2020-Annual Report Mt. Province

Delineation activities conducted at Bantay, Poblacion, Bananao and Palitud,
Paracelis, Mountain Province

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Equipment and gadgets including motorcycles were procured with a total budget
of Php930,000 as a logistic support to forest protection officers. To enhance
forest protection and law enforcement undertakings, continuous deputation and
operationalization of DENROs were made wherein 23 DENROs were deputized and
operationalized out of the annual target of 4. CENRO Paracelis has 10 DENROs
while CENRO Sabangan has 13 DENROs. On hiring of Bantay Gubat, the Province
again did not meet its 107 annual target since there are no longer profiled Bantay
Gubat available and some opted not to be renewed. For the year, only 93 Bantay
Gubat were hired. We had been lagging behind on Bantay Gubat hiring since last
year; hence, it is highly requested that target for Mountain Province on Bantay
Gubat hiring should be reduced.

In order to involve forest communities in forest protection works, both CENROS
strengthened their IEC campaign against anti-illegal cutting, extension of forest
farms, and forest fires occurrences within their area of jurisdiction. Fifteen (15)
barangay meetings were conducted out of the province’s target of six (6). Nine
(9) IECs were conducted by CENRO Paracelis while 6 IECs for CENRO Sabangan. For
a more reinforced forest protection and regulation activities, Enforcement
Sections partnered with Barangay Local Governments and the Philippine National
Police in monitoring illegal activities and in the strict enforcement of ENR laws to
violators.

Forest protection in Mountain Province is a real challenge to our enforcement
officers and personnel. For the year, a total of 24,944.26 bdft. undocumented
forest products was apprehended and confiscated surpassing its annual target of
only 7,283 bdft. However, This year’s apprehension shows a significant decrease
of 14,001 bdft. from 2019 total apprehension of 38,944.81 bdft. The decrease on
the volume of apprehension implies that DENR Mountain Province is gaining its
competence and effectiveness in forest protection and in its campaign against
illegal logging/cutting. This is a great challenge for the Enforcement Section to
exert more effort in their forest protection activities especially in monitoring illegal
activities and in the strict enforcement of ENR laws to violators in order to maintain
a decreasing trend of volume of apprehension for the next coming years.

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Volume of Apprehension
(bdft.)

50,000.00 38,944.81 24,944.26
40,000.00 2019 2020
30,000.00
20,000.00
10,000.00

-

Figure 16: Showing Volume of Apprehension for CY 2019 and CY 2020

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Under support to investigation, filing of criminal complaints and prosecution of
criminal cases, ten (10) cases were filed at the Prosecutor’s Office. Eight (8) cases
were filed by CENRO Sabangan while 2 cases by CENRO Paracelis.

Table 7: Summary of Confiscations, Apprehensions, Donations and Filing of
Cases

O Apprehension Confiscation DONATIONS (BDFT)
Ie(nnncoci.deFFIC)
Logs Lumber Logs Lumber Market COVID Others Cases Convicte
E (cu.m) (bdft) (cu.m) (bdft) Value Initiatives Filed d (no.)
(PhP) (no.)

Mountain 57 0 26,208.26 0 811.53 633,022 7,819.09 5,792.99 10 3
Province
14 0 9,789.72 0 0 87,384. 2,825.23 0 2 0
Paracelis 43 0 16,418.54 0 5,854.99 504,209.02 6,775.31 11,107.26 8 0

Sabangan

On LAWIN patrolling, a total of 2,627.84 kms. were patrolled within forest
conservation areas exceeding the 840 kms. target. CENRO Paracelis patrolled
2,236.76 kms. while CENRO Sabangan had a 391.08 kms patrolled routes. The
LAWIN patrollers team are composed of some regular enforcement staff and
Bantay Gubat personnel.

Foot Patrolling
Surveillance using drone 54

Figure 17: Map on LAWIN patrolling with observed threats

On monitoring of protected areas, wildlife coastal and marine resources, 5 WEOs
(3 for CENRO Paracelis and 2 for CENRO Sabangan) were mobilized monthly to
observe and monitor within the protected areas of the province.

1.c. Improved Land Administration and Management
Regulation and Permitting Section is responsible in all the permitting system being
performed by forestry, protected areas and land management, and related
concerns as per DAO 2018-18 dated August 15, 2018. One of the services provided
by CENR Offices through the RPS is land management and administration in order
to come up with an appropriate utilization of lands. It aims to help in the
disposition of alienable and disposable lands through the issuance of Free Patents
and Special Patents to qualified beneficiaries.
This year, a total of 466 residential lots were surveyed out of its annual target of
282 lots. CENRO Paracelis has 282 surveyd lots while CENRO Sabangan has
completed 184 lots surveys. On patent issuance under Residential Free Patent, a
total of 374 patents were submitted to ROD for issuance to patent owners. In this
374 patents, CENRO Paracelis processed 186 and 188 for CENRO Sabangan.
On survey of agricultural lands, the Province has 2 hectares target which was
immediately accomplished in January due to the approval of CENRO Sabangan
survey of 64.4676 hectares which is extremely higher than the 2 has. target. On
agricultural patent issuance, 50 patents were submitted to ROD for issuance out of
40 patents target. Twenty-eight patents were processed by CENRO Paracelis while
22 of it were processed by CENRO Sabangan.
Taking into account the patents issued from 2011 to 2020, data is shown below.
Table 8: Patent Issuance for CY 2011-2020

Patent Issued from 2011- 2020

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Residential Free Patent Agricultural Free Patent TOTAL
17,977
2,194 15,783

Posting the notice of application for public knowledge as a one way of promoting
transparency to the public.

Barangay Bananao Barangay Palitud

Photos taken during the gathering of Free Patent Applications

Free Patent applications gathered from the municipalities of Bauko, Bontoc and Sabangan,
Mountain Province.

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GGa
Gathering of Free Patent Applications in Paracelis, Mountain Province

On titling of government lands, 10 special patents were accomplished from the 8
target and 2 draft proclamations were prepared and submitted.

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Photos taken during the ocular inspection of Butigue Barangay Hall located
at Barangay Butigue, Paracelis, Mountain Province for Special Patent

Photos taken during the ocular inspection of Barangay Health Station located at
Barangay Butigue, Paracelis, Mountain Province for Special Patent

Photos taken during the ocular inspection of Mountain Province Second District
Engineering Office at Barangay Saliok, Natonin, Mountain Province for Proclamation
Resolution of land disputes/cases were 100% attained including the activities on
LAMS, the encoding of allocation books.
On survey of government lands, 110% was accomplished wherein 11 government
lands were surveyed of which 6 surveys were conducted by CENRO Sabangan and
5 surveys for CENRO Paracelis.

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Survey Photo Documentations:

Photos taken during the survey of
residential and agricultural lots at
Poblacion, Paracelis, Mountain
Province on June 4, 2020

Photos taken during survey of residential lots in Bauko and Bontoc, Mountain
Province
Figure 18: Map showing titled areas

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Critical Issues/Challenges Identified

 Intensified Information, Education Campaign is needed before the conduct of
a Public Land Survey (PLS) and gathering of Free Patent applications both for
residential and agricultural areas.

 Boundary dispute is being encountered during the conduct of Public Land
Surveys.

 Mobilization to and from the area because people could only be reached at
early dawn or late in the evening and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, public
utility vehicles are limited.

Measures Undertaken to address the identified bottlenecks/constraints

 Reaching out patent applicants through patent drive (formal and informal
meetings) and house to house IECs.
 Collaboration with barangay Officials and employees of the Municipal
Assessor’s Office in explaining the importance of land surveys, approval of
alienable and disposable areas, and the importance of land titles over Tax
Declarations.
 Utilization of private vehicles in delivering personnel to the field early dawn
in to be able to catch up with clients who always go out early to attend to their
farms.
 Resolution of land conflicts through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and
soliciting active participation of BLGU’s and lot claimants in resolving conflicts.

1.d. Enhanced Biodiversity Conversation

Accomplishment under Biodiversity Conservation includes:

a. Conduct of Survey and Registration of Protected Area Occupants (SRPAO)-
4 accomplishment was recorded that surpassed its 3 annual target. Three
barangays located within the Mt. Data National Park was targeted for the year

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but the office was able to to accomplish four (4) barangays namely Sinto, Mt.
Data, Mabaay all of Bauko municipality and barangay Napua of Sabangan,
municipality.

Table 9: Barangays Surveyed:

Barangays Number of Total Area of Area of Other Total Area Remark
Farm lot Infrastruct Occupied
Napua Household number of Home lot Accomplished
Mt. Data (ha) ure (ha) (ha.) Accomplished
Sinto (census) individual (ha) 20.9632 0.0156 24.06965 Accomplished
Mabaay 79.6887 3.1013 98.945 Accomplished
Sadsadan 93 342 3.09085 79.1579 0.1605 90.35106 Ongoing
8.6919 1.3471 13.74157 activities in
197 751 16.155 55.22 0.4302 59.18 preparation
138.68 0.6376 146.37 for inclusion
269 1,139 11.03266 of SRPAO
382.4017 5.6923 432.65728
102 417 3.70257

374 3.53

Monamon Sur 319 7.06

Cadad-anan 232 2,649 44.57108
Total 1,586

Photos showing the public consultations conducted re: SRPAO to the different barangays covering
MDNP participated by BLGU’s/LGU’s and concerned stakeholders before the conduct of Survey and

Registration of Protected Area Occupants (SRPAO).

Public Consultation at barangay hall of Mt. Data, Bauko, Public Consultation at barangay hall of Sadsadan,
Mountain Province Bauko, Mountain Province

Photos showing PAMBC personnel conducting geotagging of individual farm lots of
green house at Mt. Data Plateau.

Public Consultation at Am-am, Cadad-anan,
Elementary School, Tadian, Mountain
Province

Public Consultation at Napua,Sabangan, Mountain Critical Issues/Challenges Identified:
Province 1. Tax declaration lots within

PA.
2. Boundary dispute (barangay

and municipal) within PA.

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Measures undertaken to address the identified bottlenecks/constraints:

Based from the result of the SRPAO, hereunder recommendations as follows:
1. A tool for the preparation of management plan of the PA.
2. MDNP be classified under the category of “Protected Landscape” which

means that an area of national significance which are characterized by the
harmonious interaction of man and land while providing opportunities for
public enjoyment through recreation and tourism within the normal
lifestyle and economic activity of the area.
3. Capacity building on farming technologies systems shall be conducted to
save from further land conversion of the remaining forest within PA.
4. The application of agro-forestry and conservation farming technique in
their agricultural farms and planting of forest trees along the steep areas.
5. Remaining forest be maintained and watershed areas are recommended
for construction of concrete fence/barb wire.
6. Local Government Units (LGU’s) shall strictly implement ordinances
regarding environmental protection, preservation and conservation.
b. Implementation of Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS):

The annual target is 2 which is being conducted semi-annually; however, the office
accomplished 4 with an equivalent of 200% since the activity has been conducted
quarterly.

Two kilometers
established
transects line at
wane
watershed.

Figure 19: Established transect lines at Wane Watershed

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Figure 20:Photo point

Location (site name)
 Wane watershed

Position (coordinates)
 Latitude: 16.860382
 Longitude: 120.866857

GPS Time
 Feb. 19, 2020, 9:01 am

BMS was done along established baseline route traversing Stations 0 to 10. Direct
observation is the main methodology and photo-documentation with geo-tagged
photos. The main function of monitoring is to generate a regular supply of data
and information on patterns and trend of floras and faunas as basis for
management responses to ensure that this species in Wane Watershed are still
existing.

Table 10: Monitoring conducted quarterly:

Date and time Observations Observer Recommendations
-Continuous conduct of IEC
February 19, 2020 at -It was observed that there Biodiversity Monitoring within the communities on
environmental activities
9 AM are some traces of foot Staff (BMS)-Roden and laws.

prints of wild rats along the Ogsar

transect line digging on the Park Ranger-Rey

ground searching for food. Awasen

-Floral species along the Biodiversity Volunteer -Strict implementation of

transect line remain Brigade barangay and municipal

untouched by human Representatives ordinances on

interventions/no threats environmental concerns.

observed in the area.

June 22, 2020 at 6-10 -No threats and no human Biodiversity Monitoring -Fire Extinguisher to be
placed in the barangay hall
AM interventions incurred; Staff (BMS)-Roden for emergency such as
forest fires as per
-Floral species within the Ogsar experience by the
community.
transect line still remain Park Ranger-Rey

undisturbed; Awasen

Some floral species were Biodiversity Volunteer

multiplied possibly due to Brigade

the setting of the rainy Representatives -Continuous regular

season; conduct of joint foot patrol

-Noticed some traces of

wild rats foot prints along activities such as the DENR,

the transect line; LGU’s, BLGU’s and

-Spotted holes on the volunteers.

ground dig by the wild rats -Participation of concerned
BLGU leaders in all PA
on the ground.

August 12, 2020 at -Only chirpings were heard Biodiversity Monitoring

5:30 -10 AM and birds were seen flying Staff (BMS)-Roden

Ogsar

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that photo could hardly be Park Ranger-Rey activities within their area
taken. Awasen of jurisdiction.
Biodiversity Volunteer
-The existing flora in the Brigade
established transects line Representatives and
remains undisturbed and PAMBC staff
growing vigorously due to
the effect of the rainy
season and various floras
are bearing flowers and
fruits. Further there are
new holes seen along the
transect line which
indicates that it is the
habitat of the wild rat.

October 15-16, 2020 -The established transect Biodiversity Monitoring
at 5:30 -10 AM line remain undisturbed Staff (BMS)-Roden
since there are no sign of Ogsar
individual entering in the Park Ranger-Rey
area. Awasen
-There are no threats Biodiversity Volunteer
observed in the area such Brigade
as illegal cutting of Representatives and
miscellaneous species, PAMBC Staff
gathering of flora and
hunting of fauna.
-The identified baseline
species within the
established transect line
such as giant fern, oak
trees, igem, Benguet pine,
orchid species, Medillinia
species and other floras are
remain intact.
-The existing floras within
the area are blooming and
growing vigorously due to
the effect of rainy season.

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Photo shows the BMS team identifying the different floral species

Family: Melastomataceae Family: Euphorbiaceae Family: Melastomataceae
Species: Medinnila cordata Merr. Species: Homolanthus alpinus Species:Medinnila cordata
Common name: Common name: Balabalanti Merr.
Location: Sta. 0-1, Sta. 1-2, Sta. 2- Location: Sta. 0-1, Sta. 1-2, Sta. Common name: Apiit
3 2-3, Sta. 4-5, Sta. 8-9 Location: Sta. 0-1, Sta. 1-2,
Number of species: 3 Number of species: 6 Sta. 2-3
Remarks/economic values/uses Remarks/economic Number of species: 3
Source of food values/uses Remarks-economic
-Use as dye & ornamental values/uses
plant Source of food
-Use as fire woods

Photos taken during the presentation of Biodiversity Monitoring System to
PAMB members for adoption at Abatan, Buguias, Benguet on November 16,

2020.

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c. On Strengthening of PA patrolling:

The office was able to accomplish hiring of a Ranger Staff, engagement of 1
volunteer brigade, and hiring of 1 Forest Protection Officer. A team was created
as Biodiversity Volunteer Brigade from the different barangays covering Mt. Data
National Park composed of barangays officials. Their activities includes foot
patrolling, tree planting, clean up drive, conducts IEC on environmental activities
in the protection and conservation of the natural resources among others. In order
to strengthen the biodiversity volunteer brigade, quarterly meeting was being
conducted of which the participants were asked of their issues and concern and
being addressed by the capacity of the staff facilitating the activity.

d. On Management of Caves and Caves Resources:

An annual target of 1 cave management plan was accomplished with 100%
accomplishment preparation of Lumiang Cave Management Plan. Lumiang
Cave is located at Sagada, Mountain Province.

In support to R.A No. 9072 declaring the policy of the State to conserve, protect
and manage caves and cave resources as part of the country’s natural wealth,
a management plan for the management, protection and conservation of
Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave Connection, its resources and cave surface was
made. The preparation of this document has passed through series of
activities participated by the concerned stakeholders. On the plan formulation
activities, accomplishments are as follows:

Table 11: Showing series of activities done for the formulation of Lumiang Cave
Management Plan.

Date Activity Accomplishment
June 29-30, 2020 Workshop on Cave Management Plan
Formulation for Lumiang-Sumaguing -Action Plan
Cave
-Memorandum of Agreement
Review of Existing Cave Related
Management Plans and Preparation of for the Formulation for the
Manuscript (SWOC analysis and
drafting of manuscript) Lumiang-Sumaguing

Mapping and Surface Demarcation of Connection Cave
Lumiang-Sumaguing Connection Cave)
Management Plan
Presentation of the drafted Lumiang-
September 15 and Sumaguing Cave Management Plan to -Drafted Cave Management
17, 2020
Plan for Lumiang-Sumaguing

Connection Cave for

presentation to the concerned

stakeholders prior for

finalization

September 18, -Location Map of Lumiang-
2020
Sumaguing Cave

-Settlement Map of Lumiang-

Sumaguing Cave

-Map of Lumiang Sumaguing

Cave

October 21, 2020 Crafting a resolution for

adoption and will be signed

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Sangguniang Bayan, Sagada, after presenting the final draft
Mountain Province
Presentation of the drafted Lumiang- management plan
Sumaguing Cave Management Plan to
October 23, 2020 BLGU’s of Balugan and Ambassing, The community agreed and
Sagada, Mountain Province.
accepted the management

plan. Thus, their comments,

suggestions and

recommendations will be

inputted in finalizing the

management plan.

Photos taken during the workshop on Cave Management Plan Formulation for
Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave at Rusty Nail, Sagada, Mountain Province on June 29-30,
2020.

Photos taken during the Review of Existing Cave Related Management Plans, Preparation
of Manuscript (SWOC analysis and drafting of manuscript), Mapping and Surface

Demarcation at Rusty Nail, Sagada, Mountain Province on September 15 and 17, 2020.
Photos taken during the presentation of the draft of the Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave
Management Plan to Sangguniang Bayan, Sagada, Mountain Province.

Photos taken during the presentation of the draft of the Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave
Management Plan to BLGU’s of Balugan and Ambassing, Sagada, Mountain Province.

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Figure 21: Location Map of Lumiang Cave

e. On the Implementation of CEPA:
Twelve consolidated conservation activities were undertaken with 100%
accomplishment.

2. Special Program/Project/Activity
2.a. In support to RA 11469, the “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act” in the fight against COVID

19, donations, assistance to LGUs/MLGUs were provided by DENR employees as a way
of extending help to the community.

Assistance provided were:
1. Donations of cash, food items and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs)
2. Lumber donations
3. Assistance to manning of COVID-19 checkpoints
4. Assistance to LGUs in cooking food for the front liners
5. Assistance in the fabrication of quarantine facility beds
6. Assistance to LGUs in the repacking and distribution of relief goods

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7. Support to POs in the promotion and marketing their products by displaying
their goods in the offices of CENROs Paracelis and Sabangan and advertising
through social media.

8. Cash donations to victims of Cagayan flooding
DENR Mountain Province personnel voluntarily contributed cash in the
total amount of Php 33,490 (Thirty-three Thousand, Four Hundred Ninety
Pesos) for the victims of flooding in Cagayan Province brought about by
typhoon Ulysses. Php10,070.00 came from the PENR Office personnel
while Php12,700 is from CENRO Paracelis personnel and Php10,720 from
CENRO Sabangan personnel.

2.b.Assistance to the drafting of a House Bill of Hon. Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog
Jr. to adopt STIFRMSP (Sustainable and Traditional Indigenous Forest Resource
Management Systems and Practices) as a resource management of the people of
Mountain Province.
The advocacy of the Office in the strict enforcement of ENR laws is serious but
has never undermined the indigenous forest manage practices of the people of
Mountain Province. Whenever a traditional forest management is practiced and
it conforms with the law, the office gives an utmost respect. Notably, DENR
Mountain Province has initiated the documentation of the two distinct
sustainable traditional indigenous forest resource management practices of the
Maducayan and Balangao Tribes of the municipality of Natonin and the Khakay
of Barlig including the Batangan of Sagada, Mountain Province.

70

Nevertheless, the documentations of the above mentioned STIFRMPs still, can
never contest the rule of law. With this, the Honorable Congressman of Mountain
Province has took the initiative to draft a bill to support and adopt the
documented STIFRMSPs of every municipality within the province as an
indigenous resource management.
The drafting of Bill was participated by the PENRO and both CENROs. Series of
writeshops and consultation to LGUs/BLGUs were conducted. The final draft of
the House Bill was completed in December and submitted to the Office of the
Congressman in this Province for approval and appropriate action.
Photo Documentations:

STIFRMSP meeting on August 26, 2020

October 15 and 16, 2020 Write shop

November 18 and 19, 2020 Write shop/Meeting
2.c. Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS)

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The Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS) forms part of the DENR Performance Bonus
(PBB). It entails measuring and reporting the satisfaction level of citizens/clients
that were served in FY 2020. CSS is vital in ensuring that in delivering critical
services, doing business with the government, industries, various sectors and the
citizens the DENR continually achieve and observe the Service Quality Standard
(SQS). The agency makes sure that these standards are attained not only for FY
2020 but for the next years to come.
In relation to this, one applicant who was one among the clients to undergo Client
Satisfaction Survey for the issuance of Residential Free Patent in the person of Mr.
Peter N. Madeo was randomly selected by DENR-Central Office for the conduct of
validation and Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS)and subjected for in-house validation.
This was conducted by DENR-CAR, PMD Monitoring and Evaluation Section and
representatives from the PENRO Planning, PENRO RPS Section and from the CENRO
RPS on November 27, 2020. The interview resulted to a positive response from the
validators since the client has answered the survey questionnaires with all honesty
and credibility mentioning the good benefits of the land title for him and his family
and he exemplified how competent and efficient the DENR personnel in processing
his land title.

Ph

Photos Taken Photo during the Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS) validation of Mr.

Peter N. Madeo at Dagdagupan, Poblacion, Bauko, Mountain Province

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3. Foreign
d.

2.d. Office Innovations/Improvements:
Through the initiative of the OIC PENRO Joel T. Behis, office improvements were
made that all the more enhanced the facilities of the office making it more
conducive and comfortable for PENRO employees to work on.

73

Lumber storage improvement installed glass door (second floor)

74

Tiled stairways going to the second and third floor
75

76

Tiled Receiving area at the first floor

Installed glass windows at the 3rd floor
3. Gender and Development (GAD) (Please see Annex B)

D. Results/Outcomes

Assessment of Stakeholders Responses to the Program Implemented:
Generally, a positive response of stakeholders is observed relative to the office’s
programs and projects being implemented to Mountain Province. It is evidenced by
their active participation and cooperation to all activities being undertaken. This only
shows that they are aware of the benefits that DENR could give through its programs.

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Nevertheless, it is but inevitable that still there are others who practices or go against
environmental rules, laws and regulations.

IV. Tables and Annexes. (PHYSICAL AND FINANCIAL REPORT)
See Attached Table Tabulated Accomplishment

V. Prospects for CY 2021:
With the observation that Physical targets are always accomplished ahead than financial
targets, it is recommended that at least vouchers of projects implemented be submitted for
payment immediately after consummation of each activity. Strict monitoring and fast tracking
of the preparation and processing of the financial documents should be monitored by
concerned units particularly the site managers of the NGP in the CENROs specially so that bulk
of our financial lies on the NGP fund. It was a practice in the previous years that it takes
months after the validation that supporting papers were completed and submitted for
payment. This is seen in the date of the validation reports attached.
In addition, in order to fully accomplish all targets on time in both physical and financial
aspect, the office problem on manpower deficiency should be addressed. Most personnel
are inclined to multitasking works due to shortage of manpower aggravated by detail of
permanent positions to other DENR offices. Hence, additional hiring of technical personnel
with GIS expertise, Legal and Planning staff are hereby recommended.
It is believed that technical solution alone may not be enough to overcome challenges and
hindrances in the implementation of various programs but ensuring that good governance is
part of management option. It is the strong will power of the management and dedication of
personnel in performing their duties and functions that will effectively address environmental
issues and early attainment of targets.
Good leadership, collaboration, close supervision and proper coordination and linkages with
line agencies would be of great help in attaining the objective of an agency.

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