The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of Catanduanes Natural Park (CatNP) conducted its 4th Quarter Meeting at Queen Maricel Inn, San Isidro Village (SIV), Virac, Catanduanes on December 10, 2020. The meeting highlighted the presentation of the results of the 4th Quarter Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) for CY 2020 including the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic to the PA, as well as the impacts of the recent typhoons to the biodiversity of the PA and its facilities. Likewise, the results of the Survey and Registration of Protected Area Occupants (SRPAO) and the list of qualified tenured migrants with their socio-economic status and respective area covered within the PA were presented. Accordingly, there are 10 households that were identified as qualified tenured migrants, all residents of Barangay Cahan, Bagamanoc.
Moreover, DENR Memorandum dated November 7, 2020 issued by Secretary Roy A. Cimatu relative to the utilization/recovery of damaged trees by typhoons within private/titled lands was also presented and clarified to the PAMB. The requirements needed for the issuance of permit to cut, specifically for the felled trees damaged by the typhoons were also enumerated.
Lastly, Executive Order No. 120 entitled, “Strengthening Rehabilitation and Recovery Efforts in Typhoon-Hit Areas through the Creation of the Build Back Better Task Force”, chaired by the DENR Secretary was also presented. Key Result Areas particularly the Intensified Watershed Management, which is to be spearheaded by the DENR was also discussed. Proposed interventions on forest and watershed rehabilitation program with its location maps as well as the implementation strategies were also presented.
The PAMB Meeting was participated in by fifty-nine (59) PAMB members, other guests, and DENR Personnel. Barangay P. Vera, Viga Catanduanes Brgy. Captain, Jaide T. Bernisca presided over the meeting, which was called to order by PENRO Officer Imelda D. Baltazar.