Press Releases

IEC OSCA ARINGAY 1City of San Fernando, La Union –  The Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Regional Office I (DENR-1) through the Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG) conducted an environmental awareness through a series of lectures involving the Senior Citizens (SCs) which was held at the Municipal Conference Hall, Aringay, La Union on August 16, 2023.

Thirty (30) senior citizens from various barangays of the Municipality of Aringay actively participated in the series of environmental lectures conducted by the information workforce of DENR- I Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG).  Mrs. Gloria Orpia, President of Federation of the Senior Citizens of Aringay, welcomed the lecturers and participants. In support to the said activity, Aringay Municipal Mayor Benjamin O. Sibuma also delivered his inspirational message, saying, Senior citizens play a very significant role in our community through their conviction and determination as leaders who guide the family in the right direction, as well as share their inspiration with their knowledge either negative or positive experience that will change the perception of life.”IEC OSCA ARINGAY

The aim of the activity is to keep the senior citizens abreast to the existing environmental policies and laws as well as to heighten their awareness on the current DENR programs and projects. The series of lectures relative to environment include an overview of Republic Act (RA) 9003 otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 which was presented by Communications Development Officer II, Mariel S. Aquino who emphasized that under RA 9003, local government units (LGUs) are primarily responsible for the effective and efficient implementation of the solid waste management, specifically on garbage segregation and disposal with the cooperation of the household occupants.  RA 9174 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act was likewise, discussed by Communications Development Officer I, Ms. Denise Marie C. Lorenzo who encouraged the participants to report some cases of wildlife (buhay-ilang) trading, trapping or poaching particularly the endangered species. Likewise, the  RA 9729 or the “Climate Change Act of 2009” was tackled by Information Officer II, Zenaida L. Paday-os, who informed the participants regarding the present state of todays’ climate change, .  She also informed some solutions about the country’s crucial environmental problems especially on plastic pollution of which Filipinos generate about 2.7 million tons of .plastic waste daily.  In response to the plastic pollution, Mrs. Erlinda Cacanindin, owner of St. Barachiel Special Science School proposed the establishment of an “Eco Center” where they can collect, gather recyclable materials and later display instead of selling them to the junk shops. In response, the DENR- I team expressed support to the proposed “Eco Center” initiative and urged the school officials to submit necessary requirements to the LGU- Aringay for possible funding and approval. In addition, the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) of Aringay headed by Mrs. Prudencia C. Lorenzo also expressed gratitude to the DENR- I information team as the event bequeathed them to be very significant in the community and as one force multipliers in the protection, conservation, management, and development of the environment and natural resources. Even at their age, the senior citizens can share their immense knowledge, experience, and wisdom regarding the environment which serves the younger generation in shaping the right direction.

IEC OSCA ARINGAY 5IEC OSCA ARINGAY 4IEC OSCA ARINGAY 2The environmental activity involving the senior citizens is one of the DENR strategies to strengthen environmental awareness to the various sectors of the civil society and empower them to be active in upholding the protection of the environment and natural resources. As DENR mandate and commitment to the public regarding environmental awareness information campaign, the RSCIG team disseminated 988 various IEC materials and also conducted information drive in selected barangays of Caba, La Union namely: Barangay Santiago Norte, Barangay San Carlos, Barangay Bautista, and Barangay Santiago Sur on August 18, 2023.

In order to continue the DENR’s aim to engage elderly people and other special sectors of the civil society in environmental endeavors, the team also coordinated with the OSCA office of Caba, La Union represented by Mr. Delfin Deleña in regards to the schedule of another upcoming environmental lecture.  (ZLP/RSCIG)

NCIPNCIP 8In line with the mutual commitment to sustain the collaboration between the Department  of Environment and Natural Resources – I (DENR-I) and the National Commission on Indigenous People-I (NCIP-I), a 2nd Coordination Meeting cum Multi-stakeholders meeting was held on August 30, 2023 at the Ynads Place Hotel and Resort, Inc.  

Presented were the actions taken on the approved Joint Operational agreement signed by DENR I Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo and NCIP I Regional Director Atty. Harriet Abyadang on July 12, 2022 during the 1st Coordination Meeting.

Among the topics identified were the previous burning issues on Patent Applications within the Ancestral Domain, possible filing of criminal cases (illegal cutting and/or burning of trees and construction of structures) within the Protected Area and Ancestral Domain, boundary disputes, free prior informed consent (FPIC) process, and Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) registration. It was decided by both parties to coordinate and conduct preliminary investigation, enhancement of information, education and communication (IEC), monitor the areas concerned, and to schedule finalization of the said issues. As part of the ways forward, the DENR and the NCIP Key Official signed a Joint Operational Agreement.

The meeting was graced by the key officials of DENR Region I Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services For. Felix C. Taguba, who represented RED Barcelo, PENRO Ilocos Norte For. Victor C. Dabalos, PENRO Ilocos Sur Rosemarie Jornacion, PENRO Pangasinan For. Raymond Rivera and representative from PENRO La Union LMO III William Cabanban. Also present during the meeting were the key officials of NCIP I, TMSD Chief Jane T. Lando, representing RD Abyadang, Provincial Officer of Ilocos Norte Atty. Jifford Rosqueta, Provincial Officer of Ilocos Sur Atty. Jesus G. Agbayani, Provincial Officer of La Union Atty. Marvin Biligan, and Provincial Officer of Pangasinan Dr. Enrique delos Santos, Jr. (RSCIG-MSA)

NCIP 9

 

PCSAPCSA 1San Fernando City, La Union- In line with the celebration of 2023 Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PSCA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Region I (DENR I) commenced the kick-off program at the DENR I Regional Office, Government Center, Sevilla, San Fernando City, La Union on September 1, 2023.

The 123rd PSCA which is spearheaded by the CSC is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1050, Series of 1997 declaring the Month of September as the Civil Service Month. This is in observance of the establishment of the Philippine Civil Service by virtue of Public Law No. 5 or “An Act for the Establishment and Maintenance of an Efficient and Honest Civil Service in the Philippine Islands on September 19, 1900.

In 2021, CSC introduced a 10-year overarching theme, “Transforming Public Service in the Next Decade: Honing Agile and Future-Ready Servant-Heroes.” The theme reflects the collective experience of the government workforce in the new normal and in pushing for digital transformation and innovations to uphold public service excellence and continuity.

The simultaneous nationwide kick-off, which was led by CSC Regional Office I in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), started with the Online Zumba session and Film-Viewing for A Cause which was participated by DENR 1 employees with a registration of Php 250.

All the proceeds from the online event will be directed to support the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani Program, a CSC initiative with the support of various government line agencies, is a one-time financial assistance and scholarship opportunities that aims to pay tribute and support to the families of government workers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The film screening also showcased three movies such as "Edward" directed by Thop Nazareno, "Mañanita" directed by Paul Soriano, and "Retirada" directed by Cynthia Cruz-Paz and Milo Paz.

Virtual Anniversary messages were likewise delivered by CSC Chairperson Karlo Alexis B. Nograles, and Commissioner Atty. Aileen Lourdes A. Lizada during the kick-off.

Also coinciding with the prior mentioned activity was the singing of the Civil Service March or “Awit ng Serbisyo Sibil” followed by the unfurling of the CSC 123rd Anniversary Banner at the DENR I Building grounds led by Assistant Regional Director for Management Services Engr. Raymundo Gayo together with the Environmental Management Bureau Region I (EMB I) Regional Director Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe and Finance Division Chief Rosalia Soriano.

The 123rd PCSA month long celebration include, Simultaneous Flag Raising, Thanksgiving Mass, HR@UrService, Blood Letting Activity, and Awarding Ceremony of Loyalty Awardees and Top 5% performing employees, and commendations to employees for their exemplary performance (RSCIG-GCG/DML).

CBFMSan Fernando City, La Union- Aiming to establish a stronger and resilient communities through the Community-based Forest Management (CBFM) strategy, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 1 conducted a three (3) day training for the Peoples Organizations (PO) who are the considered as ‘forest managers’ in the CBFM areas including the support groups in order to fully capacitate them as essential partners in ensuring a sustainable and equitable management of forest ecosystems.
OIC-ARD for Management Services Engr. Raymundo C. Gayo, who also represented Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo welcomed all the participants and underscored that the communities play a crucial role in environmental decisions as they ‘stand for the right to protect and manage natural resources located on traditional indigenous lands and the rights of citizens to live in a healthy environment.’
During the first day, the participants manifested excitement to revisit the Community Resource Management Framework (CRMF) which consists of the community’s vision, mission, goals and objectives for the period of 25 years which is apparently about to expire. Thus, during the presentation of DMO IV Marilyn M. Racoma, Chief of the Conservation and Development Division (CDD), she reiterated the very essence of the workshop to guide the POs in their CBFM journey.
Day 2 and 3 were intended for the various workshops anchored on the objectives, major strategies and sub-strategies of the CBFM Plan. This was facilitated by Ms. Janet Martires, the Project Development Director of Yakap Kalikasan. Interactive presentation from the various groups composed of POs, support groups and DENR also ensued. Yakap Kalikasan is a Non-Government Organization under the Forest Foundation Philippines (FFP).
DENR-FMB Forestry Investment Portal was also presented by Ms. Ayesha Chennel Abawag of the Forestry Investment Development Division (FIDD). Ms. Abawag walked the participant through in navigating the marketing portal which was a user-friendly tool designed as a market place for all PO products and will be launched soon.
From the output crafted by the participants, this will be consolidated by the DENR-Regional Office 1 to complete the 10-year Strategic Management and Communication Plan for 2023-2032.
MOA 6Pursuant to DENR Memorandum Circular (DMC) No. 2008-05 or guidelines in the preparation of watershed management plans and DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2021-41 known as Guidelines in the creation of watershed management council, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region I led by Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo, CESO III the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) creating the Bued River Watershed Management Council last August 8, 2023 at Hotel Consuelo Resort, Lingayen, Pangasinan.
Said agreement aims to create a multi-sectoral institution that will bring about holistic mechanisms and initiatives for the protection, conservation, management, and development of the Bued River which has a total length of 80 km (50 mi) and primarily encompasses the provinces of Benguet and Pangasinan, and a few parts of La Union. The river originates from the City of Baguio and joins with the Angalacan River in the municipality of Mangaldan, MOA 3Pangasinan to form the Cayanga River.
Moreover, the watershed management council is composed of the Chief Executive Officers of various government agencies, offices, organizations, and instrumentalities or their duly authorized representatives that have jurisdiction of the watershed.
The council was chaired by RED Barcelo given that Region I had the biggest cover of Bued River. It was co-chaired by Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III which was represented by Mark Ronald DG. Lambino and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) I Regional Director Irenea B. Ubungen while the core members are DENR Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) represented by Regional Executive Director, Engr. Ralph C. Pablo, NEDA CAR, Department of Public Work and Highways (DPWH), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), National Council for Indigenous People (NCIP), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Tourism (DOT), National Irrigation Authority (NIA), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Energy (DOE) –Luzon Field Office, Provincial Government of La Union and Benguet, General Manager Pozzurubio Water District, Center Head- Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau -Watershed MOA 5and Water Resources Research Development and Extension Center (ERDB-WWRRDEC), and Zero Waste Baguio among others.
The event formalizes the creation and operationalization of the watershed management council of Bued River Watershed. Though our agencies have different mandates and priorities, your presence here today reassure and strengthens our hope for a good partnership and also heightens our desire of teamwork as watershed stakeholders in attaining a sustainably managed watershed.
This MOA also denotes our partnership in exchange of knowledge, research, studies and technical capacities and information on new, current and emerging trends in developing and managing our watershed. Contribution of each stakeholder is very vital. Let us be guided by emerging, acceptable and functional management concepts like convergence initiatives and solidarity because as we always believe, “together we can do better”, RED Barcelo said in his message.
Members of the created council shall serve as the oversight and advisory body on watershed planning and program implementation as well as contributor in the formulation of policies that support inter-agency coordination, collaboration, cooperation, partnership, and convergence, and complementation of natural resources benefits and cost sharing and resources planning and program implementation.
After the MOA signing, the first joint council meeting was carried out where the milestones and preparation of the Intergrated Watershed Management Plan of Bued River was presented.