ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Photo shows (left to right) DENR 1 ARD for Technical Services Felix C. Taguba, RED Crizaldy M. Barcelo, USec. Ed Leonardo, Rep. Jorge Antonio Bustos, Sual Mayor Liseldo Calugay, ARD for Management Services Leduina S. Co, PENR Officer Maximo Soriano, and CENR Officer Ronnie Jacinto
SUAL, Pangasinan-Region 1- Responding to the dire need for environmental restoration and adaptation to climate change, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led by the Undersecretary for Special Concerns Eduardo DC. Leonardo, Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo, Public safety Alliance for Transformation and Rule of Law (PATROL) Party-List Representative Jorge Antonio P. Bustos and Sual Mayor Liseldo DQ. Calugay steered the group of environmental advocates in planting 1,000 mangrove propagules and 1,000 seedlings along the 2,000 sqm. coastline of Sual, Pangasinan.
As early as 5:30 in the morning, the so-called environmental partners trooped to Brgy. Poblacion to show their enthusiasm in the goal of the team towards environmental restoration and disaster preparedness which is also a discipline observed by the group which is represented by Congressman Bustos, PATROL Party-List.
The ceremonial mangrove planting started around 6:30am where a number of participants actively joined from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Police, the Local Government of Sual, Pangasinan, Provincial Government of Pangasinan among others.
“Plant a tree, sire a son, write a book,” this old quote expressing what a man should do during his existence on earth was emphasized by DENR 1 RED Atty. Barcelo in his message as he aims to capture the mindset of the participants to do something good for the environment in their lifetime. RED Barcelo also lauded the leadership of DENR USec. Leonardo in this endeavor particularly in collaborating with his colleagues in the service to lead the undertaking in greater heights.
DENR USec. Leonardo likewise urged everyone to refocus on the DENR mandate and look into the possibilities of recreating activities to further advocate the importance of mangroves as natural barrier from storm surge, maintain water quality and serves as breeding ground and habitat for marine resources. He (USec. Leonardo) also cited that “just like our mountains which protect us
from strong typhoons,” these mangroves are our shield citing what happened in Leyte during the surge of Typhoon Yolanda. The USec for Special Concerns also encouraged all the partner organizations to do mangrove planting on a weekly basis in preparation for the coming rainy season. This activity for the environment is also in cognizance of the agency’s role in Executive Order #120 creating the Build, Back, Better (BBB) Task Force
which seeks to ensure post disaster rehabilitation and recovery efforts of typhoon-hit areas. This BBB Task Force according to UnSec. Leonardo is a high-level institutional platform and a more permanent body that will streamline and expedite post-disaster efforts in a sustained and integrated manner, with a clear unity of command.
USec. Leonardo shared his optimism by saying that the Philippines still have the chance to recover by planting more trees and mangroves. He likewise added that with the support of PATROL Party- List they have already started to install enforcers to safeguard the environment in the Province of Rizal which they intend to replicate in the whole country. He ended with expressing his appreciation to the efforts of the field office personnel in the implementation of the environmental programs and projects in this side of the country.
Rep. Bustos also lauded the work of the DENR, the passion of Sec. Roy A. Cimatu and USec. Leonardo in ecological restoration where he (Rep. Bustos) declares his full support to the undertaking of his friend (USec. Leonardo). The legislator also added that he will integrate awareness in the protection and conservation of the environment and committed to help through legislation as he recognizes the huge role of the government and other organizations in keeping a healthy and safe environment. (RSCIG)
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was held along the Baroro River Watershed downstream which is located in Barangay Baroro, while the midstream is in Cabaroan, San Juan and upstream in Lon- oy, San Gabriel, La Union. The Baroro River encompasses the municipalities of San Gabriel, San Juan, Bagulin, Santol, San Fernando City and Bacnotan, La Union and the river is known for the endemic fish “ipon” which appears to be an ecological indicator of the river ecosystem health.
rangay Captain Randy Macabitas, the Kagawads, and the Sangguniang Kabataan members. Riverbank wastes gathered during the clean- up activity includes mineral water bottles, plastic wrappers, dead wood branches, rubber slippers, among others. The collected wastes composing about 8 sacks were recorded and brought to the sanitary landfill. Participants chanted the “Tayo ang Kalikasan” mantra after the activity was concluded. Likewise, DENR- I personnel from CDD and RSCIG led by Chief Renelita A. Santos and Information Officer I Jenny A. Pugal conducted Information Education Communication (IEC) campaign regarding the protection and conservation, significance, benefits, and the classification of wetlands- the freshwater wetlands, saltwater wetlands and human- made wetlands. The Ecological Solid Waste Management was also tackled during the IEC information drive at the Barangay Hall of which Brgy. Captain Macabitas clarified the sustainable protection of the downstream Baroro River which is the catch basin of wastes coming from upstream municipalities. The village leader said, one of their initiative is the monthly riverbank and coastal clean- up activities and are currently planning to install huge garbage bins and “environmental signage” along the riverbanks. IEC materials on solid waste management and wetlands protection were also distributed to the barangay officials and residents of Baroro who warmly welcomed the DENR- I and PENRO La Union personnel. (GCG- RSCIG)
San Fernando City, La Union - In line with the observance of Zero Waste Month this January 2021 with the theme, “Bouncing Back from the Pandemic to a Greener and Healthier Environment,” Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region-I (DENR- I) launched the (1) every Friday as “Plastic- Free Friday” and (2) every last Friday of the month as “2 O’ Clock Clean -up Habit” at the DENR-I Regional Office Government Center, Sevilla, San Fernando City, La Union on January 26, 2021.
