Press Releases

S3AN 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 1Region 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) i2n 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)

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AGOO, La Union - In celebration of the Philippine Environment Month 2021 this June and the 34th Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Anniversary – Region I spearheaded a simultaneous coastal clean-up on the ten-kilometer stretch along the shorelines of Agoo-Damortis Protected Landscape and Seascape (ADPLS), particularly at barangays Sta. Rita Central, Sta. Rita West, Sta. Rita Sur, San Julian Norte, San Julian West, and Balawarte in Agoo, La Union on June 10, 2021.

A short program was first held at Brgy. Sta. Rita Central which was attended by DENR I key officials headed by Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo, barangay chairpersons of the six barangays and selected DENR-I personnel. With this year’s Philippine Environment Month 2021 theme, “Sama-samang Pagkilos, Sama-samang Paghilom. Ikaw, Ako, Tayo ang Kalikasan.”, RED Barcelo encouraged everyone to do join hands in the protection and conservation of our natural resources for a greener and safer environment.

Among the participants and volunteers in the said activity were selected employees of DENR-I, Environmental Management Bureau-I, Mines and Geosciences Bureau -I, PENRO La Union, barangay councils and communities of the said barangays. Majority of the total waste collected were items such as food wrappers (candy, chips, sachets), cigarette butts, facemasks, beverage bottles and cups (plastic)and other waste like straws and cigarette packaging.

The coastal clean-up was also graced by EMB-I Regional Director Mar. Dorica Naz-Hipe, Assistant Regional Director for Management Services Leduina S. Co, and Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services For. Felix Taguba. Barangay councils and volunteers from the communities received token of appreciation like IEC materials, face shields, tumblers and eco bags from DENR, EMB and MGB. (MSA)

EARTH 3DAGUPAN CITY, PaEARTH 4ngasinan- In line with annual celebration of Earth Day 2021 led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Central Pangasinan headed by OIC CENR Officer Frank Vincent Danglose, conducted various environmental activities last April, 2021.

Despite the pandemic, personnel of CENRO Central Pangasinan conducted a river clean- up along the riverbanks of Tanap River in Barangay Bonuan- Gueset, Dagupan City, Pangasinan last April 16, 2021.  The river clean- up produced a total of 29 sacks of collected garbage/ waste weighing 108 kilograms mostly composed of single- used plastics like candy wrappers, clothings, used face masks and plastic bottles. As per request of the Pangasinan Youth Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and to strengthen the environmental information drive of DENR- I and CENRO Central Pangasinan, SEMS Norma Laluan was also invited as one of the resource speakers in the Webinar entitles, “PAOILEN: My Heart Goes Back to the Earth.” Discussed during the said webinar on April 30 was about the significance of trees, the things to consider in cutting trees and the youth role in the protection of the trees and as well as the environment.

In consultation with the veterinarians of the Municipality of Bugallon and Dagupan City, Pangasinan, a Philippine Hawk Eagle was officially released to its habitat after its rehabilitation at Manleleluag Spring and Protected Landscape (MSPL), Mangatarem, Pangasinan. The endangered bird was turned over by Mr. Jackson Viliran of Brgy. Laguit- Padilla, Bugallon, Pangasinan to CENRO Central Pangasinan last April 12, 2021. (GCG- RSCIG)

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region- I (DENR- I) through the Regional StrategSUMMIT2ic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG) conducted the first Online Environmental Youth Leadership Summit: Capacitating Young Leaders of Region- I. The event was held in DENR- I Regional Office via Zoom last May 26, 2021.

The event, which is the kick- off activity for this year’s Philippine Environment Month, aimed not only to link strongly with our Sangguniang Kabataan Federation presidents from various municipalities of Region- I and Tayo Ang Kalikasan (TAK) ENR Ambassadors but also to encourage them to come up with innovative solutions to the widespread environmental problems in their dominion through an integrated solution. RSCIG chief Renelita A. Santos welcomed the participants while DENR- I Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M.Barcelo delivered an inspirational message, encouraging the youth environmental leaders to become advocates of environmental change. Citing the support of stakeholders and the DENR youth programs like the Tayo Ang Kalikasan Ambassador Program and the YES- O or Youth for Environment in Schools Organization, the DENR- I chief executive enjoined the youth leaders to help DENR strengthen its mission and vision particularly in public awareness and information drive. Dr Hiro Masuda, Director of the DENR Strategic Communication andSUMMIT3 Initiatives Service (SCIS), the communication arm of the agency discussed the goals and roles of the environmental leaders. Proficient virtual speakers include, Engr. Misael Camposano Jr. who discussed Environmental Leadership,; Atty. Leenard Dulay of Environmental Management Bureau, Region- I (EMB- I) who presented updates and relevant features of Environmental Laws;  Forester Marie Bernadette Mendoza of Forest Management Bureau (FMB) shared her expertise on Forest Resource Management; Forester Andy Sarac of DENR- I informed participants about Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act; and Ms. Giovanni Fontanilla- Information Officer  II of DENR- CAR discussed the significant topics  of DENR Priority Programs and Environmental Legislation.

The significant Environmental youth summit is a great opportunity to gain new solutions, strategies, new ideas and larger pool of resources that will alleviate the dilemmas we are facing presently in environment and the coronavirus.  (GCG- RSCIG)

City of San Fernando, La Union- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region I (DENR I) through the Conservation and Development Division (CDD) and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) La Union has set free three (3) Brahminy Kites (𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴) locally known as lawin, one (1) Philippine Serpent Eagle (𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘶𝘴), and one (1) Reticulated Python (𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘱𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴) into the wilds of the forested facility of La Union Botanical and Zoological Garden, Cadaclan, City of San Fernando, La Union as a kickstart to the celebration of the World Wildlife Day last March 3, 2021. The activity was led by DENR I Regional Executive Director
Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo with ARD for Technical Services Forester Felix C. Taguba, and PENR Officer Engr. Raymundo Gayo and was especially participated by City of San Fernando ENR Officer Mr. Valmar Valdez and Mr. Miguel Vargas of La Union Medical Representative (LUMERs).
The said celebration is an annual global event which aims to enjoin people to conserve and protect our wildlife resources, raise awareness of the threats to species, and promote the significance of wild flora and fauna. In this year’s theme, “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet”, the relationship between our forests and the numerous services and benefits these provide us are highlighted.
In his inspirational message, RED Barcelo pointed out the vital role of forests and its relation to livelihoods. “The theme emphasizes the significant role of our forest in the provision of various ecosystem services which are undeniably essential for our survival. From the forest products and food supply, to flood protection to the very air we breathe. Forests also provide livelihood to host communities for survival and economic benefits”, he said.
Aside from the release of wildlife, tree tagging of endemic species or placing of identification tags on trees bearing their common and scientific names, their uses with some ecological notes was conducted.
RED Barcelo expressed his gratitude to the City Government for their efforts in the maintenance and management of the La Union Botanical and Zoological Garden which is also the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center and is being recognized and promoted for its eco-tourism potentials and its ecosystem services. (DML-RSCIG)