The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Catanduanes headed by PENR Officer Imelda D. Baltazar spearheaded a Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaign on intensified forest protection held at Gigmoto, Catanduanes.
“The campaign aims to raise awareness of the public particularly the local communities and partner Local Government Units (LGU) about the current status of the forest cover in Catanduanes,” PENR Officer Baltazar said.
“Our dialogue with the local communities also aims to foster mutual support from both the DENR and the LGU and all its constituents,” she added.
Further, PENRO Baltazar said that LGUs play an important role in the community's development since they connect the link between the people and government to address the problems and concerns while enforcing policies.
“DENR-PENRO Catanduanes intends to empower the key players of the LGUs in the province of Catanduanes through the provisions of substantial knowledge and equip them with essential information through the CEPA and continuously strengthen its linkages and partnerships with various LGUs to fully implement existing environmental laws,” Baltazar added.
Some twenty (20) participants composed of barangay officials from the municipality of Gigmoto, representatives of LGU Gigmoto, Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and DENR personnel attended the activity.
Basic ENR policies and illegal cutting activities observed in the municipality for CY 2021 were presented. Action planning to counteract such illegal activities and to lessen its occurrence were also discussed during the activity.
With the start of the May 2022 Elections campaign period, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol headed by Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla, Jr., CESO III urges all candidates as well as their supporters to refrain from posting their election campaign posters on our trees.
“DENR Bicol is reminding the public that campaign materials should only be posted at the designated poster areas assigned by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC),” Regional Executive Director Milla said.
Further, he explained that putting up streamers and tarpaulins on trees, especially when using iron nails, not only severely damage the health condition of trees but is also prohibited by law.
“Thus, we would like to advice the candidates and supporters who have nailed various campaign materials on trees to voluntarily remove them now before they are served with warnings,” RED Milla added.
Individuals who will be caught nailing or in any form damaging trees, shrubs or any plants in public places will be penalized under Republic Act No. 3571 or “An Act to Prohibit the Cutting, Destroying or Injuring of Planted or Growing Trees, Flowering Plants and Shrubs or Plants of Scenic Value Along Public Roads, in Plazas, Parks, School Premises or in Any Other Public Pleasure Ground.”
Likewise, Section 3 of Presidential Decree (PD) 953 prohibits the cutting, destroying, damaging or injuring of naturally grown and planted trees of any kind unless it is necessary for public safety.
PD 953 punishes violators with imprisonment of six months to two years, or with a fine of from P500 to P5,000 or both imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court.
Moreover, the DENR appeals to use eco-friendly materials instead of tarpaulins, which may contain toxic substances that are harmful to the health and environment.
DENR Bicol calls on the public to report any violations to the nearest DENR field office or via its official facebook page: DENR Bicol.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol headed by Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla, Jr., CESO III spearheaded a region-wide cleanup in celebration of the 2022 World Wetlands Day on February 1 and 2, 2022.
With the theme, “Wetlands Action for People and Nature”, the World Wetlands Day was celebrated through cleanup drives, mangrove and beach forest planting activities led by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs) and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) in coordination with the provincial, municipal and barangay local government units in the region.
“Our department calls for greater commitment in protecting our wetlands, which serves as a critical source not only of biodiversity but also of sustainable livelihood for local communities”, Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla, Jr., said.
PENRO Masbate and CENRO San Jacinto led by OIC, PENR Officer Benito B. Salazar and OIC, CENR Officer Basil Cesar S. Camba, respectively, conducted mangrove and beach forest planting in Bongsanglay Natural Park. Mangrove trekking, and the release of Hawksbill Turtle. A ribbon cutting of the new four hundred twenty-three (423) meters Bongsanglay Natural Park Ecotrail was also conducted.
Likewise, CENRO Mobo led by CENR Officer Jean Imperial in partnership with the Municipal Tourism Office of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Balud, MENR Office and Provincial Environmental Management Unit (PEMU) headed by Mr. Goldwyn Cesario R. De Leon, BLGU of Danao headed by Barangay Captain Abner Borres spearheaded a Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaign at Barangay Danao, Balud, Masbate.
Meanwhile, PENRO Albay led by OIC, PENR Officer Jerry R. Arena in coordination with the LGU of Malinao, local officials of Barangay Bariw and Bariw Mangrove Rehabilitation Association, Inc. (BAMARAI) Peoples Organization conducted a coastal cleanup in Barangay Bariw, Malinao, Albay. Approximately nine (9) sacks of solid wastes weighing about one hundred sixty (160) kilograms were collected along its coastline composing mainly of discarded footwears, food, plastic wrappers and empty bottles.
A tree-growing activity and Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) Campaign at Barangay Danao, Polangui, Albay was likewise conducted by CENRO Guinobatan led by OIC, CENR Officer Narisol C. Divina. Some fifty (50) endemic seedlings of Mabolo/Kamagong (Diospyros blancoi) were planted along the Danao Lake.
Moreover, PENRO Camarines Sur and CENRO Sipocot headed by OIC, PENR Officer Ronnel B. Astor and CENR Officer Eduardo C. Ampongan, respectively, together with the Municipal Government of Cabusao, Camarines Sur headed by Mayor Weny Sabalbero, local officials of Barangay Barcelonita and Biong, and other stakeholders spearheaded a CEPA campaign and cleanup drive at the Cabusao Wetlands Critical Habitat. A total of nine (9) sacks of trash with an estimated weight of twenty-five (25) kilograms were collected.
Similarly, CENRO Goa led by CENR Officer Daisy M. Terciano in partnership with the Barangay LGU headed by Captain Alfredo Saonoy, Jr., Sangguniang Kabataan representatives and some sixty (60) local community members took part in the CEPA campaign, tree growing and cleanup drive at the Gingaroy River. A total of three hundred (300) seedlings composed of Narra, Lipote, Guyabano and Cashew were planted along the river. Twelve (12) sacks of trash with an estimated weight of eight ( kilograms were likewise collected composed mainly of plastic wrappers.
Further, CENRO Iriga headed by OIC, CENR Officer Nestor Franz A. Fortuno in cooperation with LGU Buhi, Camarines Sur, Municipal ENRO, NAPOCOR-Buhi Barit Watershed Area Team led by Mr. Eleno Lavadia, Peoples Energy Services, Inc., and the BLGU of San Ramon, Buhi also celebrated the WWD through a CEPA campaign and cleanup drive at Lakelet Manapao, which is known to be the habitat of Mistichthys luzonensis, the smallest edible fish in the world. Five (5) tons of water hyacinth were removed, clearing at least one thousand (1000) square meters of water space.
PENRO Camarines Norte headed by OIC, PENR Officer Marlon C. Francia in partnership with LGU Talisay, Camarines Norte Water District, Prime Water Camarines Norte and the Rescue Bakawan Task Force, a People's Organization (PO) in San Nicolas, Talisay spearheaded a CEPA campaign and cleanup drive at Barangay San Nicolas, Talisay, Camarines Norte. Also, an Information and Education Campaign (IEC) through a radio guesting was aired at DWCN 96.9 Radyo Pilipinas.
PENRO Sorsogon headed by OIC, PENR Officer Tito R. Migo in partnership with LGU Bulan headed by Mayor Romeo A. Gordola and MENR Office led by MENRO Kelly C. Tan also conducted a CEPA campaign and tree growing activity where some forty (40) pieces of Kamagong (Diospyros blancoi) were planted at the lakeside of Bariis Lake, Bulan, Sorsogon.
Bird watching and CEPA campaign at Barangay Alinawan, Panganiban, Catanduanes was conducted by PENRO Catanduanes under the leadership of OIC, PENR Officer Imelda D. Baltazar. Mix population of ducks, several species of heron and egret, shorebirds-waders including Brahminy kite and Kingfishers were observed during the activity.
World Wetlands Day is internationally and annually celebrated every 2nd day of February. It marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971. (With report from PENROs and CENROs)
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol headed by Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla, Jr., CESO III spearheaded a region-wide cleanup in celebration of the 2022 World Wetlands Day on February 1 and 2, 2022.
With the theme, “Wetlands Action for People and Nature”, the World Wetlands Day was celebrated through cleanup drives, mangrove and beach forest planting activities led by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs) and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) in coordination with the provincial, municipal and barangay local government units in the region.
“Our department calls for greater commitment in protecting our wetlands, which serves as a critical source not only of biodiversity but also of sustainable livelihood for local communities”, Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla, Jr. said.
PENRO Masbate and CENRO San Jacinto led by OIC, PENR Officer Benito B. Salazar and OIC, CENR Officer Basil Cesar S. Camba, respectively, conducted mangrove and beach forest planting in Bongsanglay Natural Park. Mangrove trekking, and the release of Hawksbill Turtle. A ribbon cutting of the new four hundred twenty-three (423) meters Bongsanglay Natural Park Ecotrail was also conducted.
Likewise, CENRO Mobo led by CENR Officer Jean Imperial in partnership with the Municipal Tourism Office of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Balud, MENR Office and Provincial Environmental Management Unit (PEMU) headed by Mr. Goldwyn Cesario R. De Leon, BLGU of Danao headed by Barangay Captain Abner Borres spearheaded a Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaign at Barangay Danao, Balud, Masbate.
Meanwhile, PENRO Albay led by OIC, PENR Officer Jerry R. Arena in coordination with the LGU of Malinao, local officials of Barangay Bariw and Bariw Mangrove Rehabilitation Association, Inc. (BAMARAI) Peoples Organization conducted a coastal cleanup in Barangay Bariw, Malinao, Albay. Approximately nine (9) sacks of solid wastes weighing about one hundred sixty (160) kilograms were collected along its coastline composing mainly of discarded footwears, food, plastic wrappers and empty bottles.
A tree-growing activity and Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) Campaign at Barangay Danao, Polangui, Albay was likewise conducted by CENRO Guinobatan led by OIC, CENR Officer Narisol C. Divina. Some fifty (50) endemic seedlings of Mabolo/Kamagong (Diospyros blancoi) were planted along the Danao Lake.
Moreover, PENRO Camarines Sur and CENRO Sipocot headed by OIC, PENR Officer Ronnel B. Astor and CENR Officer Eduardo C. Ampongan, respectively, together with the Municipal Government of Cabusao, Camarines Sur headed by Mayor Weny Sabalbero, local officials of Barangay Barcelonita and Biong, and other stakeholders spearheaded a CEPA campaign and cleanup drive at the Cabusao Wetlands Critical Habitat. A total of nine (9) sacks of trash with an estimated weight of twenty-five (25) kilograms were collected.
Similarly, CENRO Goa led by CENR Officer Daisy M. Terciano in partnership with the Barangay LGU headed by Captain Alfredo Saonoy, Jr., Sangguniang Kabataan representatives and some sixty (60) local community members took part in the CEPA campaign, tree growing and cleanup drive at the Gingaroy River. A total of three hundred (300) seedlings composed of Narra, Lipote, Guyabano and Cashew were planted along the river. Twelve (12) sacks of trash with an estimated weight of eight (8) kilograms were likewise collected composed mainly of plastic wrappers.
Further, CENRO Iriga headed by OIC, CENR Officer Nestor Franz A. Fortuno in cooperation with LGU Buhi, Camarines Sur, Municipal ENRO, NAPOCOR-Buhi Barit Watershed Area Team led by Mr. Eleno Lavadia, Peoples Energy Services, Inc., and the BLGU of San Ramon, Buhi also celebrated the WWD through a CEPA campaign and cleanup drive at Lakelet Manapao, which is known to be the habitat of Mistichthys luzonensis, the smallest edible fish in the world. Five (5) tons of water hyacinth were removed, clearing at least one thousand (1000) square meters of water space.
PENRO Camarines Norte headed by OIC, PENR Officer Marlon C. Francia in partnership with LGU Talisay, Camarines Norte Water District, Prime Water Camarines Norte and Rescue Bakawan Task Force of San Nicolas, Talisay spearheaded a CEPA campaign and cleanup drive at Barangay San Nicolas, Talisay, Camarines Norte. Also, an Information and Education Campaign (IEC) through a radio guesting was aired at DWCN 96.9 Radyo Pilipinas.
PENRO Sorsogon headed by OIC, PENR Officer Tito R. Migo in partnership with LGU Bulan headed by Mayor Romeo A. Gordola and MENR Office led by MENRO Kelly C. Tan also conducted a CEPA campaign and tree growing activity where some forty (40) pieces of Kamagong (Diospyros blancoi) were planted at the lakeside of Bariis Lake, Bulan, Sorsogon.
Bird watching and CEPA campaign at Barangay Alinawan, Panganiban, Catanduanes was conducted by PENRO Catanduanes under the leadership of OIC, PENR Officer Imelda D. Baltazar. Mix population of ducks, several species of heron and egret, shorebirds-waders including Brahminy kite and Kingfishers were observed during the activity.
World Wetlands Day is internationally and annually celebrated every 2nd day of February. It marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971. (With report from PENROs and CENROs)
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) V through its Human Resources Development Services (HRDS) conducted the webinar on Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Basic Course Program on January 24 to 28, 2022.
Some thirty-three (33) employees from the DENR V Regional and Field Offices including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) V and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) V graduated in the 5th ENR Basic Course program.
The Graduates were re-oriented on the DENR’s organizational structure, its core values, vision, mission, goals, and objectives, Top 10 Priority Programs, Human Resource Mechanisms, DENR Handbook, updates on Civil Service Commission (CSC) laws and rules. Financial literacy was also discussed to the participants.
Moreover, topics on land, forest, water resources, biodiversity conservation, environmental, mining resources management, disaster risk preparedness and awareness, climate change mitigation, ENR research and development, Anti-Red Tape Act and Ease of Doing Business, Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, Complete Staff Work (CSW) and Technical Report Writing and personality development were likewise discussed.
In his message, DENR V Regional Executive Director (RED) Francisco E. Milla, Jr., CESO III urged the participants to, “Stay hungry-not only for food, not for material things, not for anything else but to stay hungry for self-improvement and self-worth. We must continue our quest for excellence. We have to be open for challenges that will make us improve as an individual and as a public servant.”
Four employees were recognized during the graduation rites namely: I-Ra Rochelle M. Benedito of the EMB V as Valedictorian, Ryan N. Marinay of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Iriga as Salutatorian, Melanie P. Rojas of CENRO Goa as 1st Honorable, and Eduardo B. Laurio III of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Masbate for the Leadership Award.
Meanwhile, the Community Engagement Award was given to Team Matapat composed of I-Ra Rochelle M. Benedito, Jamie Jazel L. Hilario, Emilio E. Bulalacao, Jr., Michaelangelo Lorenzo D. Jarcia, Dorie G. Santibañez, Vero R. Araya, Ruffa O. Marqueses, Vincent Bryan L. Bonete, Errol A. Monteriola, Czar Elijah C. Clemente, and the Best Audio-Visual Presentation (AVP) Award was given to Team Tenacity composed of Aprelle R. Samaniego, Florencio A. Mabborang, Jr., Loida B. De los Santos, Eduardo B. Laurio III, Juan Paolo M. Diaz, Ben John L. Rellama, Aura G. Lastrilla, Estrelita P. Encinares.
The ENR Basic Course aims to raise the level of awareness of employees by maximizing their strengths and minimizing their weaknesses in terms of enhancing work commitment and ethical standards to boost the positive character of the Department in basic aspects of knowledge and sense of responsibility.
Another batch of ENR Basic Course Program will be conducted this year.
