DENR-XI EnviroNews 4th Quarter 2020

October - december 2020

DENR-XI Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel A. Evasco delivers his speech during the Turn-over ceremony

DENR-XI INSTALLS NEW DIRECTOR THIS ISSUE
1 DENR-XI Installs New Director
Bagani Fidel A. Evasco is the new RegionalExecutive 2 Site visit in Naboc River
Director of the Department of Environment and 4 DENR Davao Region is now PRIME-HRM
Natural Resources in Region XI (DENR-XI).
Level II-accredited!
Evasco is an Environmental Science graduate
at the Ateneo de Davao University with profound 4 PENRO Davao Oriental earns recognition
knowledge of Marine Biology due to his experience 5 CDD-XI engages Women on Biodiversity,
as a licensed Dive Master and Technical Diver. He is
a member of the Professional Association of Diving Wildlife and Cave Conservation
Instructors in Australia, the International Association
of Nitrox and Technical Divers in the United States 6 Mt. Apo Natural Park: A Protected Area
of America, and Project AWARE which is a global
movement for ocean protection and marine OCT - DEC 2020 ENVIRONEWS 1
conservation.

After he graduated from college, Evasco
also pursued his dream to become a pilot which
propelled him to be a licensed private and commer-
cial pilot at present. He is also a professional under-
water photographer and a mountaineer as well as
a soccer player and a triathlete. All these passions
made him a multifaceted person.

TURN TO PAGE 3 (DENR-XI Installs...)

SITE VISIT IN NABOC RIVER

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for Enforcement, Mining and
Muslim Affairs Jim O. Sampulna, and Acting Director for Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Atty. Wilfre-
do G. Moncano recently had a site visit at Sitio Mabatas, Barangay Upper Ulip and Naboc River in Monkayo,
Davao de Oro to know the latest situation with regards to the Naboc River Rehab Project. After the inspec-
tion, USEC Sampulna and Director Moncano together with some DENR-XI officials had a short meeting with
Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy to discuss the action plan of the said project. Also present during

the activity are: DENR-XI Regional Executive Director Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan; MGB-XI Regional
Director Atty. Jasper Alberto H. Lascano; Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) of
Davao de Oro Chamberlain J. Babiera; Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) of
Monkayo Diony M. Sereñoso; and representatives from EMB-XI, Philippine Mining Development Corporation

(PMDC), local government unit of Monkayo and the Philippine National Police of Monkayo.

EDITORIAL Regional Public Affairs Office (RPAO)

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jayvee Jude V. Agas

LAYOUT & GRAPHICS EDITOR Christine Isip

WRITERS/ PHOTOGRAPHERS Analou T. Monajan CONTACT US
Telephone: (082) 234 0905
Ronald N. Amacio Email: [email protected]
Website: www.r11.denr.gov.ph
April B. Lepardo
@denr11official
Concepcion L. Apostol
ENVIRONEWS is the official newsletter of the
Mutia Bianca Camille A. Gambong Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, Region XI (DENR-XI).
Leynon Jay M. Bargamento
All rights reserved. Copyright 2020 by DENR-XI.
CONSULTANTS Bagani Fidel A. Evasco No part of this newsletter shall be reproduced in any
Regional Executive Director manner without the permission from DENR-XI. This

For. Marcia G. Isip newsletter is distributed free to DENR employees,
Assistant Regional Executive Director clients, and other stakeholder.
for Technical Services

Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan
Assistant Regional Executive Director
for Management Services

2 ENVIRONEWS OCT - DEC 2020

DENR-XI INSTALLS NEW DIRECTOR

He also said that he is the kind of leader that values
accountability and that every employee must be
accountable for everything that has been entrusted in
their care. Lastly, he reminded the employees that he
does not appreciate petty talks and hearsays in coming
up with major decisions.

“I love it when there is an openness among colleagues
and I commit to listening to both sides in times of
dispute or conflict. I will be a friend to everybody and
not just to the chosen few,” he stressed.

To “buckle himself to work”, Evasco said that he will
start to do his rounds in the different areas and offices
within the region to get the feel of the situation on the
ground.

On the other hand, outgoing DENR-XI OIC, Regional
Executive Director Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan
expressed her gratitude to DENR Secretary Roy A
Cimatu for the opportunity to lead and serve Region XI.

“Indeed, it was challenging but a learning experience
as well especially when it came to coming up with big
decisions that would benefit not only our Department
but most importantly, our different stakeholders,” she
said.

“My varied interests are closely related with the Dumagan also thanked Assistant Secretary for
environment – taking care of nature, conquering Administration and Human Resources Ruth M.
mountains, diving in the oceans, loving the beaches, Tawantawan for the trust and confidence she has
and navigating the air – all of which are the advocacies given her being the former RED of the region. “Being
that I gladly share with my family,” he said. my former boss, you have instilled in me the passion
and the drive to lead our people and to serve our
The 34-year old Bagani Evasco is the son of Leoncio constituents.
“Jun” Badilla Evasco, Jr., a former Cabinet Secretary and a
former Mayor of Maribojoc town in Bohol. He is currently She expressed her support to Evasco, assuring him
taking up his Masters in Public Administration major in that DENR-XI will be behind him in every endeavor that
Public Policy at the Ateneo de Davao University. he will undertake and every challenge that he will be
facing.
During his acceptance speech yesterday, November
23, he highlighted his five personal principles as a leader. “DENR -XI has always been working as a team. We
He said that he will be a listening leader for he wouldn’t work as one and have always been unified with one
want to perform any act or make decisions without purpose which is to serve. Thus, we are also looking
considering the stand of his officials on any issues. forward to a meaningful and efficient journey with you
with the belief that we will further learn from each
“I will make most of my decisions after consultations other,” Dumagan said.
if needed, but we have to remember that there is also
such a thing as a management prerogative.” Gracing the Turn-over ceremony are: Undersecretary
for Enforcement for Mindanao and Indigenous
Evasco also said that he will be a servant leader for he Peoples Concerns Conrado E. Laza; Assistant
believes that “all of us are servants of the people and Secretary for Administration and Human Resources
that I should put first the interest of the people over and Ruth M. Tawantawan; Mr. Leoncio “Jun” Evasco and;
above my own.” He also solicited the cooperation of the DCWD Director Engr. Romel Alfredo R Ruiz.
employees for he said he will be delegating tasks from
time to time. Also present through Zoom are: Undersecretary for
Field Operations and Environment Atty. Juan Miguel T.
“It cannot be denied that most of you have been in Cuna; Assistant Secretary for Field Operations-Mindanao
your jobs for a long time and have prepared yourselves and Legislative Affairs Joan A. Lagunda; and Human
academically and your years of experience will be Resources Development Service Director Ric G.
something I will give you credit for.” Enriquez.

OCT - DEC 2020 ENVIRONEWS 3

DENR DAVAO REGION IS NOW PRIME-HRM LEVEL II-ACCREDITED!

In time for the celebration of the 120th Philippine Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence
Civil Service Anniversary, the Civil Service Commission in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM).
Region XI handed over the PRIME-HRM Level II
Accreditation (Bronze Award) to the Department of The plaque of recognition was handed over by CSC-XI
Environment and Natural Resources Davao Region Regional Director Adams D. Torres to DENR-XI through
today, September 23, 2020. This Bronze award is given the OIC Assistant Secretary for Administration and
to DENR-XI for having implemented its human resource Human Resource Ruth M. Tawantawan and incoming
management systems and achieving a process-defined DENR-XI’s OIC Regional Executive Director Atty. Ma.
HRM in the four core HRM systems under the Enhanced Mercedes V. Dumagan.

PENRO DAVAO ORIENTAL EARNS RECOGNITION

by Leynon Jay M. Bargamento, CENRO Mati

and sustainable development in the City of Mati.

In her message, Rabat highlighted the crucial role
of the agency in maintaining the overall health and
function of the environment. She likewise mentioned
the recent success of the City of Mati and Province of
Davao Oriental with the official proclamation of the
Pujada, Mayo and Balite bays as one of the Most
Beautiful Bays in the world.

Mayor Rabat also lauded the on-going effort of the
concerned stakeholders and government institutions
to strengthen the conservation of Philippine Eagles
that found habitation in Mati City through the signing
of the Memorandum of Agreement between the City
Government and the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).
She expressed her full support to the said endeavor by
pledging a financial aid of P500, 000.00 annually for
three (3) years.

The City Government of Mati through Mayor Michelle Moreover, she also said that the protection of Mount
Rabat recently conferred a certificate of recognition Hamiguitan Range Wildlife and Sanctuary (MHRWS) is
to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources one of the priorities of her administration and added
Office (PENRO) of Davao Oriental through its PENR that a financial aid amounting to P200, 000.00 will be
Officer Alberto N. Bandiola and CENR Officer Zaldy L. allocated for the said purpose.
Lumaan for their invaluable contributions in the
implementation of Environmental Programs and The conferment of the certificates of recognition was
Projects gearing towards climate change resilience done during the kick-off of Sambuokan festival- an
annual celebration of the city’s unique Mandaya culture
and tradition that also fosters oneness among the
people of Mati.

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CDD-XI ENGAGES WOMEN ON BIODIVERSITY, WILDLIFE AND CAVE CONSERVATION

DENR XI’s Conservation and Development Division and interrelated issues on health, pandemic and
(CDD) through its Protected Area Management and biodiversity.”, said Marigellaine Arguillas, PAMBCS
Biodiversity Conservation Section (PAMBCS) takes the Chief, also one of the presenters.
environmental learning activity to the women residents
of Davao Region. The activity is also one of its numerous Gender and
Development (GAD) programs that aim to involve the
The venture is part of the year-long target of public, particularly women, in the protection and
promoting biodiversity conservation touching on cave conservation of our environment. Such were thought
management and conservation, ecotourism as well of and structured by the PAMBCS’ GAD focal person, Ms.
as climate change mitigation. To date, the office has Beverlyn Maguate.
reached several areas in Davao del Sur, Davao de Oro,
Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur. It is further in lieu of the Communication,
Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) method of
“Participants are mostly barangay health workers, the department to enable vast range of information
women in majority, considering the significant dissemination.

OCT - DEC 2020 ENVIRONEWS 5

MT. APO NATURAL PARK: A PROTECTED AREA

Mt. Apo Natural Park or MANP falls under the Waling-waling, and the iconic Philippine Eagle.
geographic jurisdiction of the Municipalities of Because of its rich biodiversity and impressive
Bansalan, Digos, and Sta. Cruz in Region XI and the
Municipalities of Makilala, Kidapawan, and Magpet in landscapes, Mt. Apo is one of the country’s favorite
Region XII. destinations of mountain climbers and nature lovers.
In 1982, MANP landed in the United Nations List of
Mt. Apo is the highest mountain in the country and National Parks and Equivalent Reservations and
its name (Apo) means “grandfather of all mountains”. became one of the 10 ASEAN Heritage Sites in 1984.

Under the Republic Act No. 9237 series of 2003 or Last October 5, 2020, Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP)
the Mt. Apo Protected Area Act, the administration was one of the Philippines’ Protected Areas that was
and management of the natural park is exercised by featured in the Protected Area Talk or PA Talk hosted
the Protected Area Management Board of PAMB by Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda. The 1-hour online
which is being chaired by the Regional Executive conference, organized by the Biodiversity Management
Director of DENR. This Board promulgates the rules Bureau (BMB) of the Department of Environment
and regulations to promote biodiversity conservation and Natural Resources (DENR), also highlighted the
and sustainable development in the natural park as symbiotic relationship between the protected area
Mt. Apo is home to various wildlife species, both flora, and the Philippine Eagle.
and fauna, like the queen of the Philippine orchids,
a carpet of mosses, also wrapping the trees’ trunks and
Forest formations inside Mt. Apo branches.

Within the country’s highest point are forest formations This forest’s formation is composed of a diverse
that shelters rare, century-olds and are vulnerable to
critically endangered- anything but diverse lifeforms.

The lower montane is where the dipterocarps usually
pullulate but its length become scarce as the elevation
increases. This part of the mountain likewise supports
the mountain’s numerous bird species particularly
the Philippine Eagle and some others which are only
known from limited high mountains in Mindanao.

But the higher one gets, the more Mt. Apo reveals its
majesty.

Trekkers are enthralled with the mountain’s upper
montane, the spot where the clouds linger- the “mossy
forest”. It is a damp jungle packed with dwarfed trees
and some thickset century-old ones. It is surrounded by

6 ENVIRONEWS OCT - DEC 2020

community of mosses and ferns and some dominant
emergent trees like that of Almaciga and Tinikaran
among others.

The mossy jungle’s damp climate condition is caused
by the its high elevation and thinner air. It is acclaimed
by the climbers as the most wondrous and mystical
part of Mt. Apo.

Apart from providing the so-called “nature therapy”
to humans, Mt. Apo’s vast forest is also home to
numerous wildlife including the Philippine Eagle. Thus,
the conservation efforts for this mountain remain sturdy
and are constantly reinforced.

The great Philippine Eagle: Glorious and challenging

Philippines is home to the acclaimed largest and agencies has been unceasingly putting forth efforts in
rarest raptor there is in the wild- the Philippine Eagle a race to save this endemic raptor from the threat of
(Pithecophaga jefferyi). Among the thousands of islands extinction.
in the country, only four of them- Luzon, Samar, Leyte
and Mindanao are the sole shelter of this striking bird. Several interventions such as local and international
In Mindanao, the majestic Mt. Apo is one of its very few breeding programs has been employed. Recently,
nesting sites. two eagles, Geothermica and Sambisig, were sent off
to Wild Reserves Singapore for a 10-year loan. The
When compared to other eagles winging across the sustainability plan includes returning the pair’s future
globe, this Great Philippine Eagle has been dubbed as offspring to the Philippines.
the largest considering its broad wingspan that spreads
up to 7 feet. Human encroachment and destruction of its habitat
are one of the major causes of the Philippine Eagle’s
More than the prideful size, its sharp blue-grey dwindling population which prompted the DENR to
eyes, gigantic arched beak and powerful talons also strictly impose the protection of these raptors through
exhibit its prowess as it hovers in the wild with an intensive forest conservation and prosecution of its
echoing high-pitched noise. poachers. To which, anyone who will intently harm,
hunt or kill a Philippine Eagle will be held accountable
But as much as we take it with immense pride, the under the provisions of RA 9147 or Wildlife Conservation
bid to conserve this fierce but critically endangered and Protection Act.
raptor remains a challenge. To date, records show that
fewer than 400 rounds up their population. The DENR constantly calls the participation of the
public to please, do not be a threat to this iconic bird.
The country’s conservationists, through the Philippine Otherwise, the loss of these species will cause ripple
Eagle Foundation (PEF), the DENR and other related effect to the entire ecosystem.

OCT - DEC 2020 ENVIRONEWS 7

8 ENVIRONEWS OCT - DEC 2020