JAN - MAR 2022 ENVIRONEWS 1 DENR-XI CONDUCTS CORAL REEF ASSESSMENT IN DAVAO OCCIDENTAL To check on the conditions of the coral reef and other living organisms vital to the marine ecosystem, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources XI headed by its Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco conducted a SCUBA diving activity in various areas of Davao Occidental. JOSE ABAD SANTOS The first dive site was in Barangay Bukid in Jose Abad Santos. About 500 meters offshore, the reef was observed to be in a good physical condition due to the presence of a variety of fish species. However, it was also assessed that not all are reef-inhabitating fishes as some only came to enjoy the diversity of food sources on coral reefs. TURN TO PAGE 3 (DENR-XI conducts...) JANUARY - MARCH 2022 THIS ISSUE 1 DENR-XI conducts Coral Reef Assessment in Davao Occidental 2 Hugging trees on Valentine’s Day! 4 DENR-XI conducts PA benchmarking in Apo Island and Balinsasayao Twin Lakes 5 Mt. Apo PAMB, partners strengthen ties for MANP’s application to UNESCO Underwater photos by RED Bagani Fidel A. Evasco during the rapid coral reef assessment in Davao Occidental 7 DENR-XI strengthens ties with DBP and SunSmart for a Clean and Green Environment 6 DENR-XI serves CDOs and NOVs to mining company involved in siltation incident in Banaybanay 6 PENRO Davao de Oro Bags 2nd Place in SWM Contest 8 DENR-XI caps off Women’s Month Celebration with GAD Quiz Bee Contest
2 ENVIRONEWS JAN - MAR 2022 In celebration of Valentine’s Day this year, employees from DENR-XI show their love for trees by joining DENR’s “Tree Hugging Campaign” from February 14-18, 2022. This campaign was spearheaded by DENR’s Forest Management Bureau (FMB) to promote the social/health benefits of nurturing trees/forests, to raise awareness on the importance of tree-hugging movement and to introduce an alternative way of celebrating Valentine’s Day by showing and expressing the love and care for the environment through tree-hugging. Hugging trees on Valentine’s Day! 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 Franklyn Buenaflor April B. Lepardo 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 CONSULTANTS 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 2022 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 2022 ENVIRONEWS 3 DENR-XI CONDUCTS CORAL REEF ASSESSMENT IN DAVAO OCCIDENTAL As fish and other marine species thrives in the said area, DENR-XI is looking forward to declare it as one of the marine protected areas (MPAs) in Region XI. Moreover, the Local Government of Jose Abad Santos through its Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Mr. Rodrigo Moda has also proposed to declare an area in Brgy. Bukid as a mangrove Eco-tourism site to conserve its lush mangrove vegetation. RED Evasco signified his support and likewise suggested to submit proposals to funding agencies/institutions. He also assured that DENR-XI will provide the necessary technical assistance. The management of coastal and marine resources and marine protected areas is one of the priority programs of the DENR. Under its banner program CMEMP or the Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program, it aims to achieve an effective management of the country’s coastal and marine ecosystems thereby increasing their ability to provide ecological goods and services. Moreover, it also aims to improve the quality of life of the coastal population particularly ensuring food security, climate change resiliency and disaster risk reduction. Mangroves offer important breeding and nursing environment for varieties of fish species. They are also efficient in absorbing carbons; thus, it is considered as one of the solutions to fight against climate change. Moreover, mangrove forests are also essential to coastal communities as it acts as natural buffer against storm surges. DON MARCELINO RED Evasco also conducted a rapid coral reef assessment in Brgy. Calian, Don Marcelino in the Province of Davao Occidental. The activity aims to check the condition of the coral reef and to take a glimpse of the natural beauty and unique structures RED Evasco together with PENRO Chamberlain Babiera and CRFMS OIC-Chief Gil Bigcas during the coral reef assessment in Jose Abad Santos. and features of the said marine ecosystem. The reef was observed to have good physical condition. Most of the fish that were observed are residents of the reef, which means that it is where they inhabit and reproduce. These also provide food for the coastal residents and livelihood for the fisherfolks. Apart from providing a wide array of benefits to the marine ecosystem, healthy coral reefs also protect the communities from erosions and storms, provide jobs for the locals and offer opportunities for tourism. A shoal of snapper, locally known as “Katambak” spotted while diving in Don Marcelino MALITA Species of sea turtles were observed in a dive site in Malita, Davao Occidental during the rapid coral reef assessment initiated by DENR. The assessment was conducted to check the physical condition of the coral reef and to establish a collaborative effort with the Local Government Unit of Malita on the protection and conservation of its marine ecosystem. The team headed to the dive site off the coast of Brgy. Tubalan. The coral reef outside of Tubalan cove presented variety of marine species like fish and sea turtles and is in excellent condition. It can also be attributed to the Bantay Dagat patrollers who are regularly monitoring and patrolling within its municipal waters as part of the LGU’s preservation and protection mechanism. In the Philippines, there are 5 sea turtles known to come ashore to bask and reproduce. These are Green sea, Hawksbill, Olive ridley, Loggerhead and Leatherback. Under the International Union for Conservation of Nature or IUCN, Green sea and Loggerhead turtles are categorized as endangered species while Olive ridley and Leatherback turtles are
4 ENVIRONEWS JAN - MAR 2022 DENR-XI CONDUCTS CORAL REEF ASSESSMENT IN DAVAO OCCIDENTAL categorized as vulnerable. Hawksbill turtles, on the other hand, are categorized as critically-endangered or in a high risk of facing extinction. The Philippines is located in the Pacific Ocean region called the Coral Triangle with more than 16,800 sq.km. of coral reef. It is recognized as the global center for marine biodiversity as it is home to unique plethora of seaweeds, invertebrates, seagrass and marine mammals. Corals are highly fragile and are vulnerable to marine pollution. The fish that live and grow on coral reefs are important food and livelihood source for the people especially in coastal areas. A sea turtle found during the assessment in Davao Occidental DENR-XI CONDUCTS PA BENCHMARKING IN APO ISLAND AND BALINSASAYAO TWIN LAKES To learn more about the protected areas of Region 7 and promote as well some of the protected areas of Region XI, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-XI) had its benchmarking of PA operations and ecotourism programs featuring the Apo Island Protected Landscape (AIPLS) and Seascape and the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park (BTLNP). Headed by DENR-XI Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco, the team from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Davao de Oro and some members of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape went to the said PAs to know more of the best practices, strategies and experiences in terms of operations, ecotourism, stakeholders engagement and biodiversity conservation. “The responsibility of protecting and conserving our Protected Areas is not of the DENR alone but of everybody. In managing these areas, we encounter different challenges the reason why we are conducting this benchmarking of PAs so that PAMB members can also see and understand the different strategies we make and the efforts that we do in order to protect and conserve our protected areas,” RED Evasco emphasized during the program. Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) of Negros Oriental Moreno S. Tagra presented to Region XI team the profile and best practices of both BTLNP and AIPLS as he is also the concurrent Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) of both PAs. In Negros Oriental, Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao are called the Twin Lakes of Sibulan which are two of the most visited tourist spots in Negros Oriental. According to PENRO Tagra, Balinsasayao came from the word “balin” which means plenty and “sayao” which refers to the glossy swiftlet, a native bird that inhabits the area. BTLNP can be considered as one of the bestmanaged terrestrial protected areas in the country. And like Mabini PLS, BLTNP was legislated by RA 7586 as amended by RA 11038 or the Expanded National
JAN - MAR 2022 ENVIRONEWS 5 MT. APO PAMB, PARTNERS STRENGTHEN TIES FOR MANP’S APPLICATION TO UNESCO To discuss on how to package Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP) in its application to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Global Geoparks, the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of MANP had a collaborative meeting with Davao del Sur State College (DDSSC) held at the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Davao del Sur. The Mt. Apo Natural Park, aside from being one of Region XI’s Protected Areas rich in biodiversity, a watershed and an ecotourism destination, is also the nation’s highest peak and a stratovolcano which is home to unique geological features such as the boulders assault trail, sulfur vents, hot springs and the white sand camp. The collaborative meeting was meant to discuss and deliberate on how to best package MANP for its application to UNESCÓ’s Global Geoparks (UGGs) label, thus self-evaluation checklist was presented during the meeting. The team also gave focus on the Potential Research, Extension, Development and Innovation Needs Assessment (REDINA) Studies that would add to MANP’s qualifications. UNESCO’s work with geoparks began in 2001. Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. In 2015, 195 Member States of UNESCO ratified the creation of Global Geoparks label during the 38th General Conference of the Organization. This expresses governmental recognition on the importance of by Franklyn Buenaflor, PENRO Davao del Sur Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act of 2018 comprising the 94 protected areas added to the NIPAS. On the other hand, Apo Island is called a jewel of the underworld which is known to have hundreds of fish species and other marine life. The island is part of the Municipality of Dauin, Negros Oriental, nested in a private cove with rock formations. It is known to offer a perfect experience on underwater activities such as snorkeling and diving and has also been rated as one of the best dive sites in the world. AIPLS also have successful coral rehabilitation projects which led to the restoration of its degraded coral reef ecosystem. Moreover, an abandoned fish pond thereat was believed to be the contributory factor for the abundance of seaweeds which serves a forage for Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles. The high number of marine turtles taking refuge on the island, paved the way for its ecotourism program. Region XI team also shared the best practices they have done and the unique experiences they had when it came to managing among its PAs like Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascapes (MPLS), Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP) and Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife and Sanctuary (with reports from Clint Michael Cleofe of PENRO Davao de Oro). managing outstanding geological sites and landscapes in a holistic manner. UNESCO supports Member States efforts to establish UNESCO Global Geoparks all around the world, in close collaboration with the Global Geoparks Network. To be recognized as UNESCO’s Global Geopark will show that the selected site has an exceptional geological heritage and it has the ability to mobilize local stakeholders to preserve these unique geological sites and educate visitors. Currently there are 169 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 44 countries across the planet. MANP Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Dr. Joel S. Pardillo said that the Protected Area Management Office of Mt Apo Natural Park is geared towards UNESCO Global Geoparks recognition with the assistance of the DDSSC. “This meeting is the beginning of our partnership for future projects and there is a need for Mt Apo Natural Park to focus on research projects and collaboration”, he said. On the other hand, PENR Officer of Davao del Sur Alberto N. Bandiola stated that such projects and endeavors with different partners will create scientific basis in creating new policies of the PAMB. “These upcoming activities is actually a great challenge for the PAMB especially to its Chairperson Bagani Fidel A. Evasco who is also DENR-XI’s Regional Executive Director, to do more for Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP) this year and the next years to come,” PENRO Bandiola said.
6 ENVIRONEWS JAN - MAR 2022 DENR-XI SERVES CDOS AND NOVS TO MINING COMPANY INVOLVED IN SILTATION INCIDENT IN BANAYBANAY The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region XI has issued a Cease and Desist Order (CDO), Notice of Violation (NOV) and a show cause last, January 17, to Riverbend Consolidated Mining Corporation/Arc Nickel Resources, Inc. (ANRI) located in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental. The company was involved in the siltation incident in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental last January 14, 2022. The said incident happened at Mapagba and Pinatatagan Rivers in Banaybanay after heavy rains occurred for more than 12 hours with an accumulated rainfall intensity of 88.1mm on January 13, 2022 as per PAGASA Tagum Station. Based on the initial investigation and assessment of DENR-XI Composite Team, the potential source of siltation and discoloration along said rivers was attributed to the active mining activity of the said company. Members of the Composite Team are from DENR-XI Regional Office, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-XI), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-XI) and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Lupon that was conducted last January 15. The investigation also revealed that the heavy and PENRO DAVAO DE ORO BAGS 2ND PLACE IN SWM CONTEST The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Davao de Oro bags the 2nd place in the Provincial Search for Best Solid Waste Management (SWM) Implementers in National Government Agency last March 15, 2022. The plaque of recognition was awarded by Gov. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy and LGU EnP Marilyn A. Perlas. According to the chief of the Management Services Division Trinidad B. Humol, garnering such award is an honor of PENRO Davao de Oro as it proves the agency’s commitment to implement RA 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. “Criteria and Guidelines are tough, but we were able to comply,” said Humol. Likewise, OIC PENR Officer of Davao de Oro Dr. Rita Fe C. Gunn lauded the employees for doing their best to win the award as it shows their adherence to RA 9003. She also encouraged everyone to strictly practice SWM in their respective homes citing that more solid wastes are generated in homes than at the office. “The recognition we received will be our inspiration to continue what we do now, so we could hit the highest award next time”, Gunn added. continuous rain last January 13-14 pushed overburden materials that contributed to the overflowing of silt pond, draining towards the said river. With the Department’s aim to adhere to its mandate of protecting and advancing the constitutional right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature, as EMB-XI Regional Director Engr. Mario N. Bulacan (right) issued a CDO and NOV to ANRI, witnessed by RED Bagani Fidel A. Evasco (middle)
JAN - MAR 2022 ENVIRONEWS 7 DENR-XI STRENGTHENS TIES WITH DBP AND SUNSMART FOR A CLEAN AND GREEN ENVIRONMENT To further push for a healthy, clean and green environment, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-XI) signs a tri-partite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the SunSmart Solar Power Technology, Inc. last March 11, 2022. With the aim to establish a Seed Center Facility within DENR-XI’s Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) at Sitio Baras, Kapatagan, Digos City, Davao del Sur, DBP gave DENR-XI a start-up funding of Two Million Pesos for the establishment of the Seed Center Facility. This facility will serve as a storage area for the collection of native seeds and wildings as well as for its germination and propagation. Together with DBP, the SunSmart Solar Power Technology, Inc. also donated a portable solar equipment amounting to almost PhP 350,000.00. This device will help in the seed propagation and protection, to advance the implementation of the seedbank project of the DBP and DENR-XI. “All these collaborations are essential in all forms of governmental interventions, as it demonstrates the very spirit of Bayanihan, and what it can achieve,” DENR XI Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco said. The donation from DBP and SSPTI were accepted by RED Evasco together with Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Davao del Sur Alberto N. Bandiola, Mt. Apo Natural Park Protected stated in the Section 16, Article II of the Philippine Constitution, MGB-XI has issued a Showcause with Cease and Desist Order to the mining company while EMB-XI issued a Notice of Violation. In a statement given by DENR-XI Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco, the company was ordered to immediately address the issue and the implementation of which shall be subject to strict monitoring. “Our legal team is also evaluating further action with regards to any of the violations and we will assure a strict implementation of the environmental laws. Penalties and fines are also being considered,” RED Evasco added. Additionally, DENR XI together with the concerned LGUs of Banaybanay shall have regular monitoring of the area or as often as necessary until this incident is addressed. “Further evaluation is being conducted as to the extent of environmental impact but rest assured that we, in DENR XI, together with EMB, MGB, PENROS and CENROS have made appropriate actions to address the matter in coordination with other government agencies and LGUs,” RED Evasco said. MGB-XI Regional Director Atty. Jasper Alberto H. Lascano issued a Show Cause Order to ANRI, witnessed by RED Bagani Fidel A. Evasco Area Superintendent (PASu) Joel Pardillo, DBP Director Ma. Lourdes A. Arcenas, DBP Southern and Western Mindanao Lending Group Head Ana Marie E. Veloso, SunSmart President & Co-Founder Jenny Lin G. Maaño and SunSmart Chairman and CEO William Chen Hon Ngai. Also present during the ceremony were MINDA Secretary Maria Belen Sunga Acosta, DSWD XI Director Ronald Ryan R. Cui and Department of Agriculture Regional Executive Director Abel Monteagudo.
8 ENVIRONEWS JAN - MAR 2022 To culminate the Women’s Month Celebration this year, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-XI) held a closing program last March 30, with Gender and Development (GAD) Quiz Bee Contest as its main highlight. Through the collaboration of the Planning and Management Division (PMD) and the Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG), the GAD Quiz Bee Contest aims to heighten the employees’ knowledge on the Celebration, its theme and its legal basis as well as the greatest contributions of women in the society both in the past and in the present generation. The contest was participated by twenty-two (22) DENR-XI employees hailing from the Provincial and Regional Offices. Besting all these contestants who undertook the Easy, Moderate and Difficult rounds was Jovenal C. Fudadera of the Administrative Division while Kemberly C. Vidal of CENRO Mati and Jovelie C. Cantila of PENRO Davao del Norte were the 2nd and 3rd, placers, respectively. During the closing program, Assistant Regional Executive Director for Management Services and Regional GAD Focal Point System Chairperson Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan emphasized that everybody should not only promote and advocate women empowerment “but must be empowered ourselves and shall always emerge from difficulties as stronger and better versions of ourselves.” She also quoted the Australian writer and activist GD Anderson who said that “Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” GAD Corner DENR-XI CAPS OFF WOMEN’S MONTH CELEBRATION WITH GAD QUIZ BEE CONTEST Also highlighting the closing ceremony was the opening of Region XI’s Lactation Station, a hub for breastfeeding mothers, and the Health and Wellness Center located at the second floor of the office building. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony wereARED Dumagan, ARED for Technical Services Victor T. Billiones and Administrative Division Chief Atty. Chelin Joan Sonza Alug.