DENR-XI EnviroNews 3rd Quarter 2020

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020

Northern Cassowary is one of 91 wildlife animals found fit for repatriation to Indonesia last July 27, 2020.

RESCUED WILDLIFE ANIMALS THIS ISSUE
REPATRIATED TO INDONESIA 1 Rescued wildlife animals repatriated

A total of 91 wildlife animals were repatriated to Indonesia
to Indonesia last July 27, 2020, an activity led
by the Indonesian Consulate together with the 2 DENR-XI awards its Best PENR and
Department of Environment and Natural CENR OFFICES for 2019
Resources (DENR-XI) and the Davao
Crocodile Park and Zoo. 4 City LGU Mati, CENRO Mati spearhead the
release of marine turtle in Pujada Bay
This is the first in the region and the Philippines
to return rescued wildlife species in its country of 4 PENRO DavSur, PCG rescue green sea
origin. turtle in Sta. Cruz

Under the Convention of International Trade 5 NGP Success Stories in Region XI
in Endangered Species (CITES), repatriation of 7 DENR-XI conducts virtual ENR Basic
confiscated CITES-listed animals to the country of
export is considered an option for disposal by Course
a confiscating authority.

TURN TO PAGE 3 (Rescued wildlife...)

JUL - SEP 2020 ENVIRONEWS 1

DENR-XI AWARDS ITS BEST PENR EDITORIAL
AND CENR OFFICES FOR 2019 Regional Public Affairs Office (RPAO)

To culminate this year’s Environment Month celebration, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Jayvee Jude V. Agas
(DENR-XI) awarded its top Provincial and Community LAYOUT & GRAPHICS EDITOR
Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENRO
and CENRO) for accomplishing their 2019 goals and Christine Isip
targets that contributed to the achievement of the WRITERS/ PHOTOGRAPHERS
Department’s mandate and programs in Region XI.
Analou T. Monajan
Through the efforts of the Praise and Awards Ronald N. Amacio
Committee of DENR-XI, the awarding is part of the
office’s continuing commitment to respond to one of April B. Lepardo
the Human Resource mechanisms which is granting of Concepcion L. Apostol
rewards and recognition to deserving employees and Mutia Bianca Camille A. Gambong
offices. Leynon Jay M. Bargamento

During the virtual culmination program, DENR-XI Jay Lord C. Balondo
headed by Assistant Secretary for Field Operations
Eastern Mindanao and DENR-XI Regional Executive CONSULTANTS
Director Ruth M. Tawantawan awarded the Best PENRO
to PENRO Davao del Sur and the Best CENRO to CENRO For. Ruth M. Tawantawan
Davao City.
OIC, Assistant Secretary for Field Operations
RED Tawantawan urged the awardees to continue to Eastern Mindanao and Regional Executive Director
give their best not only in accomplishing their targets
but most of all, to practice efficiency in implementing For. Marcia G. Isip
the programs and projects of the DENR.
Assistant Regional Executive Director
“There is nothing that DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu for Technical Services
would want us to do but to continue to give our utmost
best in giving service to the Filipino people by being Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan
innovative in preventing any man-made and natural
environmental disasters, in maintaining a balanced Assistant Regional Executive Director
ecology and in preventing all kinds of pollution,” she for Management Services
said.
CONTACT US
RED Tawanatawan also reminded all the provincial Telephone: (082) 234 0905
offices to be enthusiastic in rendering government Email: [email protected]
services by being efficient, pro-responsive, pro-active, Website: www.r11.denr.gov.ph
and fast in rendering public service.
@denr11official
TURN TO PAGE 7 (DENR-XI awards...)
ENVIRONEWS is the official newsletter of the
2 ENVIRONEWS JUL - SEP 2020 Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, Region XI (DENR-XI).

All rights reserved. Copyright 2020 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.

RESCUED WILDLIFE ANIMALS REPATRIATED TO INDONESIA

It can be recalled that Task Force POGI (Philippine Consul General Fabrian also said that they
Operations Group on Ivory and Illegal Wildlife Trade) will undertake some strategies in order to prevent
composed of representatives from the National illegal trading of wildlife in Indonesia and its borders,
Bureau of Investigation (NBI), DENR, Philippine one of which is to educate the people that illegal
National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army (PA) trading of wildlife animals threatens the sustainability
apprehended a total of 450 different kinds of exotic of nature and it incurs strict penalties and
animals on April 8, 2019 in Barangay Dahican, City of consequences. They would also want to scale-up
Mati, Davao Oriental. their enforcement strategies in their key trade ports
through improving their cooperation with inter-state
These wildlife species, composed of birds, border patrol counterparts.
mammals and reptiles came from Indonesia and
were mostly categorized as endangered under the “Both countries must take an active role because
CITES. even though we educate our people not to trade
wildlife, traders can still bring these animals illegally
Task Force POGI was organized by DENR in 2013 through sea and air connectivity,” he said.
to curb poaching and illegal trade of wildlife in the
country. On the other hand, DENR Assistant Secretary for
Field Operations Eastern Mindanao and DENR-XI
Out of the 450 animals that were apprehended last Regional Executive Director Ruth M. Tawantawan,
year, only 225 were turned-over to the Davao lauded the successful coordination between the
Crocodile Park and Zoo as some of these animals DENR, the Indonesian Consulate and the Davao
has already died due to stress caused by prolonged Crocodile Park that eventually resulted to the
travel from Indonesia to the Philippines. The Davao repatriation of wildlife animals.
Crocodile Park and Zoo is a facility that caters various
turned-over animals ranging from mammalian, avian “Rest assured that under Secretary Roy A. Cimatu’s
and reptilian species and is also one of DENR-XI’s watch, the DENR will always be on guard in curtailing
main partners in the conservation and perpetuation wildlife trading. We are also hoping that there will be
of wildlife animals. no more wildlife trading to also keep us safe from the
risk of the possible accidental transmissions of diseas-
As of December 2019, 125 animals were inventoried, es from the wildlife,” she added.
91 of which were found fit for repatriation. Among
these animals are Greater Sulfur-crested Cockatoo, JUL - SEP 2020 ENVIRONEWS 3
Palm Cockatoo, Black-capped Lory, Northern
Cassowary, White-striped Wallaby, Blue-tongued
skink and Rainer Gunther Monitor.

On the other hand, 20 animals were found not
fit for repatriation and there were 14 which were
listed as mortalities. According to the Davao
Crocodile Park Chief Operations Officer Ana Maria
B. Borja, animals that were not fit to travel are either
being monitored or has already succumbed to
possible disease or abnormalities.

“We are continually monitoring these animals for
improvements, making sure that they will recover,”
she said.

Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia
Dicky Fabrian said that the animals will be placed in
a wildlife sanctuary in Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Centre
in Bitung, Indonesia where their health will be
regularly checked.

“Then if the animals are deemed fit by our medical
team, they will eventually be freed back in the wild
which is their natural habitat,” he said.

CITY LGU MATI, CENRO MATI SPEARHEAD THE RELEASE OF MARINE TURTLE
IN PUJADA BAY

by Leynon Jay M. Bargamento, CENRO Mati CENRO Mati. A group of marine conservationists from
said field office, composed mainly of protected area
staff under the supervision of CENR Officer Zaldy L.
Lumaan, then promptly worked with City Local
Government Unit (CLGU) Mati personnel to determine
the health of the turtle.

As the result of the examination revealed that the
turtle is healthy and responsive, it was released back
to the oceans of Pujada Bay Protected Landscape and
Seascape on that same day.

A female green sea turtle was released back to the Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Conservation and
ocean after it was accidentally caught in a baited Protection Act is the paramount law that ensures the
fishing hooks by a local fisherman in the morning of protection and conservation of marine turtles and
July 21, 2020 at Tagawisan, Barangay Central, the City other wildlife in the country.
of Mati, Davao Oriental.
Green turtles are one of the five (5) species of marine
Earlier, the said turtle was turned over to the City turtle that can be found in the country. However, it is
Fishery Law Enforcement Office (CFLEO) of the City the only herbivore among its counterparts. Green sea
Government of Mati and was subsequently referred to turtles are deemed endangered in the country mostly
due to accidental bycatch, overharvesting of eggs and
habitat loss.

PENRO DAVSUR, PCG RESCUE GREEN SEA TURTLE IN STA. CRUZ

A green sea turtle was recently rescued by DENR-XI’s Substation Commander PO3 Jovie M. Talaver PCG; Sn1
Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Ernesto R. Movilla, Jr, PCG; Sn1 Leo M. Toca, PCG; Sn2
Resources Offices (PENRO and CENRO) of Digos with Julius Ceazar M. del Cruz, PCG; Asn Jaimor D. Bation,
the assistance of the members of the Philippine Coast PCG; ASN Josiem P. Densing, PCG and; MFLET-Sta. Cruz
Guard (PCG) substation in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Mr. Benjamin O. Adtoon, Jr.

Days after the rescue, the seemingly-weak pawikan Green sea turtle species is one of the 5 sea turtles
was transferred to the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park in Davao known to occur in the Philippines along with the
City and was later found out to have ingested a plastic Hawksbill turtle, Olive ridley turtle, Loggerhead turtle
trash as it has been continuously excreting plastics for and Leatherback turtle. Under the International Union
3 days. With the guidance of Cleanergy Park’s in-house for Conservation of Nature or IUCN, Green and
veterinary, vitamins were intravenously given to the Loggerhead turtles are categorized as endangered
pawikan to help restore its healthy condition. while Olive ridley and Leatherback turtles are
categorized as vulnerable.
DENR-XI’s Protected Area Management and
Biodiversity Conservation Section Chief Marigelaine On the other hand, Hawksbill turtle is categorized
Arguillas said that they appreciated the great efforts of as critically-endangered. Killing, collecting, trading,
the PCG as they have gone beyond their call of duty to hunting and other related activities that pose threat to
rescue the pawikan. these species is punishable as it is a violation to RA 9147
or the Conservation and Protection Act.
“Every day, they would swim in the ocean to get
seaweeds for the pawikan to eat. And when we
transferred the pawikan from Digos to the Cleanergy
Park in Davao City, the PCG also provided some of their
shirts and towels so the pawikan will be comfortable
during the transfer,” Arguillas added.

Among those who assisted the DENR-XI team during
the rescue are those who are under the command of
Commodore Roy A Echeverria PCG, Commander, Coast
Guard District South Eastern Mindanao: Coast Guard

4 ENVIRONEWS JUL - SEP 2020

NGP SUCCESS STORIES
IN REGION XI

Success from rubber strees “Green Steel”

National Greening Program (NGP) beneficiaries Upland farmers of the Bubongon Treeplanters
through People’s Organizations (PO) in Laak, Davao Association, Inc. who are also beneficiaries of the
de Oro show their harvest from their rubber tree DENR’s National Greening Program (NGP) flaunt
plantation. their 2 and 3-year old bamboo plantations in Sto.
Tomas, Davao del Norte.
Each beneficiary has been granted with at least
two (2) hectares where they planted rubber trees as Like all other forest trees, bamboo has
primary commodity. enourmous benefits in environmental protection.
It is sustainable, durable and is considered an eco-
They happily share how NGP helps them thrive, friendly alternative to other construction materials.
sharing that they extract the rubber trees’ latex every In fact, it has been tagged as the “green steel”.
fifteen (15) days and sell it for a worthy price.
Bamboo as a commodity was first introduced to
NGP is one of the DENR’s banner programs which the said NGP beneficiaries in 2017 wherein their
implements reforestation and aims to alleviate organization was granted with 30-hectare plantation
poverty in the country. area and an additional 4 hectares in 2018.

The DENR has also partnered with the Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI) to help the beneficiaries
in manufacturing and marketing their products
come harvest time.

JUL - SEP 2020 ENVIRONEWS 5

CENRO BAGANGA JOINS LINGGO NG KABATAAN CELEBRATION

by Jay Lord C. Balondo, CENRO Baganga

Beyond enhancing the awareness of the youth sector, the youth’s awareness in terms of environmental
the Department of Environment and Natural Resources protection.
(DENR) aims to empower the youth when it comes to
environmental protection and conservation and gain a “Although some still continue to adopt both
strong partnership with them. conventional and unconventional methods in
contributing their share in environmental care and
“The youth must do their share in protecting our protection, there are those who take advantage of the
environment, as it is the lifeblood providing us food, availability and accessibility of information and
shelter, clothing, medicine, and other ecological technology in order to engage in all levels of
services essential to our survival,” DENR Secretary Roy environmental governance, especially towards
A. Cimatu said in one of his speeches. implementing the Sustainable Development Goals or
SDGs,” he said.
As the youth are filled with the desire to be
acknowledged, respected, and encouraged in their Also being discussed during the event was the
activities rather than be scolded and judged for their importance of biodiversity conservation as youth are
youthful enthusiasm, immaturity, and mistakes, DENR also instrumental in advocating for the restoration and
has seen access to these youthful heroes’ full potential conservation of earth’s terrestrial ecosystems, forests,
who are striving to do good for the community and the and biodiversity. This topic was discussed by Franz Von
environment, for them to be capacitated and to express Laguidong who emphasized that disturbing these
the full inclusion of every young individual. different ecosystems will cause damaging effects not
only to the environment but to human beings as well
In line with this aim, DENR-XI’s Community as it can cause a global pandemic.
Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)
Baganga in Davao Oriental joined in the celebration “The youth of today should individually redirect its
of Linggo ng Kabataan 2020 last August 11, 2020, held ways to collectively see the changes in the pursuit of
in Barangay Caatihan, Boston, Davao. With the theme a healthy and balanced ecosystem, giving every single
“Youth Engagement for Global Action”, the activity gave organism the freedom to survive in its natural habitat
emphasis on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals without harming them,” Laguidong said.
(SDGs).
On the other hand, Forester Cesar B. Lagura also
The said activity was initiated by the Office of the discussed the salient features of RA 9003 or the
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) through its chairperson Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. He briefed
Hon. Aljoy L. Ombaogan. With strict compliance to the the youth on some penal provisions of the Act and the
minimum standard of COVID-19 protocol, the activity concept of segregation at source.
was permitted by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of
Boston. The activity had a total of sixty (60) participants and
all were given IEC collaterals courtesy of the Regional
For the environment cluster, CENRO Baganga, Public Affairs Office (RPAO). At the end of the event, the
represented by Forester Jay Lord C. Balondo, talked youth were reminded that they need to grow strong
about the important roles of the youth and their and mature, and must have that surging desire to help
involvement in any DENR programs and activities. the government with their various environmental
Balondo emphasized that millennial and centennial programs.
generations dominate the world’s population especially
in developing countries, thus a mistake in their ways, “Besides eating healthy food and having a good
lifestyle, and decisions may compromise the present education, the youth should be nourished with
and future generation. empowerment. They must have a positive attitude
and should nurture trust, respect and, encouragement
CENR Officer Dave L. Fabila said that the Department in order to be a good example to the youth sector and
is using the Social Media platform to continue to raise to their community,”

6 ENVIRONEWS JUL - SEP 2020

DENR-XI AWARDS ITS BEST PENR AND “The pandemic did not hinder our office to continue
CENR OFFICES FOR 2019 with our IEC campaigns for the benefit and
encouragement of our employees to keep themselves
Before the awarding, Assistant Regional Executive updated with the status of our environment,” she said.
Director for Technical Services Marcia G. Isip cited
the criteria involved in the Best PENRO and CENRO The winners and participants for the Environment
awards. Month Quiz Bee Contest are: Cyrian Anthony Durban
of PENRO Davao de Oro (Champion); Cherrybeth
In a message, best PENRO awardee Pablito M. Ofrecia Padilla of PENRO Davao del Sur (1st Runner-up); Melody
of PENRO Davao del Sur gave his appreciation to all the Joy Dagta of the Regional Office (2nd Runner-up);
employees under his jurisdiction for their commitment Donnazel Bitoy of PENRO Davao Oriental; Geneveve
and dedication in pursuing public service. Magpatoc of PENRO Davao del Norte; Marylove
Dalumatan of PENRO Davao Occidental; Ryan Antho-
“Just like any other awards and just like this ny Paran of Mines and Geosciences Bureau and; Mariz
pandemic, this too shall pass. But the dedication, Stella Sillada of Environmental Management Bureau.
commitment, and the memories of Davao del Sur will
always remain,” PENRO Ofrecia said. Certificates of Appreciation were also given to the
frontliners of DENR-XI who have served the office and
On the other hand, CENRO Marvin D. Parilla rendered essential services during the Enhanced
dedicated the Best CENRO award to all the Community Quarantine in Davao City. Among the
hardworking employees of CENRO Davao City, stating awardees are: Ms. April B. Lepardo; Efren P. Flores; Ervin
that receivingsuch recognition is his long-time dream. Ramirez, Rodrigo Sismar; Glenn Ford Quibod; Natanael
Canillas; Jopet Bancure; Adrian Labrador; and Romar
“In my 42 years, there were so many attempts to be Monungohl.
able to receive such recognition and finally, it is here. I
did not stop dreaming and I just continue to give my Moreover, a Loyalty Award was given to Ms. Evelyn
best in rendering service to the people,” he stressed. A. Origenes of CENRO Davao City for her 30 years of
dedicated service to DENR-XI which contributed to the
The office also gave recognition to all the winners achievements of the Department’s goals and targets.
and participants of this year’s Online Environment Also, a “Thinking Mind Award” was given to Ms. Beverlyn
Month Quiz Bee Contest. Assistant Regional Executive M. Maguate for her initiative in conducting mind-
Director for Management Services Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. stimulating online activities, especially to DENR
Dumagan stressed that despite the pandemic, DENR- employees, during the ECQ.
XI continued its information and awareness campaign.

DENR-XI CONDUCTS VIRTUAL ENR BASIC COURSE

In line with Secretary Roy A Cimatu’s directive to
continually strengthen the frontline services, especially
during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-XI) through
its Human Resources Development Services (HRDS),
conducted its webinar on the 2nd Basic Training
Course under the Environment and Natural Resources
Academy (ENRA). This Basic course ran from
September 1-4, 7-11 & 14, 2020.

Twenty-eight (28) employees from DENR-XI’s Provin- Among other topics that were discussed during the
cial and Community and Environment and Natural Re- 10-day ENR Basic Course are Understanding the ENR
sources Offices (PENROs and CENROs) were re-orient- Laws; Accountability in Public Service; and Service
ed on DENR’s organizational structure, its core values Excellence. The activity is designed to effectively direct
as well as its mandate, vision, and mission. and advocate the department’s priority programs,
projects, and activities. It also aims to demonstrate
On the other hand, Assistant Regional Executive technical competencies to support and enforce ENR
Director for Management Services Atty. Ma. Mercedes laws.
V. Dumagan also discussed the priority programs of
President Rodrigo R. Duterte and DENR Secretary Roy DENR-XI conducted its 1st ENR Basic Course last
A Cimatu including the AmBisyon Natin 2040 which September 10-16, 2019.
is the long-term vision and aspirations of the Filipino
people for themselves and for the country in the next JUL - SEP 2020 ENVIRONEWS
25 years.

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8 ENVIRONEWS JUL - SEP 2020