As ALBERT SCHWEITZER, a French-German theologian quoted: " the purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others", the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 1 joined in the celebration of the 44th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week last July 17-23, 2022 through CEPA campaign in selected municipalities/city of La Union on July 21 and 22, 2022.
This year’s NDPR theme is aptly dubbed "Pamahalaan Kabalikat sa Pagtupad ng Pantay na Edukasyon, Trabaho at Kabuhayan, Tugon sa Pagpapalakas ng Taong May Kapansanan" ("working with government in achieving equal access to education, employment and livelihood towards empowerment of persons with disabilities)". DENR 1 through the Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group distributed various environmental CEPA materials in form of flyers, posters, books, and AVPs with sign language to the Municipal/City Social Welfare Offices (M/CSWOs) of the municipalities of San Juan, Bacnotan, Balaoan, Bangar, Bauang, Caba and the City of San Fernando, La Union.
The RSCIG's objective is to provide a sense of belongingness for the disabled individual in a safe environment, spreading awareness on the existing environmental and natural resources laws and policies towards a friendly environment. The CEPA campaign is a step towards empowering people with disabilities to help them make their lives better and enhancing their capabilities in the community by making them partners and project implementors in the community based on what they are capable of doing, so that they could feel that they belong and their disabilities are not impediments for them to earn a livelihood and to contribute to their communities. (ZPL-RSCIG)
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-I through Regional Executive Director, Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo, CESO III kicked-off the Philippine Environment Month (PEM) 2022 with the theme “Aksyon para sa Natatanging Mundo” through a coastal cleanup activity along Tondaligan Beach, Bonuan-Tondaligan, Dagupan City on June 1, 2022.
Said activity was participated by the Line Bureaus, P/CENR Officers, Division Chiefs, Philippine Coastguard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Barangay Officials, and constituents. Later that day, RED Barcelo, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) – Region I Director, Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe; DENR-I Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, Forester Felix C. Taguba; and DENR-I OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Management Services, Engr. Raymundo C. Gayo entertained questions from the media during the DENR-I press conference at CENRO Central Pangasinan Social Hall as part of the kickoff of the PEM. Present during the said press conference were Aksyon Radyo Dagupan, SMNI, iFM, DWIZ, GMA Regional TV, PIA Pangasinan, DZRB 980, Radyo Pilipinas and Bombo Radyo.
Aside from PEM 2022, various special environmental events for June are also celebrated. One of which is the Philippine Eagle Week which is celebrated every June 4-10 of each calendar year with the theme, “Kapayapaan at Kalayaan: Ang Agila at Mamamayan, May Kaugnayan”. DENR I shared some trivias about the country’s pristine jewel to remind Filipinos of the responsibilities as caretakers of the land and the importance of the Philippine eagle and other wildlife in sustaining life on earth. As responsible citizens, we need to usher in a new era of commitment to save our threatened fauna especially our national bird.
As a result of the region’s initiative, the social media cards were shared by a lot of people and organizations including Local Government Units, other DENR Regional Offices, Philippine Information Agency, DENR Central Office, Director Khalil Bayam of DENR Strategic Communication and Initiatives Services, , and the - reaching more audience and persuading them to join in the campaign for the conservation of the Philippine Eagle and the rest of the rich biodiversity of the country.
Talking about Eagle, Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo, CESO III was recognized as one of the finalists for the “Environmental Awards for Governance and Leadership Excellence” Award CY 2021 - RED Category while EMB 1 Regional Director-Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe bagged the EAGLE Award as Top Performing EMB Regional Director for calendar year 2021 where she received a trophy and a cash prize of Php 100, 000 during the “Gabi ng Parangal at Pagpupugay” held at the Grand King Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City on June 7, 2022 in celebration of the agency’s 35th founding anniversary and the Philippine Environment Month.
The following day, DENR I took part in the nationwide tree planting spearheaded by the DENR Central Office as one of the opening activities of the Philippine Environment Month 2022 to help restore the country’s forest cover last June 8, 2022. Participants from various groups trooped to 11 identified sites in Ilocos Region. A total of 1,112 volunteers from DENR personnel of the Regional Office and the field offices, other national agencies and private sectors planted a total of 5,816 different variety of premium, fruit-bearing, and native species from 13 planting sites across the region. Among the seedlings planted were narra, acacia, molave, antipolo, bani, fire tree, mahogany, raintree, agoho, supa, duhat, mango, avocado, batino, and cashew.
In line with the celebration of the World Ocean Day and Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) Day on June 8 and 9, 2022, respectively, DENR-1 through the Conservation and Development Division spearheaded the conduct of Communication, Education and Public Awareness campaign, coral bleaching validation and crown of thorns (COTs) removal / SCUBAsurero in the Municipality of Agno and Anda, Pangasinan on June 9, 2022. The CEPA Campaign was organized for the barangay constituents and fisherfolks / communities of Brgy. Aloleng in collaboration with the LGU Agno, Pangasinan. The coral bleaching validation and crown of thorns (COTs) removal / SCUBAsurero was conducted in Brgy. Tondol and Carot in Anda, Pangasinan with the support and collaboration with the said LGU.
Moreover, in consonance with the Department's family day celebration with the theme, Pistang Pamilyang DENR Para sa Tuluy-tuloy na Tagumpay at Pagkakaisa, DENR Ilocos Region joined virtually via Zoom at the DENR-I Building, Government Center, Brgy. Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union on June 10, 2022. This year’s family day celebration highlighted fun games such as chess, table tennis, scrabble, darts, virtual quiz bee and online raffle/bingo. To complete the fiesta theme of the family day, Filipino delicacies were also served to employees and the walk-in clients. DENR Anniversary Messages were then delivered by MGB-I Regional Director Socrates Gaerlan; EMB-I Clearance and Permitting Division Chief, Engr. Nicanor C. Esteban; Surveys and Mapping Division Chief, Engr. Narciso A. Aragon; and Enforcement Division Chief, Atty. Arlyn Katherine C. Buduhan.
Simultaneous with the fun celebration in DENR I were the awarding of 2021 Recognizing Individuals/Institutions towards Vibrant and Enhanced Rivers or R.I.V.E.Rs for Life and Pasiklaban sa DENR talent competition in the DENR Central Office Multipurpose Hall, Quezon City, Metro Manila. Out of sixteen (16) regions, the Office’s official entry, the Lower Bakun River in Alilem, Ilocos Sur made it into the top five (5) and was given a Certificate of Recognition from Undersecretary for Field Operations Atty. Juan Miguel T. Cuna which was received by RED Barcelo, ARD for Management Services, Engr. Raymundo C. Gayo, Jr., ARD for Technical Services Dir. Felix C. Taguba, and Ilocos Sur PENR Officer Rosemarie B. Jornacion.
Also, the Region’s entry in the PASIKLABAN sa DENR emerged first place immersing the crowd within their festive performance and representing Region I the best way. Part of DENR I's presentation was EMB Eagle Awardee CY 2021, EMB 1 Regional Director-Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe who gracefully danced, kept up with the younger employees of the Office, and wowed the audience with her majestic look.
RED Barcelo, RD Hipe, Assistant Regional Director for Management Services, Engr. Raymundo Gayo, DENR-I Administrative Division Chief Mary Ann Escoto, and the DENR-I dance group happily received the cash prize of P30,000 as “Pasiklaban sa DENR” nationwide champion. DENR-I, EMB-I and MGB-I personnel showed their full support to the DENR-I delegates by watching their performance online.
Still in line with the EMC 2022, DENR Ilocos Region formally opened the weeklong DENR Sportsfest 2022 at the DENR Regional Office I grounds last June 13, 2022.
It was indeed a festive event that gave DENR I personnel a much needed break and a time to relax in a competitive yet friendly atmosphere. Personnel from the different Offices were grouped into four (4) teams namely the Red Management Services Team, Green Technical Services Team, Blue EMB Team, and White MGB Team and each were represented by their respective 'muses'.
Instead of the usual cauldron lighting, the opening ceremony of the Sportsfest wrapped up with the 'breaking the pot' also known as Pukpok Palayok which is a fun game played during Filipino fiestas and traditional parties-one that suits the theme of this year's fest. This was led by RED Barcelo and the Key Official/representatives of the different teams.
The following week, June 20-24, 2022, the Office officially opened frontline kiosks of services from Social Security System (SSS), PAG-IBIG, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) dubbed as HR @ Ur Service as part of the agency's celebration of the 2022 Philippine Environment Month which aims to bring the services closer to the employees.
The ribbon cutting was led by the Chief of the Legal Division Atty. Claro M. Ramolete together with Surveys and Mapping Division Chief Engr. Narcisco Aragon, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Administrative Officer Leopoldo Raguindin and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) represented by Engr. Nick Esteban.
In collaboration with the Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc. and the Professional Regulations Commission, through their Carbon Neutral Program (CNP) Convergence Initiative, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region I (DENR-I) took part in the nationwide simultaneous tree planting activity in consonance of Arbor Day 2022 with this year's theme: BIKE.HIKE.PLANT at Daang Kalikasan, Mangatarem, Pangasinan last June 25, 2022. Same activity was also conducted in assigned planting sites in the field offices.
Among the volunteers were Regional Office personnel, PENRO Pangasinan, CENRO Central Pangasinan, Professional Regulation Commission-Region 1 (PRC-R1), Department of Public Works and Highways- Region 1 (DPWH-R1), Department of Education -Region 1 (DepEd-R1) Pangasinan State University, Tarlac Agricultural University, San Carlos College, Philippine College of Science and Technology, Pangasinan Merchant Marine Academy, Mangatarem Mountain Bikers Association, Region 1 Medical Center, LGU Bayambang, and other volunteers.
To wrap up the celebration of PEM 2022, DENR Ilocos Region conducted a colorful and festive culminating program held at Bauang North Central School Gymnasium, Central East, Bauang, La Union on July 6, 2022.
The program carried Filipino native games like jackstone, bunong braso, Chinese garter, and Sikking Bado (Piko) while the Sideline Band and DENR I talents performed live to entertain the crowd who sported in various color-coded shirts-Red for Management Services, Green for Technical Services, White for MGB, and Blue for EMB.
It was graced by the representative of Bauang Mayor Eulogio Clarence Martin De Guzman, Sangguniang Bayan Member- Committee on Environment Felix Sanchez. The highlight of the fiesta-themed celebration was the awarding of plaques, medals, and certificates to the winners of sportsfest and native games as well as the recognition of DENR I’s key officials who excelled in various endeavors (DML/JAP-RSCIG)
Another partnership initiative bound for implementation under the leadership of Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region I Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo after the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the DENR-1 and Isla Verde Mining and Development Corporation (IVMDC). Recently signed is the valuable offshoot of series of dialogue of various government agencies to oversee the implementation of DAO No. 2020-07 signed by former DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu or the “Rationalizing Dredging activities in Heavily Silted River Channels Pursuant to the DENR-DPWH-DILG-DOTr Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 Series of 2019.”
The IVMDC is the most qualified company fit to undertake dredging, desiltation and rehabilitation of a portion of the Banaoang River (Abra River) in the Province of Ilocos Sur under Inter-Agency Resolution No. 06, Series of 2022, dated April 2022.
Prior to the signing of the agreement, the proponent was able to comply with the necessary requirement based on presented Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) documents which aims to protect and mitigate possible adverse effects on community health, welfare and the environment. This also includes environmental considerations in all phases and aspects of the project.
IVMDC will be responsible in ensuring that the dredging implementation shall be strictly in accordance with the approved Dredging Master Plan and issued dredging clearance by the DPWH.
This is the second dredging and desiltation activity in Region I initiated by DENR I RED Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo following the first one last June 28, 2021 by He Sha Prime Sand and Gravel Aggregates Philippines, Inc. for the dredging of the Pasdan River in Ilocos Norte. (RAS-RSCIG)
Camp Brig. General Oscar Florendo, City of San Fernando, La Union – Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region I (DENR-I) Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo was invited as Guest of Honor and Speaker during the Traditional Monday Flag Raising Ceremony of the Police Regional Office – I (PRO-I) – the nerve center of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Ilocos Region, which was held at the PRO 1 Grandstand at the Camp Brig. Gen. Oscar Florendo, Parian, San Fernando City, La Union on June 13, 2022.
Upon arrival at the event venue, RED Barcelo signed the official PRO-1 guest book and was warmly welcomed by the uniformed men and women of the PRO-1 headed by newly-installed Regional Director Police Chief Superintendent Westrimundo D. Obinque. During the deliverance of his inspirational message, RED Barcelo reiterated the continuing partnership between DENR and the PNP in various environmental advocacies especially in the line of law enforcement. He likewise, cited the DENR Ten Priority Programs and presented some short clarifications on these programs. In conclusion of his message, he thanked the PRO-1 for being supportive to the DENR advocacies, programs and projects. A certificate of appreciation and a simple but meaningful token was conferred to the DENR-I Head Executive.
Before the culmination of the event, RED Barcelo together with the PRO-1 Key Officials led the awarding of various accomplishments of PRO-1 and deserving men and women of the police force and was later given the honor to commence the PRO-1 Pass and Review which was customarily accorded to guest honors. (GCG-RSCIG)
In adherence to the order of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna which enjoins DENR Field Offices to strengthen the promotion of an environmentally conscious national election campaign and to enforce Republic Act No. 3571 and Presidential Decree 953 which penalize the unauthorized cutting, destruction, damaging, and injuring of trees, plants, and vegetation of public places, DENR Ilocos Region joined Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) region-wide “Oplan Baklas”.
DENR-Pangasinan Field Offices participated in the two-day Operation Baklas teaming up with their jurisdictions Provincial and City/Municipal COMELEC personnel, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Local Government Unit (LGU), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on February 25, 2022 and April 20, 2022.
On the other hand, DENR-Ilocos Norte Field Offices joined forces with Department of Education (DepEd), DPWH, Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INECO) and PNP on February 25, 2022.
In addition to that, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO) Ilocos Sur thru CENRO Bantay and CENRO Tagudin conducts a regular monitoring and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign since January 2022. This is the reason the public especially the candidates running for a position in the upcoming election are compliant to the campaign rules and mandates of DENR.
With the participation of the Department’s Field Offices, a total of 9,394 illegal election propaganda were collected and turned over to the COMELEC for proper disposition while other materials were returned to the parties involved. (DML-RSCIG)
nt and Natural Resources (DENR)-I through Regional Executive Director, Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo, CESO III kicked-off the Philippine Environment Month (PEM) 2022 with the theme “Aksyon para sa Natatanging Mundo” through a coastal cleanup activity along Tondaligan Beach, Bonuan-Tondaligan, Dagupan City on June 1, 2022.
are also celebrated. One of which is the Philippine Eagle Week which is celebrated every June 4-10 of each calendar year with the theme, “Kapayapaan at Kalayaan: Ang Agila at Mamamayan, May Kaugnayan”. DENR I shared some trivias about the country’s pristine jewel to remind Filipinos of the responsibilities as caretakers of the land and the importance of the Philippine eagle and other wildlife in sustaining life on earth. As responsible citizens, we need to usher in a new era of commitment to save our threatened fauna especially our national bird.
Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe bagged the EAGLE Award as Top Performing EMB Regional Director for calendar year 2021 where she received a trophy and a cash prize of Php 100, 000 during the “Gabi ng Parangal at Pagpupugay” held at the Grand King Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City on June 7, 2022 in celebration of the agency’s 35th founding anniversary and the Philippine Environment Month.
ith the EMC 2022, DENR Ilocos Region formally opened the weeklong DENR Sportsfest 2022 at the DENR Regional Office I grounds last June 13, 2022.
Another partnership initiative bound for implementation under the leadership of Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region I Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo after the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the DENR-1 and Isla Verde Mining and Development Corporation (IVMDC). Recently signed is the valuable offshoot of series of dialogue of various government agencies to oversee the implementation of DAO No. 2020-07 signed by former DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu or the “Rationalizing Dredging activities in Heavily Silted River Channels Pursuant to the DENR-DPWH-DILG-DOTr Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 Series of 2019.”
In adherence to the order of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna which enjoins DENR Field Offices to strengthen the promotion of an environmentally conscious national election campaign and to enforce Republic Act No. 3571 and Presidential Decree 953 which penalize the unauthorized cutting, destruction, damaging, and injuring of trees, plants, and vegetation of public places, DENR Ilocos Region joined Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) region-wide “Oplan Baklas”.
