SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region- I (DENR- I) jumpstarted the celebration of the Philippine Environment Month 2021 with a Virtual Press Conference at the DENR- I Regional Office facilitated by the Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG) in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency, Region- I (PIA- I) on June 4, 2021.

This year’s celebration of the Philippine Environment Month 2021 themed: “Sama-sama Sa Pagkilos, Sama-sama sa Paghilom,” highlights the agency’s accomplishments in the Virtual Press Conference hosted by PIA- I Information Officer Ann Hazel Fajardo- Flores who also acted as Moderator in the “Kapihan sa Ilocos,”a two- fold monthly radio program of the PIA- I under the cudgel of PIA- I Regional Director Jennilyne C. Role. The virtual press conference was aired live via radio stations in Ilocos Region which include, DZRD Sonshine Radio, Dagupan City, Pangasinan, DWRS Radyo Pilipinas Tayug, DZRL- RPN, Batac City, Ilocos Norte, 99.7 Core FM DZRD 981, Candon City, Ilocos Sur, DWRS Commando Radio Global, Vigan City, My FM 104.3, La Union and Northbound Philippines News.

 The COVID- 19 Status Update in the region- I was first reported in the DENR- I/ PIA-I one- hour press conference “Kapihan sa Ilocos” before guests were introduced. DENR- I key officials graced the event led by Assistant Regional Director Felix C. Taguba in lieu of Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB- I) Regional Director Carlos Tayag and Environmental Management Bureau, Region- I (EMB- I) Regional Director Engr. Ma. Dorica Naz- Hipe. Questions like updates regarding the progress and objectives of the National Greening Program (NGP) in region- I the residential and agricultural free patent application and extension, the legislated and initial component Protected Areas in the region, among others were discussed by ARD Taguba. RD Naz-Hipe answered queries about the Republic Act No. 9003 otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management, its implementation, the monitoring and technical assistance of dumpsites and sanitary landfills to the local government units while RD Tayag explained the identified areas in the region that are susceptible to flooding and erosion, distribution of Geo Hazard Maps to the LGUs, monitoring of quarry operations and the amended Philippine Mining Act of 1995. A short video production was also shown entitled “Bida Solusyon,” a minimum health protocols reminder against the fight to the coronavirus.

ARD Taguba concluded the PressCon and spoke regarding the DENR- I highlights of activities of the Philippine Environment Month celebration this June, 2021 while head executives RD Tayag and RD Naz- Hipe thanked the PIA- I, the various media personalities from the radio stations who made the event more informative, and interactive. (GCG- RSCIG)