabawenyo 2023 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 Barry M. Ohaylan April B. Lepardo Donnazel M. Bitoy Concepcion L. Apostol Mutia Bianca Camille A. Gambong Bagani Fidel A. Evasco Regional Executive Director For. Victor T. Billones OIC-Assistant Regional Executive Director for Technical Services Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan Assistant Regional Executive Director for Management Services Maribel P. Alicer Assistant Regional Executive Director CONSULTANTS for Special Concerns CONTACT US Telephone: (082) 234 0905 Email: [email protected] Website: www.r11.denr.gov.ph @denr11official ENVIRONEWS is the official newsletter of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region XI (DENR-XI). All rights reserved. Copyright 2023 by DENR-XI. 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.
JAN - MAR 2023 ENVIRONEWS 3 A TASTE OF DAVAO Among those are the Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP) in Davao del Sur and the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) in Davao Oriental which has become two of the most famous icons of Davao. With RED Evasco are DENR-XI’s Assistant Regional Executive Directors Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan of the Management Services, Victor T. Billiones of the Technical Services and Maribel P. Alicer of the Special Concerns. Cutting of Ribbon L-R: DENR Sec. Antonia Loyzaga USEC Joselin Marcus Fragada ASEC and FMB Director Arleigh J. Adorable DENR XI Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel Evasco discusses the exhibit with Sec. Loyzaga DENR Davao also brought the abundant culture of the region through the display of ethnolinguistic tribes that dwells in it. The region is home to some eleven (11) tribes namely- Bagobo Klata, Ata, Obo Manuvu, Matigsalug, Bagobo-Tagabawa, Tausug, Sama, Marano, Maguindanaon, Iranun and Kagan. These ethnic groups forms part of the rich and colorful diversity of the region. The exhibit subsumes under the conduct of the DENR’s 2023 Multisectoral Stakeholder ForumMindanao that will run until the 3rd of February, 2023. PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Divers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources headed by Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco together with the team from the Department of Tourism Regional Director Tanya Rabat Tan recently conducted a two-day site validation activity in Kopiat Island and other coral sites in Mabini, Davao de Oro. The team also visited and validated some of DENR-XI’s coral rehabilitation sites within the Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape (MPLS). The activity aims to promote sustainable travel that will benefit local communities while minimizing environmental impact and, at the same time, educate and encourage travelers and divers to play their part in protecting the environment for future generations. With DENR and DOT are the Philippine Commission for Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD) led by Executive Director Marco Angelo Ancheta, PCSSD Commissioner Dr. Fred Medina, Philippine Navy Naval Special Operations Unit (NAVSOU) 7 Lt. Arnold B Duque PN, Davao Gulf Divers headed by Iñigo Taojo, Philippine Coast Guard, the Provincial Local Government Unit of Davao de Oro - Provincial Tourism Office Davao de Oro headed by Prescila Decena, the Municipality of Mabini, and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation. Bryaninops yongei - whip coral goby
4 ENVIRONEWS JAN - MAR 2023 Gender and Develop ment (GAD) Corner The month of March has been dedicated to celebrate the prowess of women and to uphold inclusivity and equality to all gender identities. Here is DENR Davao’s full-packed observance of National Women’s Month that puts the spotlight on the message “We for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society”. Opening Program & Salamat Mabuhay Field Offices’ Programs & Activities Davao de Oro Davao del Sur Davao Oriental Davao Occidental Women’s Month Parade Essay-Writing & Photography Contest Donation Drive & Turn over of Donations to SPMC-IPBM Senior Citizen & PWD Day HR at Your Service, GAD Bazaar, & Culmination Program HR at Your Service GAD Bazaar Culmination
JAN - MAR 2023 ENVIRONEWS 5 Gender and Develop ment (GAD) Corner “WE FOR GENDER EQUALITY AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY” ADRIAN DWIGHT SEFUENTES Team MGB/EMB/ARDEC GAD Essay-Writing Contest Winner Gender equality have been a long standing struggle not only in the Philippines but to entirety of the world. With a predominant existence of the patriarchy that hugely affects every respect of our society, it is no wonder that even at their age, we are still grasping to get a full hold of gender equality that gas been aspired for in a long time. But what really is gender equality? Is it the continuous dominance of men over women, queer, and non-binaries in our today’s society? Or is it the opposite of it? The emergence of women and queer’s dominance over men who have always been on the frontline of every privileges and opportunities. Most of the time, the true definition of gender equality gets lost in translation. Maybe because it is often muffled by the noise and qualms of both parties that sometimes it just dissolves into thin air. But equality, in its purest and most stripped form, describes the state wherein everyone gets equal opportunities regardless of their gender, race, or how they identify themselves. Equality is the ultimate dream not only in DENR or in public service but also in every facet of our society, may it be in race, color, ethnicity, and even in social status. The struggle in gender equality has its dark and very significant history. For decades, women weren’t allowed to go to school, they were deprived from learning and were only expected to function as housebodies. They weren’t even allowed to vote or to voice out their opinions. Most, if not all, of the powers were given to men. Years ago as well, there weren’t that much acceptance, platform, and recognition for the members of LGBTQIA++ community, through struggles, sacrifices, and hardships, people from the queer community are now starting to gain the recognition and acceptance that the society owes them decades ago we have come a long way from where we were before, but I believe that there is still a long a way to go. Even with all the changes that have happened over the years, all the progress and developments. It is undeniable that even if we have come a long way we are still far from the end of the tunnel. In order to achieve equality, we must first achieve equity. Equality means that everyone, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, and etc., should all begin from the same starting point. But throughout the years, patriarchy and bias in men have been continuously existing. For years and years, women were always seen as inferior, incapable of doing “men’s job”. That is why in order to achieve equality, we need to address this problem first. This is a problem that infiltrate the minds of this current and new generations. Equity sets the stage for equality to shine bright. Equity in women empowerment means that in order to achieve equality, we need to address the oppressive history that the marginalized sectors, namely women and the LGBTQIA+ community, went through. And through this, there should be recognition on how disadvantaged and oppressed these communities had been in the past, and somehow even now in the present. Equity, is one, among the many steps that we need to take in order for us to build a solid foundation of gender equality and inclusive society. For a long time, efforts have been made to push forward gender equality in all aspects. Legislations and programs were created in order to further solidify and fortify these established programs. Celebration of Women’s Month annually, with the participation of various industries, especially government offices is one of the notable signs of our commitment in forwarding this advocacy. It is also remarkable how drastic the changes have been over the years when it comes to empowering women who came from different lifestyles and backgrounds. For example, women who live in several rural areas are now more proactive and involved especially in different agroforestry related programs conducted by DENR ERDB-ARDEC. Most of the times, women from different far flung communities are in the frontline in cultivating and developing these different agroforestry programs that benefit not only them but their entire community as well. It is true that we still have a long way to go in achieving the perfection of gender equality especially here in the Philippines, but somehow, even with these little steps that we are taking, these miniscule changes can create ripples of positive effects and possibilities not only for ourselves but also for the generations to come. PABLO NGOJO Team PENRO Davao del Sur GAD Photography Contest Winner The Bagobo Tagabawa women’s traditional skill and cultural gift was delivered in the form of basket weaving, which improved their way of life. “ ”
6 ENVIRONEWS JAN - MAR 2023 DENR XI EMPLOYEES HARNESS PUBLIC SERVICE SKILLS As the DENR XI continually pursues excellent quality of government service, its employees undergo a series of learning events that elaborates on the salient management services functions. It also targets to produce high performing employees by deepening their knowledge and responsibilities as public servants and environmental stewards. Employees of Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Davao Oriental were the participants for the pilot leg of said activity which occurred in January 30-31, 2023. The significant event will also be conducted in other provinces and is set to be completed within the month of February. Through the activity’s notable resource speakers, the participants will be refreshed about the agency’s mandate, the DENR Secretary’s Priority Thrusts along with other matters abounding Planning and Management, Administrative, Finance and Legal services. The Learning Event on Salient Management Services Functions is a noteworthy activity initiated by the DENR XI’s Management Office through the Assistant Regional Executive Director for Management Services – Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan, convoyed by division and section chiefs, respectively. PENRO DAVAO ORIENTAL TO FURTHER EXPEDITE LANDS AND FORESTRY-RELATED PERMITS by Donnazel M. Bitoy, PENRO Davao Oriental Assistant Regional Executive Director for Technical Services Victor T. Billones together with some technical personnel from the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-XI recently visited Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO)of Davao Oriental to discuss different measures to speed-up the process for the issuance of Lands and Forestry-related permits, other tenurial instruments, and approval of Public Land Surveys. PENR Officer Pablito M. Ofrecia expressed his gratitude to ARED Billones and to the top officials of the Licenses, Patents and Deeds Division (LPDD) and the Surveys and Mapping Division (SMD) for the technical assistance they have given in order to pull off the Department’s aim to speed up in processing permits. The activity was participated in by CENR Officers, Division Chiefs, Regulation and Permitting Section (RPS) Chiefs, Geodetic Engineers, Land Management Officers (LMO) and PENRO and CENRO personnel who are in-charged of forestry-related permits. Through a presentation, Technical personnel from the LPDD and SMD listed down the needed requirements for the preparation of narrative reports, Completed Staff Work, inventory reports and other necessary attachments for the approval and issuance of permits such as Land Survey Authority, Foreshore Lease Agreement, Private Tree Plantation Registration, Certificate of Lumber Origin, among others. In his message, ARED Billones said that the technical team from the Regional Office is going down to the PENR and CENR Offices in order to discuss issues and concerns with regards to issuing permits and to strategize further in improving several processes of the office.
JAN - MAR 2023 ENVIRONEWS 7 DENR XI RECORDS SIGHTING OF THE SCANTY BIRD CHINESE CRESTED TERN FOR CONSECUTIVE YEARS It seems like the extremely rare Chinese Crested Tern (Thalasseus bernsteini) will be Davao’s regular avian visitor as it appeared in the wetlands of the region for over three years now. It can be recalled that in 2021, the Chinese Crested Tern tagged as the “Bird of Legend” surprised the conservationists with its presence during a bird counting in Davao del Norte. That, after its hiatus in the wild for several decades. In fact, some study say that it was last seen in around 1937 and had unconfirmed sighting years after. As the DENR Davao regularly conducts the Annual Asian Waterfowl Census (AWC) for migratory birds, through its Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section (PAMBCS), the team, yet again, caught sight of the CCTs in 2022 at Davao rivermouth which appears to be its first record for Davao City and Davao del Sur. While in January of this year, we say hi to at least three (3) CCTs! These rare and critically endangered birds were spotted in Panabo City and Carmen in Davao del Norte and in Bucana, Davao City. Chinese Crested Tern sighting 2023, Photo by PAMBCS Bird Counting activity 2023 The global population of CCTs remain sparse with only more or less a hundred of them left. Thus, the close monitoring and extensive effort for its conservation through keeping an eye on its breeding colonies. Migratory seabirds, including CCTs, are usually seen migrating to the coastal wetlands in the Philippines in the first quarter of the year, during which its originating countries are on winter season which results to food scarcity. Avians move to warmer regions in search for warmth and sustenance. Apart from CCTs, other migratory birds such as Eurasian and Far Eastern Curlew were also recorded in the region. As part of the East Asian Australasian Flyway (EAAF), the Philippines actively participates in the annual Asian Waterbird Census which runs parallel to the other waterbird census in Africa, Europe, Central and West Asia, and the Latin America under the umbrella of the International Waterbird Census. Amid threat from climate change and environmental degradation, waterbirds serve as bio-indicator of ecosystem changes. Let’s continuously protect our avian visitors by keeping distance from them! Far Eastern Curlew, Photo by PAMBCS
8 ENVIRONEWS JAN - MAR 2023 DAVAO’S MALAGOS WATERSHED AND THE LIFE IT GIVES AND PROTECTS The Malagos Watershed Reservation in Davao City is a 235.34-hectare protected land area that is one of the proclaimed (PP 612 dtd. Aug 1933) initial components of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 as amended by the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act of 2018. It is a land surface in South Davao that drains rainfall into creeks, streams and rivers. With its physical features, the said watershed is recognized for possessing outstanding ecosystem and highly significant biodiversity. In fact, it is Davao City’s source of water, the ex situ habitat of the Philippine Eagle and moreover supports two of the endemic bat species in the Philippines- the Large Flying Foxes (Pteropus vampyrus) and the fruit-eating megabat- the Golden-Crowned Flying Foxes (Acerodan jubatus). The latter is one of the world’s largest bats as it reaches 5 feet 6 inches long and a weight of up to 2.6 pounds, accordingly. Philippine Sailfin Lizard, Photo by DENR-PAMBCS XI As prescribed by the DENR’s National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and Their Categories, the said volant mammals are classified as threatened species or those that beats the menace of adverse factors such as habitat destruction or over collection. According to the joint records of DENR-XI’s Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section, the CENRO Davao and the Phillippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), the Malagos Watershed Reservation is the dwelling place of over 90 bird species, 8 species of bats/volant including Large Flying Foxes and Golden-Crowned Flying Foxes, 6 species of non-volant mammals such as Phil. Brown Philippine Long-tailed Macaque, Photo by DENR-PAMBCS XI Deer and Phil. Tarsier, 15 species of amphibians including the Mindanao Fanged and Horned Frog, 31 species of reptiles, 54 species of butterflies which include the threatened Golden Birdwing and 32 species of dragonflies. The said watershed is also surrounded with lush trees and various plants including the naturally occurring or native ones such as Tibig (Ficus nota) and Jade vines (Strongyloden macrobotrys) as well as the Lanipau (Terminalia copelandii) which one of the primary roosting trees of the flying foxes. Additionally, the Malagos Watershed Reservation is actively supervised by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), a multi-sectoral body which provides guidance and approves policies to effectively operate and manage the area in coordination with the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu). Hoya sp., Photo by PAMBCS Oriental Dollar Bird, Photo by PAMBCS Lacewing Butterfly, Photo by PAMBCS