The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in MIMAROPA Region held on February 18, simultaneous coastal and river cleanup and mangrove planting activities to celebrate the 24^th anniversary of Mt. Guiting-guiting Natural Park (MGGNP) as a protected area by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 746.

Located in Sibuyan Island in Romblon, Mt. Guiting-guiting boasts of a rich biodiversity, dense forest cover, and natural water system that provide and sustain life in the three municipalities that cover the great mountain range, namely, Magdiwang, Cajidiocan and San Fernando. Hence, the DENR and the local government units prepared series of activities for the whole month of February to allow the communities to recognize the value and somehow give back to Mt. Guiting-guiting.

“By planting mangroves, we enrich Sibuyan’s mangrove forest reserve. By cleaning up rivers and seas, we free the wetlands and bodies of water around it from trash,”  Protected Area Superintendent Malvin Rocero said during the mangrove planting activity in Brgy. Cambalo in Cajidiocan.

“Through these simple actions, we show that we take care of Guiting-guiting. Ito ang paraan natin para masabi naman natin na mahal talaga natin ang Guiting-guiting,” Rocero said in local dialect while demonstrating the proper way of planting mangrove propagules among participating teachers and students from Cambalo Elementary School.

During the program, Rocero also explained the value of mangroves that serve as breeding ground for diverse life forms; and as the first line of defense against the danger brought by storm surges and tsunamis.

Meanwhile, Romblon’s Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Maximo Landrito noted that the slated activities were fitting not only for Mt. Guiting-guiting Day but also for World Wetlands Day which was commemorated last February 2. 

“Part of the marching orders of Secretary Roy Cimatu this year is to promote clean water, enhanced biodiversity conservation and strengthened solid waste management. We observe significant celebrations like these to mobilize people as our partners in protecting the environment so that our children, and the next generations to come would still be able to savor the gifts of Mt. Guiting-guiting and the rest of what nature can offer,” Landrito remarked.

A total of 200 mangrove propagules were planted on that day; and truckloads of trash, mostly disposable or made of plastic, were collected by an estimate of 800 volunteers from around the three towns in Sibuyan island. 

The following day, February 19, DENR MIMAROPA conducted an environmental lecture among 300 students of Agutay National High School (ANHS). Personnel from the Regional Public Affairs Office (RPAO) and the MGGNP Protected Area Management Office discussed the importance of wetlands and the salient provisions of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

Streamlining the adoption of Tayo Ang Kalikasan (TAK), RPAO also introduced to the students and to Principal Jomer Martinez, the concept of TAK as DENR’s campaign to intensify the collaboration of the government and the community in upholding the welfare of the environment. RPAO further explained DENR MIMAROPA’s banner program for TAK, which is saying no to single-use plastics, such as straw, stirrer, plastic or disposable utensils, cups and containers.

Mr. Martinez and the students accepted the challenge to be part of the solution against plastic pollution by using water tumblers instead of buying plastic-wrapped “ice-tubig,” for their drinks.

Before the program ended, students of ANHS also made their own hugot-lines based on what they have learned from the discussions. The winner of the best hugot-line belted out a humorous but environment-focused piece. “Mangrove ka ba?” “Bakit?” “Kasi, ikaw ang nagbibigay proteksyon para maging matatag ako!”

The simultaneous coastal and river cleanup drive, mangrove planting activity, as well as the environmental lecture and coordinative meetings which prompted possible launch of several LGUs in Sibuyan as local chapter of Tayo ang Kalikasan, were made possible through the help of PENRO Romblon, MGGNP Protected Area Management Office, Philippine National Police represented by Police Senior Master Sergeant Lani Ruba, Cambalo Brgy. Captain Angelyn Rizo, Marigondon Brgy. Captain Willie Repizo, Cambalo Elementary School represented by Ms. Ester Ferrer, and Agutay National High School headed by Principal Martinez.

“We at the DENR MIMAROPA, are glad to know that through various IEC activities and environmental celebrations, we have inspired among our people, particularly in Romblon, a deeper understanding of their role in protecting and taking of care of Mother Nature,” Regional Executive Director Henry Adornado remarked.

“We will always be to thankful to you because we know that we have our partners in making sure that we bequeath a healthy and clean environment to our children and the generations to come,” he concluded.###

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Published: 20 February 2020

Boac, Marinduque. Consistent with his 10-point agenda, which includes achieving clean water for all, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu urged the continuous rehabilitation of Boac and Mogpog Rivers as he led the unveiling of the centennial monument that marks the 100th anniversary of the declaration of Marinduque as an independent province by virtue of Republic Act No. 2880 on February 21, 1920.

In his speech as guest of honor during the province’s anniversary celebration on February 19, Cimatu expressed the urgency to restore these bodies of water which greatly suffered from the toxic materials that spilled during the Marcopper mining disaster on March 24, 1996.

In line with this, the Secretary will issue an administrative order pertaining to the proper dredging and other efforts to clean and restore the rivers.

“Through the years, this province has endured many trials and difficulties, yet it survived--the reason we are celebrating what we call ‘Sentenaryo ng Marinduque,’” he said.

The Environment Chief remarked that while it is normal to look back on what happened in the past, the people of Marinduque must assess its impact in their lives and reflect on what they can still contribute to improve the  province.

“The question now should be, “Are we contented with the present state of this province or do we still want to move ahead and achieve a better Marinduque, one that is more resilient?”

The Secretary explained that to foster development, the people of Marinduque must be ready to accept one big challenge to sustain their God-given natural riches and for them to secure the province’s next generations.

“The protection of the environment and all other natural resources is not solely the responsibility of the DENR, but a shared responsibility among various stakeholders,” he stated.

Since Marinduque tops the list of 10 provinces that are most susceptible to landslides based on the study conducted by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Cimatu also pointed out that it is imperative that LGUs consider the preventive or mitigating measures in their local disaster-preparedness plan.

He also urged the local government unit to ensure establishment and operation of a sanitary landfill to address  garbage collection and disposal issues in the province.

“I believe that with the very competent leaders of this province, all problems and issues on the environment will be resolved,” Cimatu said as he recognized DENR’s partnership with Marinduque’s LGU headed by Representative Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco, Governor Presbitero J. Velasco, Jr., Vice-Governor Romulo A. Bacorro Jr., and the members of Sanguniang Panlalawigan who were present in the event.  

Lastly,  the DENR chief  ordered the Department’s local officials and employees to conduct regular monitoring and inspection of air and water quality, as well as solid waste management of the six municipalities of Marinduque, namely Boac, Buenavista, Gasan, Mogpog, Sta. Cruz and Torrijos.

Joining the DENR Secretary were other officials namely, MGB Acting Director Atty. Wilfredo Moncano, DENR MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director Henry Adornado, MGB MIMAROPA Regional Director Roland De Jesus and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Imelda M. Diaz.

“Marinduque is bestowed with God-given natural resources. Its beauty is a big potential for ecotourism and other types of  development. I believe that economic growth espoused with environmental and social justice is the real “development” because when there is social justice,  there is progress,” Cimatu said

“Marinduquenos,  aim for a better, progressive and more resilient province! If you want real change, then work for it, work hard with us!,” the Secretary concluded.###

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Published: 19 February 2020

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Environmental Management Bureau, and Mines and Geosciences Bureau in MIMAROPA sent out their support to families affected by Taal volcano eruption through a donation drive among their officials and employees across the region.

Pre-loved and new clothing, towels and blankets, footwear and bags; cookies and biscuits, and monetary donations were collected and turned over to DENR REGION IV-A (CALABARZON) on February 11, for distribution to the survivors of the eruption.

At the onset of the volcanic explosion, DENR Region IV-A has immediately organized a relief campaign for the victims.

"Tagaytay and  the provinces of Batangas and Cavite are close to our heart because we used to be under one region, Region IV," DENR MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director Henry Adornado stated.

In 2002, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Executive Order No. 103, dividing Region IV into Regions IV-A  (CALABARZON) and IV-B (MIMAROPA). CALABARZON is an acronym for the five provinces that comprise the region, namely Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon. Similarly, MIMAROPA also stands for the five island provinces within its jurisdiction, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.

"We were and are still a family. It is but natural to lend each other a helping hand especially in times of need," the director remarked.

Besides sending out a gesture of concern to the survivors, DENR MIMAROPA’s donation drive also formed part of the agency’s observance of Zero Waste Month celebration last January, when employees were encouraged to reduce the volume of wastes by donating old clothes and other used materials instead of disposing them.

“We are glad that through simple but united actions, we were able to show that we can take care of the environment and our needy brothers and sisters at the same time,” RED Adornado concluded. ###

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Published: 12 February 2020

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - MIMAROPA Region concluded the first Protected Area Superintendents’ (PASu) Conference which was held in Sibuyan Island, Romblon on January 20-24, 2020.

The activity forms part of the regional office’s initiative to strengthen front liners in the field offices who need to be trained and capacitated regularly, particularly the PASUs who are considered the Chief Operating Officer and personnel primarily accountable for the management and operations of the protected area.

“It is just apt to hold this conference for our PASUs since MIMAROPA is one of the regions with the most number of protected areas in the country. We look forward to having more equipped and rejuvenated protected area personnel after this conference,” DENR MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director Henry Adornando remarked.

The conference was filled with case study and analysis, and plenary discussions on actual situations of PAs relative to ecotourism, sustainable financing, law enforcement and PA management. There was also a discussion on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Inscription Process, as well as  presentation of best practices of MIMAROPA PAs and other regions. Games, exercises, icebreakers and workshops were also purposely designed to challenge the physical, mental, social and emotional aspects of the participants.

A site visit was also conducted to showcase the best practices of Mt. Guiting-guiting Natural Park (MGGNP) in Sibuyan Island led by its PASu, Forester Malvin Rocero. The practical experiential learning included visits within the administrative jurisdiction of the LGUs, and ecotourism sites, such as Lambingan Falls and Cantingas River. There was also engagement with multisectoral forest protection committee members, and orientation on the status of DENR-funded projects, such as the Romblon State University Vermicomposting and Cabitangahan-Talaba CARP Association’s handicraft making. The field experience concluded with an amazing race composed of physical and mental tasks held within the entire MGGNP PAMO Complex, and with an evening event showcasing the LGU Magdiwang’s talents.

During the conference, DENR MIMAROPA awarded Plaque of Appreciation to the chief executives of Sibuyan Island, namely Magdiwang Mayor Dr. Arthur Tansiongco, San Fernando Mayor Salem Tansingco and Cajidiocan Mayor Nicasio Ramos for their unwavering support and cooperation for the conservation and protection activities of MGGNP. It can be recalled that on October 29, 2019, a ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Agreement was forged by and between DENR MIMAROPA represented by RED Adornado and the Sibuyan local executives who pledged to provide financial support amounting to P500,000.00 each, for the conservation and protection of MGGNP.

MGGNP is one of the protected areas legislated under Republic Act No. 11038 or the Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018. It is situated within the three municipalities of Sibuyan (Magdiwang, San Fernando, Cajidiocan), and houses various endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna. It is also dubbed as the Galapagos of Asia for its endemism and has one of the densest forest ever recorded.

Around 50 participants including Assistant PASUs and Protected Area Management (PAMO) personnel from the regional and field offices participated in the event. Also present to show support to the event were Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Dr. Vicente Tuddao, Jr.,  resource persons from Biodiversity Management Bureau, namely ECOMS II Jennelyn Asegurado and ECOMS II John Jobert Bandol; and PASus from other regions, namely PASu Emerita Albas of Mount Pulag Natural Park from CAR and PASu Daniel Somera of Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park from Region 10.###

Protected Area Superintendents of MIMAROPA Region together with (first row from right) Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Dr. Vicente B. Tuddao, Jr. and PAMBCS Chief Michaela T. Rongavilla

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Published: 28 January 2020

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - MIMAROPA Region launches redHour, a program which dedicates a specific schedule for clients and stakeholders who wish to talk and present their concerns directly to the Regional Executive Director (RED).

Dubbed redHour, the program commences on January 27, 2020 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm; and shall continue every second and fourth Monday of the month at the Office of the RED which is located at the 3^rd Floor, L&S Building, Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila.

“While our regional and field offices are always open to the public, we would like to devote a specific time when I can personally hear people’s issues, and with the help of other officials, address them in the fastest way that we can,” RED Henry Adornado says.

The director adds that stakeholders from the provinces need not come to Manila because after the kickoff, redHour shall also be launched in the field offices to further reach out to different sectors, particularly those located in areas with pressing issues.

"We will assess the first run of the program and see how we can improve it. Should there be any changes, we will definitely inform the public,” he explains.  

redHour is MIMAROPA’s take on the Department’s People’s Day initiative,  which allows lead officials  to personally address public concerns and queries. Similarly for redHour, clients shall be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis and are advised to bring pertinent documents regarding their concerns.

“redHour is a reminder that we work for the people, and we ought to give them the kind of service that they deserve, in the fastest, most effective and courteous way we can,” Director Adornado concludes. ###

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Published: 20 January 2020