USAID Philippines Deputy Director Pinson lauds DENR, PLGU Isabela By Racquel M. Caldez

ILAGAN City - Program Resources Management Office of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Philippines Deputy Program Director Nora Pinson lauded DENR Isabela for spearheading the 2015 Earth Day Celebration.

The Director said she was elated that there is a robust pro-environment constituency in Isabela as represented by the large number of participants who joined the Advocacy walk from Saint Michael Church in Gamu to the Amphitheater of the Provincial Capitol in Alibagu here.

“I would also like to commend Governor Faustino Dy III, for his leadership in celebrating Earth Day in Northern Sierra Madre, a high conservation area for biodiversity and agricultural production,” Dir. Pinson said.

Pinson further said that she heard about great work that the province of Isabela has been doing to help conserve biodiversity with the active involvement of the Isabela Environment Forest Protection Task Force in the Environmental Law Enforcement Program.

“We could not have chosen a better time and place to launch the “Bright Spots in Hot Spots” campaign than here in Isabela as we commemorate the 45th anniversary of Earth Day. Having witnessed your efforts, commitment and enthusiasm today, I am confident that your collective actions through this campaign will yield successful results. It is your time to lead, so lead well.”  Dir. Pinson said in her parting message.

PENRO William C. Savella thanked USAID for addressing the active threats to biodiversity in the NSMNP in Isabela.

“It comes down to making choices, chances and changes. It just takes a little effort to change habits like planting a single tree monthly or yearly, recycling wastes, saving water, switching off lights and fostering biodiversity in the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park. It takes a little will to preserve our natural resources and protect the environment. We can make a difference,” PENRO Savella said in his opening remarks.

Through USAID’s largest biodiversity and watershed project, Biodiversity Watershed Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience (B+WISER), jointly developed science-based innovative conservation strategies to help curb destructive practices of “kaingin” or slash and burn farming, unsustainable fuel wood collection, and timber and wildlife poaching in the Protected Area’s 270,000-hectare forest.

The Earth Day celebration was started in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin, after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California.

In Isabela, PENRO and USAID launched the environmental campaign highlighting BRIGHTSPOTS IN HOTSPOTS in the NSMNP.     

Hundreds of people in all walks of life demonstrated support for environmental protection and pledge to help conserve the NSMNP.

Santiago City holds CRAFT 2012 by racquel m. caldez

SANTIAGO City – The City Government of this locality held recently its City Recycling And Fashionable Trash-- “CRAFT 2012” as part of the feast of the city.

Representatives from each barangay participated in the “trashion show” and “recycled products” contests held at the Bulwagan Hall, here as part of the Pattaraday Festival 2012.

The Board of Judges who came from the ABS-CBN local TV station Cagayan Valley, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Provincial and Regional Offices were amazed with the different designs made out of trash displayed by the contestants.

ABS-CBN TV Patrol CV reporter Harris Julio said he was delighted to see the change the way people of Santiago City think about waste. “It’s unbelievable that the candidates are so creative and innovative to produce something beautiful from a simple and ordinary thing—thus turning ‘trash into fashion’.

Organized by the City ENRO, the event encourages the use of environmental- friendly projects or decorations and sort waste to help recyclers.

City Mayor Amelita Navarro thought of holding a special event dubbed as “Trashion Show” to promote environmental awareness on the usage of discarded materials. Through the show, the organizers displayed trash items that have been thrown-out but were recycled the way candidates modelled during the contest proper.

RV 925 Ventures showcases Fuyot Spring Natural Park at television net 25 by racquel m. caldez

STA VICTORIA, Ilagan – The RV 925 Ventures featured recently at television net25 the Fuyot Spring Natural Park in its weekly episode entitled, “Destination Philippines.”

The team took video footages of the Ecotourism site and products to showcase the Ilagan Sanctuary within the said Park in this town.

It was known that the FSNP was established on October 8, 1938 under Proclamation No. 327 issued by former President Manuel L. Quezon.

On January 14, 2002, the Local Government Unit of Ilagan and the DENR-Protected Area Management Board signed a Memorandum of Agreement to restore, rehabilitate and make the 200 hectares protected area operational as an eco-tourism destination.

The protected area is approximately 10 kilometers from Ilagan, the capital town of Isabela province and is accessible by tourist buses or any other motor vehicles.

FSNP attributes the presence of unique features because of the caves, waterfalls, archeological sites, fossil crafts, architecture, resort and recreational potentials.

The RV925 Ventures Executive Producer, Chie Valeros, said that the protected area park was their pilot episode for the Destination Philippines which was shown at television net25 on August 26, 2012 at 9 o’clock in the evening. 

Environment Head in Isabela cops Eagle Award By racquel m. caldez

TUGUEGARAO City – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) in Isabela William C. Savella copped the most coveted award during the recently concluded Environment Month Culminating Program held at DENR R02 Narek Hall in this town.

Regional Executive Director Benjamin T. Tumaliuan bestowed the Eagle Award to PENRO Savella for his Outstanding integrity service orientation, network building, strategic focus and management acumen that greatly contributed to organization and leadership excellence in the DENR and for being adjudged as the BEST PENRO in the Region and as one of the top 15 PENROs in the country for the calendar year 2011.

Savella was the top Performing PENRO during the first assessment stage as he was rated through organizational performance and superior rating by the Development Academy of the Philippines.

For the CENRO level, CENR Officer of Dupax, Nueva Vizcaya Marcelo Bumidang was the top performer.

The DENR Central Office in partnership with DAP implemented the 2011 Performance Evaluation Program (PEP) for the Agency that systematically identifies the best performing field offices and officers based on criteria and performance evaluation indicators.

 Assessment of the top 15 PENROs/CENROs was conducted to determine the top 3 Most Outstanding Officers in the Philippines. The evaluation process was undertaken through document review, key informants interview and subordinates’ survey.

The EAGLE Award is the highest award given to employees and/or officials for exemplary and outstanding performance in the fulfilment of the goals and objectives of the DENR.

DENR involves stakeholders in environmental stewardship by racquel m. caldez

QUIRINO, Isabela – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources urged the involvement of stakeholders in environmental stewardship during the scheduled National Greening Program Stakeholders’ Meeting held at the NGP Site Barangay Santiago in this town.

Environment Head in Isabela William C. Savella asked the participants to declare strong support and participate in the Greening Program of DENR which aims to help solve food security, reduce poverty, help achieve environmental stability, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

“These actions are inspiring and are demonstrated with emerging societal commitment to environmental stewardship”, Savella said.

With recent developments, it suggests that a new era of environmental opportunity is upon us to make a steady environmental progress,” he further said.

The DENR officials are happy that no other than the president, Benigno S. Aquino III issued Executive Order No. 26 ordering and declaring the implementation of the National Greening Program. This NGP is now the flagship environmental greening program of the government which aims to plant 1.5 billon trees in 1.5 million hectares of land in the country until 2016.

DENR Regional Executive Director Benjamin Tumaliuan said he is looking forward to working with the environmental partner on this program to lead the nation to a cleaner, safer and more prosperous future. 

The environmental partners particularly the local officials in District 02 expressed sincerest gratitude to the DENR in implementing the vision for NGP.

Stakeholders have to actively take responsibility to improve environmental quality and achieve sustainable results for they have an important role to play in promoting and sustaining the programs of the Department. 

4Ps beneficiaries receive checks by racquel m. caldez

ILAGAN, Isabela – Twenty six beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) San Mariano town received checks during the launching of the "Sustainable Livelihood and Environment for Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD) disadvantaged clients" program held recently at the Amphitheatre of the Provincial Capitol here.

The 4Ps and non-4Ps were provided P6,000 each as initial capital for the propagation of seedlings to be planted at the DENR’s identified National Greening Program project sites. 

DENR awarded the 127 chosen beneficiaries with Letter of Acceptance or LOA to plant forest trees and fruit-bearing trees.

Both agencies agreed to tie up for the formulation of a cooperation program wherein the beneficiaries will be the vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors of the community.

The cooperation program highlights the National Greening Program where the DENR identified and provided 100 hectares of land located at Disulap, San Mariano, Isabela, the pilot area, while the DSWD identified 60 beneficiaries from barangay Disulap and Marannao who are also under the 4Ps.

San Mariano was the first town identified by the two government agencies as the beneficiaries of DENR and DSWD cooperation program. 

DSWD Undersecretary for Operation Parisya H. Tarayji said the program aims to improve the quality of life of the disadvantaged individuals in all sectors of society and to implement an area-based, eco-system approach of sustaining the environment and livelihood of the poor and marginalized within the context of sustainable development convergence strategy of the national government.

Regional Technical Director for Forestry Wilfredo Malvar turned over to Usec Taradyi the General Perspective on the Greening and Landscaping Plan for the field office and for the Cagayan Valley Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth and DSWD Field Office compound during the launching.

WASTE REDUCTION THROUGH “TRASHION” SHOW Recyclable and Fashionable Trash By racquel m. caldez

We are surprised and delighted to see the change in the way people think about waste.  And what adds up to the delight is that people do this in a fun, innovative, playful and memorable way. It’s actually unbelievable that there are people who are so creative and innovative enough to produce something so beautiful from a simple and ordinary thing. Indeed, they hold design and environmentalism in equal measure. 

We are happy that the City Government of Santiago went further and thought of holding a special event to display the different designs out of the trash in what they called a ‘Trashion’ Show. With their high creativity and imagination, they turned trash into fashion. The creative process involved making trash and items that have been used or thrown-out to create a new material entirely just like what they modelled. They manipulated all previously used and discarded materials into dresses, suits, and accessories. They gave new life to worthless wrappers, newspapers, plastic bags, boxes; turning those wastes into trendy costumes, bags and jewelry. Everything is really possible.

We are faced with great excitement and enthusiasm toward the idea of this endeavour and glad that they showed great responsibility, friendly competition and creative designs. But more importantly is that they learned as well the value of teamwork. It provided people an opportunity to connect, conceptualize and create with one another. This project and show was made for them not only to produce creative designs, but to tighten up their bonds as friends, neighbors, community and to have fun working together. This will really give a great impact and will surely motivate many.

And who knows, this will be the start of something wonderful... opportunities for many ...added protection to Mother Earth. Who knows that every item that was made reduces land pollution and serves as a very visible reminder that wastes can be put to good use long after its initial purpose has expired.

This is also an opportune time to educate the public about the environment and their responsibility to keep it clean for the good of humanity and of the planet's ecosystems as a whole. It is just another way to do your part for a greener world.

Too many materials end up in trash bins. They are deemed aesthetically redundant and get discarded at the end of the usage. It came to the point of looking for immediate solutions for many and the government to utilize waste for something that’s creative and promotes environmental awareness, But for the creative, artistic, innovative people like them, they feel that there is something they can easily do with those items so they become lovely, delicate and eco friendly fashion wear and other items.

From the Trashion Show, we learn to appreciate more and to never underestimate Mother Nature. Indeed, she brings wonders to the world. It is but amazing to make your own fashion treasures from trash. One can improve the quality of the unused or unwanted trash into something more valuable or of better use to man. We believe that for the next few years, there's going to be a significant amount. So, we say, long live whatever else they can be used for!

DOUBLE CRIME: Death of a forest and a forest officer By racquel m. caldez

A real tragic drama

Late night on February 7, a gunman barged into the office in Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Sanchez Mira town. He made his way to one of the rooms and got in through an open door. He paced in and shot in the chest of the 46-year old forest management specialist Melanie Dirain. Still unsatisfied, he made his way back to the room and made sure he slain the victim with another shot. Dirain sustained several gunshot wounds from a 45-caliber pistol.

The murderer, who overlooked missed to shoot a fellow employee of the lady officer, walked out of the office and left the settlement the way he came in.

Secure with Security Systems?

                This is caught on closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera. But ironic that law enforcement agencies still have little leads on Dirain’s assailant because his face was not easily identifiable as his head was partly covered by a hood.

In this event, we learn that security systems are not a guarantee for security. And only brave steps bring end to these crime acts.

Double Crime

Authorities said Dirain’s killing could be job-related and those behind it could be linked to illegal logging activities in Cagayan. 

If the cause is the forester’s handing in the confiscation of some thousands of board feet of hot logs from Cagayan, then the perpetrators committed another crime... an environmental crime. Forests are under threat from cutting down the trees without permission. Illegal logging is a crime and is bad for people’s rights.

We all thought that curtailing illegal logging may seem relatively simple. We hire more forest officers to conduct patrols, strengthen fines, prosecute cases, and implement better tracking systems. And it is heartbreaking that the foresters and protectors who stand in the way of illegal loggers are the ones silenced through killings.

Condemns the crime

The sheer cruelty of this cold-blooded killing should have provoked furious condemnation from those unequivocally opposed to the targeting of foresters and protectors of nature.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources leads in strongly condemning the appalling attack to the forestry specialist and calls the government to act in order to bring those responsible individuals to trial.

The DENR has set aside P200,000 as reward for whoever could give information leading to the arrest of the killer. In fact, Director Benjamin Tumaliuan said that the CIDG has also taken a step by bringing the CCTV footage to Manila for visual enhancement and reproduced copies of the image of the gunman and posted it in all DENR offices in Cagayan Valley and neighboring regions.

How about us?

Do we need to be a forester to do our job of protecting Mother Earth? So what do we need to do to combat illegal logging? We are the consumers. We therefore need to buy certified sustainable timber and paper products. Let us close the door on illegally logged wood to enter our markets and homes. We need to keep acting together. We bring justice to the death of Forestry Specialist Melanie Duruin... We need to bring justice and end to the environmental crime committed against our trees... our forest... our Mother Earth.

BROADCASTREEING by racquel m. caldez

“We all have a role to play in taking care of nature so that nature can take care of us.”  And so broadcasters in this light are not exempted.

It is definitely known that broadcasters are individuals who work in either radio or television as they are responsible for passing along pertinent information. They can also deal in a variety of subjects such as news, music, entertainment and more.

But at this juncture, the broadcasters were able to break away from their broadcasting board works and spearhead a different and worthwhile undertaking of tree planting. It is so wonderful that at the same time, Mirriam Webster dictionary defines “broadcast” as a means to sow over a wide area, especially by hand. And it is just proper that the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) merged “broadcasting” and “tree planting” to come up with a creative project “Oplan Broadcastreeing”.

 

OPLAN BROADCASTREEING

A project “Oplan Broadcastreeing” is designed to address the growing problem on environmental destruction and as broadcasters’ way of supporting the government, particularly on its National Greening Program (NGP) embodied in Executive Order No. 28, a priority program of President Benigno S Aquino III.

 

In Isabela, Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) provincial chapter President Alvin M. Alivia directed the said project, in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Military, Philippine National Police, volunteer student planters and other groups associated with KBP.

 ENVIRONMENTAL WARRIORS

What makes the project more significant is the day it was implemented. In the aftermath of the devastation brought about by the typhoon Pedring and Quiel, the country’s broadcasters turned themselves into environment warriors with a nationwide, simultaneous tree-planting activity. As members of the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), they braved the stormy weather and pushed through with “Oplan Broadcastreeing” planting a thousand tree seedlings.

They braved their way to show love to nature and to show their commitment to protect the nature. They were able to put into action their mission of contributing in their environmental concern advocacy.

WHAT’S NEXT?

After they’ve worked so hard to get their tree in the ground, what’s next? A tree correctly planted and well cared for will provide many benefit for years to come. Though trees grow on their own, they do need a lot of care and concern initially. It will only cause a loss of time and effort when the trees planted will have an undesirable results. And we are very sure that the broadcasters’ project includes nurturing the tree seedlings they planted. There is a need to ensure the sustainability and survival of the planted trees.

MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

Environmental protection is regarded as the most pressing social responsibility. The task of environment protection is a universal responsibility of all of us. So it is relevant that broadcasters took personal responsibility for the care of the environment. It is very significant that they took action so that they'll be able to pass on something to the next generation.

We are at this point in time of desperate need for action to protect our natural resources. And it is more common to hear that part of what we can actually do to help is to plant a tree. It seems like such a simple thing to do.  But the truth is; every tree makes a difference to better the earth.

Trees have always played an important part in people's lives, from providing shade and maintaining the beauty of the place. With the trees planted now by the broadcasters, they are giving the future generations the chance to enjoy, too, the beauty of the flowering and fruit bearing trees.

And trees are not just a beautiful creature standing among the many places of this world. It is very essential that directly ensures our survival.  Yes, planting trees save lives.  And so the broadcasters save lives. Every tree makes a difference.  That means every broadcaster who planted a tree also made that difference. 

In this way, the broadcasters are making an important gesture to the world in demonstrating their global concern and at the same time making their own little but significant, contribution to the protection of nature.

Rescued philippine eagle in Isabela needs rehabilitation by racquel m. caldez

ILAGAN, Isabela – The rescued Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) that is currently under the custody of Mayor Edgar T. Go in San Mariano,Isabela will undergo initial steps towards rehabilitation process.

The eagle will be transferred to a larger cage to regain flight skills and where other rehabilitation procedures will be performed.

Environment Head in Isabela William C. Savella said the DENR Field Office in Region 2 has available facility to accommodate the eagle.

Director Theresa Mundita S. Lim of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) stated in her letter sent to the Mayor of San Mariano that the bird has to undergo a rehabilitation process prior to the release aimed at regaining the bird’s wild behavior such as hunting skills, flight and fear of humans.

Dir. Lim recommended the eventual release of the eagle back to its natural habitat preferably in capture site.

PENRO Savella divulged that the eagle which was rescued by a Dumagat in Sitio Diwagao, Dinapigue had undergone medical assessment by a veterinarian of the PAWB in Quezon City and discovered that the bird is under stress as indicated in the presence of “stress marks”.

Dr. Rizza Araceli Salinas, a veterinarian of the PAWB in Quezon City who undertook medical assessment of the eagle, revealed that the feathers of the captured 5 kilograms female eagle has stress bars and that the bird’s red and white blood cells counts are found within the normal range.

PAWB Staff of the DENR Central Office mentioned during the conduct of medical check-up that the Philippine Eagle is already tame because of its passive response to human presence.

The PAWB Director has initially contacted the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) to provide telemetry device to track the bird and ascertain its survival in the wild.

A team composed of DENR Region 02 and PAWB personnel will be conducting a site assessment in the area where the eagle was captured and will be released eventually.

The Eagle is globally recognized as threatened species. Capture and possession of threatened wildlife is strictly prohibited under Republic Act 9147 otherwise known as the Philippine Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

BOOK "EARTHSAVERS VIEWPOINT" LAUNCHING

PENRO fetes stakeholders in Isabela for the success of the agency’s programs

ILAGAN, Isabela – The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in this town honored recently the stakeholders in Isabela for their unquantified and unsolicited support to the various programs of the DENR such as re-greening of the environment, clean up of rivers and waterways, tree planting, implementation of ecological solid waste management as well as in the other concerns of the agency relative to forest protection.

Among the awardees during the Culminating Program of the Environment Month Celebration on June 29 are Local Government Officials, Peoples’ Organization, youth, media practitioners, Philippine National Police, military, private and business entities.

PENRO Isabela has decided to culminate its celebration of the Environment Month by giving out recognition awards to almost 50 exemplary partner-stakeholders at the DENR Pinaroc Hall here.

Jollibee Shell in Santiago City, Cauayan Grains Center, Spring Garden Resort, NE Santiago City, Gatioan Hotel Resort & Bowling were adjudged as the Most Environment Friendly Food Chain, Resort, Ricemill, Hotel, and Restaurant, respectively while LGU Echague was awarded for its political will and commitment in the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 9003 which resulted to massive seggregation at source.
Environment workers recognized environmentalists and advocates who were partners in the environmental protection and development for the impact of their unparalleled and dedicated contribution to communities and consistency in their performance.



PENRO William C. Savella thanked the stakeholders for collaborating with the DENR in caring the Mother Earth.

“We really need some great help from you…. our constituents, our peers, our successors. The gospel of environmental protection is waiting to be brought forth, so be with us in caring for our treasured surroundings that shall be shared and enjoyed not only by us but likewise for the future generation”, Savella said in his closing message.

The Environment Month celebration with the theme “Isang Planeta+Samu’t saring Buhay=Isang Kinabukasan” was highlighted with the distribution of seedlings to recipients who attended the program, information dissemination on how to plant trees, documentary film showing of Isabela and DENR Profile.#RMCaldez

SFC students, teachers attend Environmental Symposium by rmcaldez

Almost 300 students, teachers and school employees of Saint Ferdinand College (SFC) in Ilagan attended a 1-day Symposium on Environmental Awareness held at the St. Ferdinand College Gymnasium as part of the Ocean Month Celebration with this year’s theme: “Protecting our Seas: Saving our Lives, Saving our Future”.
In order to spread the message to the public particularly the youth who could help in conserving, protecting and sustainably managing the ocean resources, a symposium was conducted to increase the students’ appreciation of the importance of the ocean and to encourage them to contribute to on-going efforts as well as initiate action.
Lecturers from the Regional and PENRO Isabela offices discussed their topics with the aid of powerpoint presentation. Open forum was moderated every after topic to provide an understanding of the diverse and broad aspects within contemporary global issues and to enable students to think globally. This knowledge based on a particular specialty is imperative to help students respond to global issues.
PENRO Forestry Specialist Arnold D. Frogoso tackled the issue on Climate Change while Forester Enrique Pasion discussed the topic on Managing Coastal Ecosystem. Forester Dionisio Deundo lectured on the Unique Biodiversity of the Philippines and Ms. Jamelita Flores of the Regional Office explained the Philippine Marine Ecosystem.
Reflecting about environmental issues, student/teacher participants from SFC learned about global issues particularly on environment.
The symposium for the ocean month celebration was conducted highlighting the conservation, protection and sustainable management of the Philippine Coastal and Ocean resources as integrated in the different lectures to provide students with tools to develop skills needed for succeeding in the program, how to implement them, exploring ways to apply immediate action especially with regard to feasible solution in which everyone can participate.
May has been declared as “Ocean Month” in the Philippines through Presidential Proclamation No. 57 by former President Fidel V. Ramos. The Proclamation states that all relevant national agencies, local government units and other government agencies spearhead the observance

Plant TREES launched by racquel m. caldez

TUMAUINI, Isabela – Foundation for Sustainable Socitiety, Inc. (FSSI), Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTCF), Peace and Equity Foundationl (PEF), Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE) with the support of the European Commission in partnership with the Provincial Government of Isabela, DENR, Local Government Units (LGUs) of San Mariano, Tumauini, and Ilagan launched recently the project “Plant TREES” Plant Towards Rainforestation and Eco-Enterprise in Sierra Madre at the Camp Samal in this town.
The project launching dubbed as Integrating Forestry and Local Governance with Sustainable Enterprise in Isabela aims to contribute towards the improvement of local governance towards sustainable forest management and poverty reduction in the province of Isabela. Specifically, it seeks to strengthen structures and multi-sector cooperation in the municipalities of Ilagan, San Mariano and Tumauini and also to improve the rural poor’s socio economic conditions through access to sustainable non-farm and farm-based livelihoods and enterprises in the community while ensuring sustained community-based forest protection initiatives.
Different related topics were discussed with video presentation, Highlighting the occasion is the signing of Solidarity Wall and Messages from the DENR Regional Executives, local officials of Tumauini, San Mariano and Ilagan towns.
Institutionalizing development support in local governance, strengthening communities in sustainable enterprise, capacity development on forest protection and enforcement are the project components.
On forest rehabilation and restoration, a 50-kilometer stretch of biofencing within the critical areas in buffer zones of the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park will be set-up. Technical research will also be conducted and a 10-hectare area of community rainforestation for each municipality will be established.#

PENRO, IEPTF launch ISABELA project in four Districts by racquel m. caldez

ILAGAN, Isabela - The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of this province and Isabela Environment Protection Task Force (IEPTF) launched the Alay Tanim Para sa Inang Kalikasan which is one of the components of the Integrated Sustainable Agro-Forest Based Enhancement and Livelihood Alternative (ISABELA) Project in four Districts of Isabela province. This was launched during the Alay Lakad para sa Kalikasan from the Cathedral in Gamu to the provincial Capitol here.
Partnering with the Provincial Government of Isabela in the mission to preserve and demonstrating steadfastness, officials and employees of PENRO and CENROs in Isabela , Local Government Units, Philippine National Police (PNP), Military, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Other Government Agencies (OGAs), Academe, Religious Groups, and media practitioners joined in the launching of Alay Tanim spearheaded by Governor Faustino “ Bojie” Dy III and Vice Governor Rodito Albano III.
The province-wide launch of the Natividad Dy Alay Tanim Para sa Kalikasan was held in the identified sites in Barangay Rang-ayan in Ilagan for District I, Barangay Libertad in San Mariano for District II, Barangay San Francisco in San Guillermo town for District III and Barangay Quirino in Cordon for District IV.
The participants planted at least one fruit bearing tree and fourteen forest tree seedlings within the identified area of 5 hectares per site. Areas being planted were awarded to qualified stakeholders who served as stewards in charge of proper care and maintenance to ensure higher survival rate.
CENRO San Isidro Mindo N. Aquino explained during the concluded launching in the 4th District of Isabela, the effects of Global Warming. He encouraged the participants to plant trees even within their backyards to mitigate Climate Change.
PENRO Isabela William C. Savella reiterated the messages imparted by the dignitaries present during a short program held at Sitio Estampa in Barangay Quirino.
“Everyone has role to do to help in the environmental protection to mitigate climate change, Savella further said.
Almost 5,000 tree seedlings were brought to planting sites for planting in four Districts of Isabela during the scheduled launching. The Alay Tanim is a joint project of the DENR and Provincial Government of Isabela.
The enthusiastic participation of every individual is a manifestation that they are in one in their commitment to plant more trees to save a planet on the verge of irreversible collapsed.

DENR Isabela Chief backs EO 23 ‘Logging Moratorium’ by racquel m. caldez

ILAGAN, Isabela – DENR Isabela Chief William C. Savella expressed full support over President Benigno Aquino III’s issuance of Executive Order (EO) 23 on logging moratorium all over the country.

With these executive order, Savella strongly believed and agree with President Aquino’s declaration of the directive prohibiting for an indefinite period the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests (indigenous trees, not planted by man) and creating the anti-illegal logging task force in which the country’s chief executive signed on February 1 of this year.

“It is a good move for the Aquino Administration to protect the remaining forest cover”, Savella further said.

Environment workers said the directive emphasized that the country has been a witnessed to the changing climate conditions brought about by the La Nina phenomenon.

They divulged that the destructive effects are worsened due to the continuous denudation of forest zones attributed by the extreme illegal logging activities in some areas in the country.

DENR Regional Executive Director Benjamin Tumaliuan of Cagayan Valley urged the field offices to adhere with the instructions relative to Executive Order 23.

The DENR shall suspend the acceptance and processing of new and renewal/extension of Integrated Operations Plan and Annual Work Plan/Resource Use Plan Permits; suspend the cutting and harvesting operations of all existing tenure holders and permittees; suspend the acceptance and processing of new and renewal application for Wood Processing Plant Permits (sawmill, mini sawmill, veneer and plywood plants); suspend the issuance of transport documents for all logs cut and harvested in natural and residual forests prior to the issuance of EO 23 and transport thereof shall be allowed ONLY after proper inventory and upon CLEARANCE by Undersecretary for Field Operations Atty. Ernesto Adobo, Jr ; supervise the conduct of timber inventory of all logs cut and harvested and supervise immediate pull out of logging/cutting and hauling equipment from the areas programmed for logging operations in the natural and residual forests.

Usec Adobo directed the Regional Executive Directors to implement the aforementioned instructions pending review and evaluation of all existing Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA), Socialized Integrated Forest Management Agreement (SIFMA), Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA).

Transmutation at the Crossroads….by mindo n. aquino

I’ve written this a long time ago but ‘twas shelved in my rickety table on a dim-lit corner of the olden house for obvious reasons:

“Here we are – at the crossroads. Hovering above is the crosswinds. After a long and arduous journey over rough and rugged roads, at times looking for glorious events and fascinating laurels to prop up the mortal ego, we’ve reached this far. But not far enough for varied reasons. The travel has for some time stop in the nick of time. Not because of fatigue factor nor compass distraction. Not because of conflicting policies nor unending vertigo of directives. Neither was it due to limited incentives or the lack of it…

“It is so because the burden on the heart and mind has become too heavy to bear, too pungent to swallow, too troublesome to handle. The Fearsome Threesome bit ya know. The dwindling zeal of belongingness, of participation, of camaraderie, sort of, had taken their toll. This, we now know, because of arrogant interventions and influences, torpedoed ideas, reverberating innuendoes, massacred opinions, insipid recitals of plans, and crumbling walls of beliefs and faith…

“The gospel of conservation, of sustainability and preservation of the natural land- scapes seem to land on deaf ears, dwell on insouciant attitude, sleep on over-bearing stance and evaporate from the cynical audience, from insensitive albeit demanding inhabitants.

“No matter what simple approach we want to employ just to stress a point, to manifest a consequence or to highlight a pattern, there is always a deliberate move to elude from the natural, to evade that which is realistic, to forego that which is basic and normal, and ethical.

“Which redound to unbearable reverberation of pain, bitterness, insolence, dismay, disbelief and yes, disgust.

“And so, after more than a decade, travel time has but to stop, for good, for posterity, for peace.

“And since here we are in this forlorn crossroads, we’ve got to look low in a bit of agony and emptiness; there is no more need to look back at the memorable (both positive or negative) events our feet have trodden upon. They just now serve as statistics on a once clear and spotless paper. Talk of history and you ‘re right. Talk of courage and you’re wrong. It is just plain destiny; nothing more, nothing less…”

This is one facet of nature’s preservation--for mankind. There are constraints along the way which may tend to degrade our faith but we should not lose hope as we perform our respective functions. For it is incumbent upon us to persevere--as employees, as citizens, as human beings, to hand-in-hand help in the sustainability of nature’s resources for the benefit of the whole and upcoming generation. Let old habits metamorphose into modern, realistic and attainable goals for Earth’s preservation and conservation.

Who cares about turning back? Beyond the crossroads I’m hoping against hope that there is no cul-de sac

DA, DAR, DENR to implement convergence initiative by racquel m. caldez

ILAGAN, Isabela – The agriculture, agrarian reform and natural resources will implement the National Convergence Initiative (NCI) to substantially contribute to the rural development sector outcomes of equitable access to abundant resources and increasing rural incomes. The three agencies are jointly responsible to ensuring that these outcomes are attained.

PENRO Isabela William C. Savella said that Convergence is a response to the fragmented delivery of agriculture and rural development services towards improved governance and maximize use of resources in support to one of the programs of the Aquino Administration.

Savella also encouraged stakeholders identified to support the implementation of the program as he said they are directly benefited.

Series of workshops was conducted in Isabela province with the Regional Technical Working Group to come up with Project Briefing Kit of the identified Local Convergence Agro-Enterprise Clusters (LCAEC) that will be launched on February 23 in Cauayan.

As stipulated in the joint Memorandum Circular on policy and implementation framework for the enhance national convergence initiative among DA, DAR and DENR, the convergence strategy shall focus interventions to the small , fisherfolks and marginalized upland dwellers especially those within the areas covered by the tenurial instruments of DENR and NCIP.

The administration of President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III remains committed to ensure countryside development as the strategy for poverty reduction.

IEPTF MEETING by racquel m. caldez

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) William C. Savella answers environmental queries in a meeting with the Isabela Environmental Protection Task Force (IEPTF) chaired by Philippine National Police Provincial Director Jimmy Rivera held at the provincial Capitol in Ilagan.

DENR, DAR, DAR Convergence launched by racquel m. caldez

DENR Usec for Policy and Planning Demtrio l. Ignacio distributes land title to individuals during the Local Convergence launching witnessed by PENRO Isabela William C. Savella (left) Regional Executive Technical Director for Forestry Wilfredo Malvar and District II Representative Ana Cristina S. Go.



CAUAYAN, Isabela – The Convergence project of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was launched here, February 23 aimed at delivering the right program to support the food self-sufficiency program of the country.

The Local Convergence Agro-Enterprise Clusters in Isabela is a joint project of the agriculture, agrarian reform and natural resources in support to one of the programs of the administration of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to ensure countryside development as one strategy for poverty reduction.

DENR Undersecretary (Usec) for Policy and Planning Demetrio L. Ignacio who represented Secretary Ramon Paje of the DENR said in his message during the launching that the three main institutional players in rural development have a shared resolution to adopt the convergence strategy for a more focused and unified interventions. He vouched support through forest and climate protection project to the cluster as he gave emphasis on the National Greening Program of the Department.
Under the Handog Titulo Progran, land titles were awarded to 11 individuals in the three municipalities of San Mariano, Naguilian and Benito Soliven. Likewise. seedlings/planting materials for the Coffee Industry Development Project in Isabela were turned over to the municipalities of Echague, San Guillermo, San Mariano, Cordon and Angadanan by DENR USec Ignacio and DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala.
During the launching, Department of Agriarian Reform Secrtetary Virgilio delos Reyes distributed Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) to 138 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) covering 429 hectares.
Governor Faustino G. Dy III expressed gratitude to the three department secretaries for choosing Isabela as one of the recipients of the convergence initiative that will surely benefit Isabelinos.
These contributions of the three rural development agencies are being formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding among DA Secretary Proceso Alcala, DAR Secretary delos Reyes and DENR Secretary Paje with Isabela Governor Dy III.
The convergence initiative is a multi-sectoral and integrated planning approach wherein the three rural development agencies will undertake joint planning, programming and budgeting.
The Coffee cluster in Isabela covers 23 barangays in five municipalities of Angadanan, Cordon, Echague, San Guillermo and San Mariano. This cluster will be concentrated on 2,100 farm households to develop 700 hectares.