Mindo N. Aquino is a self-made protector of trees and natural landscapes brought about his childhood life in a rustic environs teemed with fruit trees as well as forest trees where birds of various breeds fed, lived and nested.
Later, as he studied B.S. Forestry at Isabela State University in Echague, Isabela - - his hometown, he self embarked on a mini-forest experimental plantation with indigenous and some exotic species as well as other fruit trees and medicinal plants.
These activities inspired his penchant to write ecoliterature in tri-lingual fashion. His writing skills were boosted when he took up Professional Writing in the International Correspondence Schools. As a result, he has co-authored six book anthologies in Iluko with his co-members in the GUMIL (Gunglo dagiti Mannurat nga Ilokano) Isabela, an umbrella organization of GUMIL Filipinas. He is also co-editor in 1998 of “Daton-Lagip iti Wayawaya,” another anthology commemorating the 100th year of Phil. Independence, during his incumbency as GUMIL Isabela president and Board of Director of GF.
MNA is a pioneer member and charter vice president and charter vice president in 2004 of Timpuyog dagiti Mannurat iti Iluko iti Filipinas (TMIF), another group of Iluko writers. As member, he is sometimes invited as lecturer in Iluko fiction writing in various seminars sponsored by TMIF. He has also won several writing contests (short stories and poems) in the vernacular focused on environmental and biodiversity preservation. Aside from these, he is a part-time columnist in the Valley Times and City Star – both newsweekly tabloids in Isabela.
Presently, he is editing KALIKASAN Updates where this book was conceptualized. He also edits, “Northeast Beacon,” publication of Freemasons in southern Isabela and Quirino province where he is a member and past master.
His novel, published in Bannawag---weekly Iluko magazine---in 2003 is now being translated into English for possible book publication upon the prodding of DILG Regional Director Baldovino Ab. Valdez, CESO III.
He considers as his writing mentors Juan S.P. Hidalgo Jr., former Bannawag Associate Editor and Clesencio B. Rambaud, the present Editor.
He is married to former Teodora T. Gomez of San Mariano, Isabela. Their nuptial is blessed with three children: Xerox Jeoffrey –married to Dr. Michelle Agatep with son Xervylle Dirnt, Avery Roxanne—a pharmacist married to Noriel Balisi with son Xymone Dwyane and daughter Savannah Clyde, and Starrjazz Excel, a registered nurse working in Riyadh, KSA.
MNA is presently the OIC, CENRO of the DENR in San isidro, Isabela. He has been working in the agency for more than 30 years being assigned in many places which all the more enriched his writing skills on ecoliterature. He finished his Masters degree in Public Management at ISU, Echague. A Career Service Executive eligible, he is now pursuing a doctorate degree in Public Administration at the same university.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
The Managing Editor of Kalikasan Updates
Racquel M. Caldez Is a writer by heart. It is incidental that her passion to write has come to light when she was appointed in the DENR, many of her write-ups dealing with natural resources, biodiversity, environment, GAD, etc. saw print in various newspapers in Isabela and Cagayan Valley region.
For her feat, she has received commendation for intensifying advocacy campaign of the DENR and recognition for exemplary performance with partner agencies.
She is a recipient of various awards, adjudged as “Most Outstanding Information Officer” in DENR Region 02 for three consecutive years extolling her in the “Hall of Fame” of DENR awardees and Outstanding Employees.
She was involved in the parish’ Home Study Program where she was recognized as “Outstanding Volunteer Learning Facilitator” of the CSU-Archdiocesan Home Study Program (HSP) Re-Entry Education Alternative for the Poor (REAP) from Year 200-2005, helping to tutor the out-of-school youths in their desire to finish the secondary level of education.
A young employee, she was invited as Lecturer in the symposium on Environmental Threat on Children’s Health and seminar workshop on Environmental Education.
She is a new PAPI (Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc) member and an active correspondent, contributor and columnist in local newspapers and DENR publications.
She is a managing editor of the DENR Isabela publication and a mover of truth and social issues. Her editorial and writing skills have been exceptional due to her expertise on environmental concerns and issues.
RMC is a graduate of the degree of Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science at the University of St Louis in Tuguegarao City and hopes to finish her masters in public administration after she shall have enrolled the last 12 units to complete the academic requirement for the degree. She is still looking for a certified bachelor. She also plans to migrate to the United States in the near future.
For her feat, she has received commendation for intensifying advocacy campaign of the DENR and recognition for exemplary performance with partner agencies.
She is a recipient of various awards, adjudged as “Most Outstanding Information Officer” in DENR Region 02 for three consecutive years extolling her in the “Hall of Fame” of DENR awardees and Outstanding Employees.
She was involved in the parish’ Home Study Program where she was recognized as “Outstanding Volunteer Learning Facilitator” of the CSU-Archdiocesan Home Study Program (HSP) Re-Entry Education Alternative for the Poor (REAP) from Year 200-2005, helping to tutor the out-of-school youths in their desire to finish the secondary level of education.
A young employee, she was invited as Lecturer in the symposium on Environmental Threat on Children’s Health and seminar workshop on Environmental Education.
She is a new PAPI (Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc) member and an active correspondent, contributor and columnist in local newspapers and DENR publications.
She is a managing editor of the DENR Isabela publication and a mover of truth and social issues. Her editorial and writing skills have been exceptional due to her expertise on environmental concerns and issues.
RMC is a graduate of the degree of Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science at the University of St Louis in Tuguegarao City and hopes to finish her masters in public administration after she shall have enrolled the last 12 units to complete the academic requirement for the degree. She is still looking for a certified bachelor. She also plans to migrate to the United States in the near future.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
DENR, LGU launch Cadastral Land Survey Project by racquel m, caldez
TUMAUINI, Isabela – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) represented by Regional Technical Director for Lands Gil Aromin and Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tumauini represented by Mayor Arnold Bautista recently launched the Cadastral Land Survey Project in thiis town.
Tumauini Mayor Arnold Bautista said in his welcome message during the scheduled launching that his town was lucky to be chosen as one of the municipalities in three provinces in Cagayan Valley to implement the project.
PENRO Isabela Land Management Specialist Mylene Madduma who represented PENRO Alfredo Almueda said in her opening remarks that the project resolves technical issues that will benefit the people of Tumauini.
Chief, Land Management Division Engr. Eliseo Mabasa discussed the overview of the project. He said the benefits of the project provide comprehensive and accurate data on land resources; property boundaries are identified worked and survey; facilitate identification of concerted areas and in cases of overlapping claims; reduce land conflict if done properly; facilitate resettlement of landless settlers; help improve the social status of persons within the community; resolve provincial boundary disputes; and; expedite development of depressed areas.
RTD Gil Aromin expressed elation to 46 barangay officials of Tumauini for accommodating the said project while Chief Surveys Division Engr. Alberto Obedoza gave an elaborate presentation of the project.
Engr. Abraham Cuaresma who was chosen as the contractor of the project assured that all procedures will be followed particularly on the task to undertake cadastral survey.
Tumauini Vice Mayor Cristopher Uy said in his closing remarks proffered his all out support and for their part and cooperation for the success of the project.
Tumauini Mayor Arnold Bautista said in his welcome message during the scheduled launching that his town was lucky to be chosen as one of the municipalities in three provinces in Cagayan Valley to implement the project.
PENRO Isabela Land Management Specialist Mylene Madduma who represented PENRO Alfredo Almueda said in her opening remarks that the project resolves technical issues that will benefit the people of Tumauini.
Chief, Land Management Division Engr. Eliseo Mabasa discussed the overview of the project. He said the benefits of the project provide comprehensive and accurate data on land resources; property boundaries are identified worked and survey; facilitate identification of concerted areas and in cases of overlapping claims; reduce land conflict if done properly; facilitate resettlement of landless settlers; help improve the social status of persons within the community; resolve provincial boundary disputes; and; expedite development of depressed areas.
RTD Gil Aromin expressed elation to 46 barangay officials of Tumauini for accommodating the said project while Chief Surveys Division Engr. Alberto Obedoza gave an elaborate presentation of the project.
Engr. Abraham Cuaresma who was chosen as the contractor of the project assured that all procedures will be followed particularly on the task to undertake cadastral survey.
Tumauini Vice Mayor Cristopher Uy said in his closing remarks proffered his all out support and for their part and cooperation for the success of the project.
DENR team up with Freemasons, LGU on climate change lectures
by mindo n. aquino
Cordon Isabela – DENR, Community Environment & Natural Resources Office in San Isidro, Isabela joined forces with the officers and members of Rufino S. Roque Memorial Lodge No. 289 in this municipality and LGU, here, for the series of lectures on climate change and global warming recently.
The lectures were conducted in five schools, mostly to high school students here with the intention to highlight their awareness on the ill effects of this phenomenon in the country and worldwide. A total of 1, 430 participants from Cagasat Main and Annex, Doňa Josefa Edralin Marcos, Diadi Region, and Wigan High Schools attended the forums together with LGU representatives, freemasons, and some personnel of the CENRO who spearheaded the lectures.
Given emphasis by the resource speakers were: how to minimize air pollution which will inevitably destroy the ozone layer which ultimately contribute to the rising mean temperature of the earth, proper sorting and disposal of solid wastes, planting trees in any available open spaces to serve as carbon sink or absorbers of carbon dioxide, etc.
A related sidelight of the gatherings held in four schedules and venues was the equally-important topic of RA 9147, the Wildlife Act of 2001; Migratory birds as Source of Bird Flu; and the Philippine Eagle as symbol of Filipinos’ resiliency and toughness.
In the open forum, however, most of the students were inquisitive about the effects of global warming and climate change and the ways to mitigate their ill effects. The lecturers also highlighted the adaptive measures that could be done to lessen the impact of this global phenomenon.
This activity was the brainchild of DENR in the CENRO level within the 4th district of Isabela in close coordination with the Freemasons led by Worshipful Master Rosito C. Moreno, himself a DENR personnel based at Diffun, Quirino, and LGU of Cordon thru SB member Ayson J. Villador, a Senior Warden of the Lodge. Assigned lecturers, Foresters Pedro P. Ramos, Jr. (PAWS Specialist of CENRO San Isidro) and Giovanie C. Taguinod are both members of R.S. Roque Memorial Lodge. VW Dennis M. Siclot, District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District R2-D (Isabela South and Quirino) lauded this joint activity saying this could pave the way for a wider multi-sectoral scope of implementation for the greater awareness of people in the countrysides
Cordon Isabela – DENR, Community Environment & Natural Resources Office in San Isidro, Isabela joined forces with the officers and members of Rufino S. Roque Memorial Lodge No. 289 in this municipality and LGU, here, for the series of lectures on climate change and global warming recently.
The lectures were conducted in five schools, mostly to high school students here with the intention to highlight their awareness on the ill effects of this phenomenon in the country and worldwide. A total of 1, 430 participants from Cagasat Main and Annex, Doňa Josefa Edralin Marcos, Diadi Region, and Wigan High Schools attended the forums together with LGU representatives, freemasons, and some personnel of the CENRO who spearheaded the lectures.
Given emphasis by the resource speakers were: how to minimize air pollution which will inevitably destroy the ozone layer which ultimately contribute to the rising mean temperature of the earth, proper sorting and disposal of solid wastes, planting trees in any available open spaces to serve as carbon sink or absorbers of carbon dioxide, etc.
A related sidelight of the gatherings held in four schedules and venues was the equally-important topic of RA 9147, the Wildlife Act of 2001; Migratory birds as Source of Bird Flu; and the Philippine Eagle as symbol of Filipinos’ resiliency and toughness.
In the open forum, however, most of the students were inquisitive about the effects of global warming and climate change and the ways to mitigate their ill effects. The lecturers also highlighted the adaptive measures that could be done to lessen the impact of this global phenomenon.
This activity was the brainchild of DENR in the CENRO level within the 4th district of Isabela in close coordination with the Freemasons led by Worshipful Master Rosito C. Moreno, himself a DENR personnel based at Diffun, Quirino, and LGU of Cordon thru SB member Ayson J. Villador, a Senior Warden of the Lodge. Assigned lecturers, Foresters Pedro P. Ramos, Jr. (PAWS Specialist of CENRO San Isidro) and Giovanie C. Taguinod are both members of R.S. Roque Memorial Lodge. VW Dennis M. Siclot, District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District R2-D (Isabela South and Quirino) lauded this joint activity saying this could pave the way for a wider multi-sectoral scope of implementation for the greater awareness of people in the countrysides
SFC students respond to global issues
by racquel m. caldez
ILAGAN, Isabela - While reflecting about education and society, the main objective of the students from Saint Ferdinand College in this town is to learn about global issues particularly on environment.
The Aktibong Samahan Agham Pangkalikasan of SFC responded to global issues with a two day seminar-workshop at the Arranz Hall with its theme “Responding to Global Challenges through Science and Technology”
Forestry Specialist Arnold Frogoso of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources here, who was one of the invited Resource Speakers during the scheduled symposium said the objectives of the school reflects on issues about environment and make crucial decisions, develop among students the understanding and appreciation of the importance of protecting the environment and provide venue for students to promote Science Education.
Forester Frogoso spoke of the adverse effects of global warming over the world. His lecture on Climate Change ended on a hopeful note stressing importance of immediate action especially with regard to feasible solution in which everyone can participate.
“Integrated with the different lectures, the goal is to provide students with tools to develop the skills needed for succeeding in the program, how to implement them, exploring ways of documenting the learning among others to be able to apply that field to environmental issues”, Frogoso said.
The goal of the seminar is 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.
ILAGAN, Isabela - While reflecting about education and society, the main objective of the students from Saint Ferdinand College in this town is to learn about global issues particularly on environment.
The Aktibong Samahan Agham Pangkalikasan of SFC responded to global issues with a two day seminar-workshop at the Arranz Hall with its theme “Responding to Global Challenges through Science and Technology”
Forestry Specialist Arnold Frogoso of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources here, who was one of the invited Resource Speakers during the scheduled symposium said the objectives of the school reflects on issues about environment and make crucial decisions, develop among students the understanding and appreciation of the importance of protecting the environment and provide venue for students to promote Science Education.
Forester Frogoso spoke of the adverse effects of global warming over the world. His lecture on Climate Change ended on a hopeful note stressing importance of immediate action especially with regard to feasible solution in which everyone can participate.
“Integrated with the different lectures, the goal is to provide students with tools to develop the skills needed for succeeding in the program, how to implement them, exploring ways of documenting the learning among others to be able to apply that field to environmental issues”, Frogoso said.
The goal of the seminar is 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.
PAWCZMS Director lauds PENRO Isabela
by racquel m. caldez
TUGUEGARAO, City – Regional Technical Director for Protected Area Wildlife Coastal Zone and Marine Service (PAWCZMS) Jovito B. Layugan, Jr. lauded PENRO Isabela under the leadership of Environment Head Forester Alfredo M. Almueda for coming up with a detailed report on Coastal Clean-up.
In a memorandum sent to DENR Isabela, RTD Layugan acknowledged with gratitude the report submitted in the conduct of the activities in observance of the 24th International Coastal Clean-up drive.
“It was a complete report and a very good model to follow”, RTD Layugan mentioned in his memorandum addressed to the PENRO.
Forester Almueda thanked the IEC-in-charge of PENRO Isabela who prepared the Coastal Clean-up report for the job well done.
The activities undertaken by his office and other field offices during the clean-up was the hanging of streamer embossed with the coastal clean-up theme; Coordination with Local Government Units and Other Government Agencies (OGAs) regarding the scheduled activities; Waterways clean-up at the Pinacanauan de Ilaguen along Barangay Malalam in Ilagan; Ganano River in Echague among other rivers and promotional publicity thru tri media.
TUGUEGARAO, City – Regional Technical Director for Protected Area Wildlife Coastal Zone and Marine Service (PAWCZMS) Jovito B. Layugan, Jr. lauded PENRO Isabela under the leadership of Environment Head Forester Alfredo M. Almueda for coming up with a detailed report on Coastal Clean-up.
In a memorandum sent to DENR Isabela, RTD Layugan acknowledged with gratitude the report submitted in the conduct of the activities in observance of the 24th International Coastal Clean-up drive.
“It was a complete report and a very good model to follow”, RTD Layugan mentioned in his memorandum addressed to the PENRO.
Forester Almueda thanked the IEC-in-charge of PENRO Isabela who prepared the Coastal Clean-up report for the job well done.
The activities undertaken by his office and other field offices during the clean-up was the hanging of streamer embossed with the coastal clean-up theme; Coordination with Local Government Units and Other Government Agencies (OGAs) regarding the scheduled activities; Waterways clean-up at the Pinacanauan de Ilaguen along Barangay Malalam in Ilagan; Ganano River in Echague among other rivers and promotional publicity thru tri media.
Regional officials evaluate UDP projects
by racquel m. caldez
ILAGAN, Isabela – Team from the Regional Office recently evaluated the province’s Upland Development Program from Magat Forest Reserve in Ramon and Cordon, Pinacanauan River Watersheds inTumauini and in San Pablo, as well as the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park inPalanan, Divilican and Maconacon.
The group inspected the prioritized sites and conducted interview with some of the beneficiaries who availed of the Emergency Employment and Pro-poor Livelihood Program of the government being spearheaded by DENR Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr.
DENR records indicated that there are 1,032 hectares area covered/targeted under UDP being implemented in Isabela. According to PENRO Alfredo M. Almueda, the beneficiaries were all organized upland dwellers and members of community based people’s organization.
The UDP was launched last February in support of the government’s “Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program” (CLEEP), which is part of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s efforts to curb the country’s unemployment rate being aggravated by the current global economic crunch.
PENRO Isabela has awarded 1,032 job contracts or “Letters of Agreements” (LOA) to upland farmers under UDP, representing 100 % of this year’s target goal.
CENRO San Isidro Mindo Aquino said the UDP in watershed areas is timely for the worsening scenario on global warming and climate change. He further said that Isabelinos especially upland dwellers and members of the community-based forestry programs who have been waiting for so long a time for government fund trickles, could at least breathe a sigh of relief for such alternative projects that could divert the undivided attention from the paradigm of tree cutting to tree planting.”
ILAGAN, Isabela – Team from the Regional Office recently evaluated the province’s Upland Development Program from Magat Forest Reserve in Ramon and Cordon, Pinacanauan River Watersheds inTumauini and in San Pablo, as well as the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park inPalanan, Divilican and Maconacon.
The group inspected the prioritized sites and conducted interview with some of the beneficiaries who availed of the Emergency Employment and Pro-poor Livelihood Program of the government being spearheaded by DENR Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr.
DENR records indicated that there are 1,032 hectares area covered/targeted under UDP being implemented in Isabela. According to PENRO Alfredo M. Almueda, the beneficiaries were all organized upland dwellers and members of community based people’s organization.
The UDP was launched last February in support of the government’s “Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program” (CLEEP), which is part of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s efforts to curb the country’s unemployment rate being aggravated by the current global economic crunch.
PENRO Isabela has awarded 1,032 job contracts or “Letters of Agreements” (LOA) to upland farmers under UDP, representing 100 % of this year’s target goal.
CENRO San Isidro Mindo Aquino said the UDP in watershed areas is timely for the worsening scenario on global warming and climate change. He further said that Isabelinos especially upland dwellers and members of the community-based forestry programs who have been waiting for so long a time for government fund trickles, could at least breathe a sigh of relief for such alternative projects that could divert the undivided attention from the paradigm of tree cutting to tree planting.”
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