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8.20.2009 DENR’s “Zero Basura” Program Launched
 In support to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s nationwide campaign on mitigating the impact of climate change, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently launched a program designed to reduce solid waste generation of the country by 50% in the next six months. Entitled the “Green Movement Agenda: Our Strategy for Local Action” (GMA-SLA), the program will focus on a “Zero Basura” Action Plan that is geared to prioritize, operationalize, institutionalize and fast-track the implementation of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Waste Management Act of 2001 involving local government units. DENR Secretary Lito Atienza said that the directive of President Arroyo to reduce the volume of solid waste by 50% not only reflects the country’s on-going garbage problem but also the need for more concerted and conscientious effort of local leaders and the people to implement the solid waste management program. It also calls for DENR to seriously enforce RA 9003. “The threat of climate change to humanity cannot be overemphasized. But the ways by which the government can help address it are many, such as the proper management of our garbage. If our garbage is not properly attended to, it will produce methane, a greenhouse gas whose warming potential is 20 times greater than that of carbon dioxide,” Atienza further stressed. Last December 26, 2008, President Arroyo signed Executive Order No. 774 entitled “Reorganizing the Presidential Task Force on Climate Change” and appointed the DENR to head the Task Group on Solid Waste Management. With the support of President Arroyo, Atienza reiterated his call for LGUs as well as the public to “conquer garbage” through a “zero-waste lifestyle” because “it is the LGUs who are mandated as the prime movers” of the program. Supervising the implementation of the GMA-SLA program from the national down to the local government units is the concurrent Executive Director of the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) Gerardo Calderon. He is also DENR’s Assistant Secretary (ASEC) for Local Government Concerns and Lands. During the “Zero Basura Caravan” held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel last July 17, 2009, ASEC Calderon updated the President on the undertakings of GMA-SLA program divulging that as of June of 2009, 30% of 930 existing open and controlled dumpsites in the country have been rehabilitated for closure. Calderon added that there were also 26 facilities that have been improved to sanitary landfill facilities or have been transformed into an integrated solid waste management facility or Ecoparks by various local government units. On the other hand, Calderon also reported that out of 42,000 barangays all over the country, 5,508 of it are being serviced by 5,070 Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) or a compliance rate of 13.11%. The said figure is a 126% increase from the 2008 figure. “Zero Basura Caravan” is in coordination with the FOURmula 1 Program of the Department of Health. Over the past four months, the Caravan was able to reach out to all the 13 Regional Clusters in the country to harmonize various local actions to pursue the objectives of the RA 9003.
posted by Webmaster @ 1:34 PM
565T Worth of Logs Seized in Tagum City
A total of 565T worth miscellaneous logbolts were recently seized at Cabaywa, Asuncion, Davao del Norte through the joint efforts of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Tagum City, Philippine National Police, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENR)- LGU.
CENR Officer of Tagum City Julius S. Valdez disclosed that the seized logs has a total volume of 141.38 and were loaded in five trucks with plate numbers JBV-548, JBS-541, GNH-680, LFB-266 and GGJ-716. Aside from these confiscations Valdez said they have also confiscations in Talaingod, Davao Norte and 88 pieces of lauan or 38.93 cu.m. in Kapalong. Valdez said he is thankful for the full support of DENR-XI Director Jim Sampulna, the LGU and the PNP that made all the accomplishments possible. Formal charges will be filed against the perpetrators for violation of Section 68 of Presidential Decree (PD 705) otherwise known as the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines. Director Jim O Sampulna, on the other hand, lauded those who seized the illegally cut and transported forest products. He stressed that this is an offshoot of the strengthened campaign of the DENR against the despoilers of the forests. “ I would like to reiterate that DENR-XI has the full support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the fight against illegal loggers plus we have the support of the community, so there is no way out for them. We are bent on running after them” he added. It can be recalled that DENR-XI and the AFP forged earlier this year a Memorandum of Agreement on the fight against illegal logging in Region XI. This is in response to DENR Secretary Lito Atienza’s “one-strike policy” emphasizing that the regional officials will not only exercise authority but also observe accountability in ensuring that the environment and natural resources in their area of jurisdiction are preserved and protected. Click   ">here to see slideshow
posted by Webmaster @ 12:10 PM
2.27.2009 144 Land Titles Awarded During RPH in DavOr
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) in Baganga and Manay Davao Oriental distributed around 144 land titles yesterday, February 19, 2009, during the conduct of the Regional People’s Hour (RPH) at the Municipal Gym of Manay, Davao Oriental.
RPH is one strategy being implemented by DENR all throughout the country as mandated by Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr. in order to bring its various services closer to the people. During the conduct of RPH, the participants are given the chance to raise their issues and concerns on environment to the officials of DENR. It is regularly conducted every Thursday of each week at 9:00 to 12:00 noon. Congressman Nelson L. Dayanghirang of the First District of Davao Oriental lauded the DENR for coming with the RPH. He stressed that RPH is a great favor for the participants because they can raise their issues and concerns to the officials of the department. “DENR did its best so that your land titles will be released, so you should take care of it,” Dayanghirang added. Amelito Masinadyong, 60 years old and Cimtula Catambac, 65 years old, both residents of Manresa, Manay, Davao Oriental and recipients of land titles disclosed that they are happy because they are already spared from spending much money to follow their titles and to bring to the attention of the DENR their land problem. Fare from our place going to the DENR office is expensive, they said. “Nalipay mi kay wala nami makagasto pag-follow up sa titulo ug paghisgot sa among problema bahin sa yuta (we are very happy because we didn’t spend money for our fare anymore to follow up our land titles and to air out our problems regarding our land).” Community Environment and Natural Resources officers (CENROs) Melchor Ozaraga of Baganga and Eduardo Ragaza of Manay, both expressed their sincerest thanks to all the participants coming from Baganga, Caraga,Tarragona and Manay who came to attend the RPH. The said activity was also fully supported by the Local Government Officials and concerned government agencies headed by Hon. Cogressman Nelson Dayanghirang, Gov. Corazon Malayaon who is represented by her chief of staff, Caraga Mayor Alicia Mori as well as Ms. Pepita Landasan of the Bureau of Deeds. Also present during the RPH are: Glenn Adonis Rico DENR’s Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Director Metudio U. Turbella of Environmental Management Bureau, Atty. Fredo Mongcado of Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau.
posted by Webmaster @ 4:07 PM
2.11.2009 RPH launched in Davao Oriental
A total of 164 participants attended the provincial launching of the Regional People’s Hour (RPH) in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental held at the City Hall’s covered court recently.
RPH is one strategy being implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to provide the people with better access to the government. This strategy brings DENR closer to the people because it allows people to personally meet the department’s top officials to answer their queries and their concerns. City of Mati Mayor Michelle N. Rabat, who was the guest speaker during the launching, expressed her commitment in preserving and protecting the environment of the city. Rabat expressed assurance to support the department’s campaign against illegal activities that lead to environmental degradation. “I, together with my Vice Mayor Cesar R. De Erio, am committed to protect the environment and wage war against illegal logging and illegal mining in Mati City,” Rabat emphasized. The mayor also lauded the DENR for their People’s Hour activity stating that it is an appropriate strategy to let the people know of the department’s important guidelines to direct them on what proper procedures to take. Moreover, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Glenn Adonis M. Rico of Davao Oriental emphasized in his welcome message that RPH is also one way of letting the community know what DENR is doing in terms of protecting and managing the environment specifically in waging a war against illegal logging and illegal mining activities in the region. He further urged the people to join the DENR in their crusade in fighting against illegal loggers and illegal miners in their province since Davao Oriental is home for the many protected landscapes and seascapes like Pujada Bay, Aliwagwag Falls and Mt. Hamiguitan to name a few. During the said launching, land titles were also distributed to 100 patentees who came from Baganga and Mati. As land owners, they were reminded by the mayor to help the government in protecting and preserving the environment as well as to pay their property taxes so that the government can also continue to function in giving service to the people. The distribution was facilitated by Pepita Landasan of the Registry of Deeds, Mayor Rabat, PENRO Rico, Narciso J. Samar from PENRO-LGU who represented the Honorable Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon and Forester Alfredo Zarasate who represented the Regional Executive Director Jim O Sampulna. After the program, key officials from the different sectors accommodated all the queries of all the clients. Some of the issues being tackled during the interfacing were about small-scale mining for Indigenous People (IPs), needed permits for Wood Processing Plants, mangrove planting and the process for land titling application. To also commemorate the World and National Wetlands Day which is being celebrated every February 2, a photo exhibit also highlighted the activity.
posted by Webmaster @ 10:54 AM
10.30.2008 MOAs on “Adopt-a-Mojon” signed
In line with the “Adopt-a-Mojon’ Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), six Memorandum of Agreements (MoAs) was recently signed by different barangays and a school within the region.
The signatories were the Barangay Captains of Brgy. Salvacion, Mawab, Comval Province, Brgy. San Isidro, Tagum, Davao del Norte, Brgy. Magtuod, Davao City, Brgy, Centro, Agdao, Davao City, Brgy. Communal, Buhangin, Davao City and the Principal of Saosao Elementary School in Mawab, Comval Province. As signatories of the MoA, the barangay captains agreed to be the adopters of the nationwide network of geodetic control points, physically marked by the mojons, which are established under the Philippine Reference System of 1992 or PRS92. Believing in their capabilities and proximity to the mojons, the adopters are tasked to protect these mojons from destruction, maintain their physical condition and advocate their significance to land administration. “Adopt-a-Mojon” is one of the priority program of the DENR through its Lands Management Service (LMS). It aims to enlist the participation of the LGUs, the People’s Organizations (POs) and the general public in the establishment and preservation of PRS92 geodetic control points to service the geo-referencing needs of the geodetic surveying community at all times.
posted by Webmaster @ 2:48 PM
10.22.2008 RPH launched in Region-XI
The Regional People’s Hour (RPH) is one strategy being implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to provide people with better access to government. This strategy will bring DENR closer to the people particularly the marginalized sector because this will allow them to interact or personally express their present and unresolved Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) issues and concerns to the top officials of the department.
Further, this is also considered as one good feedback mechanism for the DENR to better know the issues and problems faced by individuals or the community that need urgent attention and solutions. The RPH launching in Davao City last September 20, 2008 was held at Greenheights Business and Convention Center, Diversion Road, Buhangin, Davao City together with the distribution of land patents to various beneficiaries. It was spearheaded by the four (4) Undersecretaries namely: USEC for Staff Bureaus Manuel D. Gerochi, USEC for Policy and Planning Demetrio L. Ignacio, USEC for Field Operations Eleazar P. Quinto and USEC for Administration, Finance and Legal Atty. Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering. The USECs represented Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr. The RPH launching in Davao City was coupled with various activities such as the blessing of the Philippine Mining and Development Corporation (PMDC) Davao Office on September 19, 2008. Further, Coastal Clean up activity in line with the celebration of the International Coastal Clean along the shoreline of Barangay Hizon, Davao city; blessing of the new LMS Building in Bangkal, Davao City; and, interaction with DENR-XI employees were conducted on September 20, 2008. The RPH launching in Region-XI was an overwhelming success. Region-XI’s strategies were carefully mapped out and all those involved in the RPH all did proper and constant coordination, open communication and used their initiatives to ensure its success. DENR-XI employees were fully committed to do their share during the RPH launching in the Region.
posted by Webmaster @ 10:12 AM
9.18.2008 Atienza to Spearhead Davao City’s Coastal Clean -Up
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito L. Atienza will spearhead on Saturday (September 20) this year’s International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) activity at the shorelines of Barangay Hizon, Davao City at exactly 7:00 o’clock in the morning.
The Secretary will be joined by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte. With this years theme “Daluyang Tubig at Baybaying Inalagaan, Ating Buhay” DENR together with partners GOs, NGOs, LGUs and the academe will clean up coastal areas and waterways (esteros) nationwide to avoid flooding during rainy season due to garbage clogged waterways especially in urban areas. The coastal and waterways clean-up are initiatives embodied in Presidential Proclamation No. 244 issued by then President Fidel V. Ramos declaring September of every year as National Clean-Up Month. This was reinforced further by Presidential Proclamation No. 470 signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declaring every third Saturday of September as International Coastal Clean-Up Day. These initiative aims to raise the importance of translating environmental protection into concrete actions by educating communities situated along the water bodies on the adverse effects of improper waste disposal; mobilize communities and all other sectors of the society to execute a massive one day clean-up of the water bodies within their jurisdiction and to empower communities by assisting them in the continuous monitoring and preservation of the improved conditions of the water bodies through the proper implementation of Ecological Solid Waste Management. Cognizant to Presidential Proclamation 470, the City Government of Davao crafted City Executive Order No. 13 creating “Task Force Limpyo Baybay” for the sustainable clean-up of the coastal areas and riverbanks of Davao City. The task force is viewed as a necessary mechanism that will harmonize and consolidate the programs, projects and activities of the different sectors of the city for a more effective and efficient intervention. After the coastal clean-up, Secretary Atienza will meet Archbishop Fernando R. Capalla, D.D. before proceeding to the launching of Regional People’s Hour (RPH) at Green Height Business and Convention Center, Diversion Road, Buhangin, Davao City at 9:00 o’clock to 12:00 noon. Atienza will meet stakeholders during the RPH to personally listen to their woes and act on them immediately. He is also expected to distribute about 102 land patents covering an area of 156.1410 hectares to bonafide beneficiaries. The RPH is part of DENR’s strategy in bringing the government closer to the people. (Bing Sison, DENR-PR)
posted by Webmaster @ 11:49 AM
7.28.2008 DENR-XI Sponsors ARENA Joint Flag Raising Ceremony
 A total of 40 national government offices attended the 3rd Quarter flag raising ceremony of the Association of Regional Executive Directors of National Agencies (ARENA) sponsored by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-XI) held at the People’s Park on July 21, 2008. During the flag raising ceremony, ARENA President Rodolfo Z. Razul commended all the government employees present and challenged them to do their best to become effective and efficient public servants. Moreover, the Civil Service Commission (CSC-XI) through Dir. Annabelle B. Rosell presented the Gantimpala Agad Award to Siegfredo Mosqueda of the Philippine Postal Corporation.  The ARENA officers and members also attended the lecture series conducted by DENR on the state of Environment of Region-XI discussed by Director Ricardo L. Calderon as well as Global Warming discussed by Dr. Rita Fe Sison, the OIC-Chief of the Regional Public Affairs Office (RPAO) and Environmental Specialist Engr. Nestor Patnugot. An open forum followed after the lecture and lots of questions hurled were on global warming. (bing sison) click here to view slideshow
posted by Webmaster @ 2:55 PM
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