As the whole nation exults in Palawan’s reclaim of World’s Best Island title, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in MIMAROPA Region calls for  stronger, concerted efforts to conserve the province’s natural beauty; and urges those wishing to have a piece of the island paradise, to exercise due diligence before sealing a deal on land investments.

Palawan bagged the title for the fourth time (2013, 2016, 2017) based on the survey conducted by international travel magazine, Travel + Leisure, among its readers. The province bested 24 other islands in the world in terms of natural attractions, resorts and overall value.

Dubbed as the country’s last ecological frontier, Palawan often tops the A-list of tourist destinations because of its rich biodiversity, idyllic beaches, landscapes and overall scenery. Only recently, another international travel publication, the Condé Nast Traveler, hailed the Hidden Beach in El Nido, Palawan, as one of the “30 Best Beaches in the World.”

The DENR anticipates that recent distinctions received by the province would attract more tourists once travel restriction due to the pandemic eases up. With this, the agency stated that the public may expect continuous and more stringent enforcement of laws to ensure integrity of the environment amid influx of tourists and other related activities.

Further, the DENR also urges the public, especially those who would want to acquire real properties for business or leisure purposes in the province, to exercise due diligence when dealing with land investments.

“The distinctions enhance the value of land properties in Palawan, and we regard it as an opportunity to invigorate the real estate business, which at some point, got laid back due to the global health crisis we are all facing,” DENR MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director Ma. Lourdes Ferrer, expressed.

While this may signal the revival of the province’s economic status, the director  cautioned land investors to bank on rightfully informed decisions to avoid getting entangled with illegal transactions or anomalous titling of real property.

Albeit lauded as one of the most sought after tourist attractions in the world, Palawan has its share of challenges in terms of illegal settling and unlawful occupation.

“That is why our first advice to land investors--check the status of the property you are eyeing for. Know which classifications of land can be occupied, and take note of legal proofs of ownership from the seller before buying the land,” the Director warned stakeholders against individuals or companies that may take advantage of the situation.

As a starter, RED Ferrer underscored the provisions of Presidential Decree 705 or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines issued on May 19, 1975, which specifies that no person may utilize, exploit, occupy, possess or conduct any activity within any forestland, unless he has been authorized to do so under a license agreement, lease, license, or permit.

As for lands classified as alienable and disposable (A & D), the director explained that land titles could not be obtained by simply showing a certification from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of these areas’ land classification as such,  more so a tax declaration for both land and improvements (structure).

“We hope to enlighten the public as we often encounter this issue on land title application. The certification issued by the CENRO as well as tax declarations, are only requirements in showing proof of ownership. They are not in any way, tantamount to a clean title of ownership,” she pointed out.

RED Ferrer shared that stakeholders may seek clarification or guidance on land application matters from the  DENR MIMAROPA regional or provincial and community offices. While some of its stations are temporarily closed in observance of health standards against COVID-19, the agency may still be reached online though these contact details This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..ph, and (02) 8428 - 3367, 8429-3367 local 2701.

“We will always be proud of our very own Palawan, because its beauty is recognized worldwide and its unique biodiversity propels social and economic progress. These are the very reasons why we are geared towards tougher protection and conservation efforts, and why we are calling on everybody to do their share in protecting this special piece of land, so that we may judiciously enjoy its most beneficial use, at present and in the future,”  RED Ferrer concluded.###

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Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Press Releases

Published: 14 July 2020

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - MIMAROPA Region has issued Notice to Vacate (NTV) against certain individuals including Beatriz Zobel de Ayala for unlawful occupation of a timberland which is also part of the Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape (MSPLS) in Taytay, Palawan.

The Notice, which was signed by Taytay CENR Officer Alan Valle on March 3, 2020, cited violation of the provisions of Republic Act 7586 as amended by RA 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS) Act of 2018.

The law prohibits (n) occupying or dwelling in any public land within the protected area without clearance from the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).

It also forbids (o) constructing, erecting, or maintaining any kind of structure, fence or enclosure, conducting any business enterprise within the protected area without prior clearance from the PAMB and permit from the DENR, or conducting these activities in a manner that is inconsistent with the management plan duly approved by the PAMB.

The PAMB, the sole policy-making and decision-making body of MSPLS pursuant to the provisions of E-NIPAS Act of 2018 has neither accepted from the respondents, any application for tenurial instrument nor approved any construction of structures in the said area.

Also stated in the NTV is the respondents’ violation of Presidential Decree 705 or the  Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines which prohibits occupation of timberland areas without proper tenurial instrument issued by the DENR.

The illegal occupants were given 30 days upon receipt of the notice to comply, otherwise further legal actions shall be taken against them. The DENR has been monitoring the respondents’ compliance with the NTV, but was restricted due to the enhanced quarantine protocols implemented against the further spread of COVID-19.

The agency has likewise furnished a copy of the NTV to Felipe Valones in response to his letter dated May 18, 2020, which appealed for the agency to look into the alleged occupation and tree-cutting in the protected area. Valones is the Chieftain of indigenous people’s group Nagkakaisang Tribu Tandolanon Barangay Pancol.

Through this release, DENR MIMAROPA would like to shed light on some information in the article “DENR probe urged on El Nido reclamation,” which was published by The Manila Times on June 13, 2020.” The news story said that Palawan-based Environmental Legal Assistance Center headed by Atty. Grizelda Mayo-Anda has claimed that despite knowledge of the issue, the DENR has “not done any concrete actions to address these problems.

“Records and the date of the issued NTV show that even before receipt of the said letter from Mr. Valones, DENR has already conducted investigation and has taken appropriate actions against the respondents, contrary to what was stated in the article,” Regional Executive Director Henry Adornado explained.

“We earnestly hope that with the above-mentioned details, we have given ELAC and the general public, the clear course of actions that we have undertaken to address the matter. Our office is open for clarification so that confusion shall be avoided in publishing wrong information,” the Director remarked. ###

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Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Press Releases

Published: 13 June 2020

Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu is looking forward to the swift resolution of the case involving the illegal arrest and police brutality suffered by a team of environmental enforcers at the hands of Puerto Princesa City Police Director Col. Marion Balonglong.

Balonglong reportedly caused the unlawful arrest and detention of eight employees of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and two others while they were doing field work at Barangay Iwahig in Puerto Princesa City last June 10.

Cimatu expressed outrage at what he called an isolated case, believing it would not affect the “cordial relationship and collaborative partnership” between the DENR and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in enforcing environmental laws.

“As much as I’m furious at what happened to my men, I hope this incident won’t affect the cordial relationship and collaborative partnership the DENR has with the PNP in the fight against environmental crime,” Cimatu said.

The DENR chief said he already brought the matter to Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo M. Año, who has supervisory authority over the PNP.

According to reports reaching the DENR Central Office in Quezon City, the DENR workers—together with a representative from the city government’s Bantay Bakawan and a barangay watchman—were conducting an investigation on the illegal occupation and massive mangrove cutting at Sitio Bucana when they were intercepted by Balonglong and his men.

The DENR employees, who are assigned at the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Puerto Princesa City, consisted of three foresters, four forest rangers and one forest protection officer.

At first, the DENR team thought Balonglong’s group was the police security they requested to assist them in their operation until they were suddenly subjected to full body search and told to lie down on the ground.

Balonglong even repeatedly kicked and punched at gunpoint one of the forest rangers, Roldan Alvarez, whom he accused of stealing galvanized iron sheets.

After the body search, all 10 of them were ordered to board a police service vehicle which brought them to a vacant lot supposedly owned by Balonglong.  There, the police chief made Alvarez to kneel while he and his companions were being interrogated on their purpose of going to the mangrove site.

They were later brought to the police station in Barangay San Pedro where CENR Officer Felizardo Cayatoc, who approved of the DENR operation, pleaded for their release. 

Balonglong ordered their release following a long dialogue and after Cayatoc agreed to sign a document stating that the DENR personnel were in good mental and physical condition when they were turned over to him.

Members of the DENR team were harassed, arrested and detained by Balonglong and his men in the absence of a warrant and without citing any violation.  Alvarez sustained wounds and bruises due to Balonglong’s beating.

Upon learning about the incident, Cimatu could not hide his outrage.  “It is totally unacceptable that these environmental enforcers who continue to perform their duties despite the COVID-19 pandemic have to suffer violence at the hands of the police, who should be assisting them in their operations,” he said.

The former Armed Forces chief said the DENR will assist its employees in pursuing legal action against Balonglong and his men. # 

DENR press releases and other news/feature articles are posted at the DENR website: www.denr.gov.ph. For queries/comments, write: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Press Releases

Published: 12 June 2020

As the whole country transitions to the “new normal,” the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in MIMAROPA Region ensures the public that it is ready to continue delivering excellent public service while strictly observing the government’s community quarantine protocols to fight COVID-19.

“As we face this pandemic, we have put in place specific measures to maintain our efficiency and effectiveness. And we start with the safety and well-being of our personnel,” OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Management Services Bighani Manipula stated.

Personnel welfare and development

Based on Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 10, series of 2020, which sets multiple alternative working arrangements, Regional Executive Director Henry Adornado signed on May 8, 2020 a  memorandum circular that supplements the flexible work arrangements in the regional and field offices of DENR MIMAROPA.

This includes skeleton workforce, four-day (compressed) work week, staggered working hours and telecommuting or work-from-home, particularly those who are living far away from their respective offices for the duration of the community quarantine.

“Alongside this, we have provided service vehicles to ferry our personnel who are required to physically report to the office,” ARD Manipula added.

As regards maintaining professional development among employees, the agency’s Human Resource and Development Section (HRDS) designed a series of virtual seminars through CSC’s Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM).  Part of this pilot online session tackled the crucial role of all employees in creating and developing DENR culture, which is anchored on the core values of discipline, excellence, nobility, and responsibility.

“We would like to inculcate to our employees that we have to live these organizational values with or without pandemic. As public servants, it is our duty to give our best at all times,” the director remarked. 

In the conduct of virtual seminars,  Chief of HRDS Edna Tarrosa said that patience, creativity and constant checking would help keep employees on board. “Just like what we used to do whenever we hold actual training sessions, we try to make the presentations comprehensive and interactive. We also ask for the participants’ evaluation of the activity so we know their level of appreciation as well as the areas we have to improve on.”

“It is a challenge for both the trainers and trainees. But with the cooperation of everybody, we are positive that we can champion learning and development, even online,” she pointed out.

To date, HRDS has already organized eight online seminars since its kick off on May 5. 

Meanwhile, DENR MIMAROPA’s Personnel Section also moved to virtual recruitment plan as a strategy to expedite selection and promotion process, and as a remedy to ease workforce shortage due to the temporary non-hiring of employees under Contract of Service

At present, the office is further developing the system to ensure efficiency of the program implementation, which includes automatic tally of results of interviews and exams, for speedy yet credible computation of the applicants’ scores.

“It (virtual recruitment) is cost and time effective. More importantly, as we limit physical interaction, we are able to lessen the risk of spreading diseases while we continue hiring and upgrading the status of our workforce,” Chief of Personnel Section, Maria Cristina Rendorio explained.

Besides recruitment and career development, DENR MIMAROPA also makes sure employees are given due recognition amid this trying time.

On May 6, 2020, the agency prepared a simple program for the retirement of Marny Salazar, the Chief of the Cashiering Section. With minimum health standards and social distancing measures enforced, RED Adornado led the program by awarding a plaque of recognition for the 42 years of service rendered by Salazar. He also administered the turnover of responsibilities as section chief to Ma. Teresa Soriano.

The program, although short and simple, was made more meaningful by the greetings of Salazar’s family and colleagues who made their presence felt via phone calls and Zoom, a cloud-based video conferencing service.

Adhering to the Ease of Doing Business Law

The DENR MIMAROPA has also stepped up its survey verification and approval system when it started accepting electronic copy of survey returns and land records in May.

Under this system, the clients need not to personally submit the survey plans because sending them through email will do. It is beneficial to the clients as it cuts the time, cost and effort that they would exert when travelling to the office to submit the documents. They will also be paying online with arrangements made by the office with Landbank and the Bureau of Treasury.

Since the online transaction also allows immediate notification to the clients if they lack certain documents, they would have time to complete the requirements before proceeding to the office to submit the original survey plans for approval. This way, clients would not need to come back every now and then, giving them the much ease in doing business with DENR MIMAROPA.

“Even during the ECQ, when most operations and travels were restricted, we observed a higher number on the survey plans processed because of virtual transaction. Since we started the service online, we have already received 422 land survey records requests and 84 plans submitted  for Inspection, Verification and Approval Surveys (IVAS),” reported Roman Legaspi, DENR MIMAROPA’s Chief of Surveys and Mapping Division. 

Those who wish to send scanned copy of survey returns may email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before they submit the hard copy for approval.

Health and safety measures

While a regular workforce is present to attend to the clients, DENR MIMAROPA advises the public to call before proceeding to the office to lessen the risk of exposure to diseases of both employees and clients. They may contact the office at (02) 82493367 local 2701 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For those we will be visiting the office for urgent concerns, please be informed that DENR MIMAROPA is strictly observing health and security measures. Clients, as well as employees, who are not wearing face masks and with temperature reading of 37.8℃ shall be denied entry to the building. Hand washing facilities, hand sanitizers/alcohol dispensers are also made available around the office and in all entrances to allow visitors and employees to disinfect. Social distancing is likewise strictly enforced.

“This pandemic has caused us to be physically apart. But technology, coupled with cooperation and unity, would propel us to uphold the safety and wellbeing of each other, and the success of the agency in serving the public with utmost dedication and excellence,” ARD Manipula concluded.###

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Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Press Releases

Published: 08 June 2020

Picture perfect.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in MIMAROPA concluded this year’s celebration of Month of the Ocean with breathtaking photos of the region’s marine protected areas (MPAs) taking the center stage.

The photos captured the picturesque Apo Reef Natural Park in Occidental Mindoro; El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area, Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape, Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary and Ursula Island Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary, which are all located in Palawan.

They were submitted by 48 individuals who joined “Picture Perfect,” the agency’s online activity which invited the general public to share on social media, photos of MPAs in MIMAROPA Region that they wish to go back to or visit after the quarantine, on when it is already safe for everybody to travel.

Picture Perfect was DENR MIMAROPA’s way of commemorating the environmental event while observing strict protocols issued by the government to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“We used to hold coastal cleanup activities but since mass gathering is restricted, we resorted to using the social media to promote the MPAs and develop a deeper appreciation on the significance of marine protected areas in our lives,” Regional Executive Director Henry Adornado explained.

And since the photos were taken from 48 different perspectives, these paved way for the readers to discover more of the MPAs distinct features--the pristine waters and vibrant life under the sea, the fine sand along the coastline, the enchanting mangrove areas, the energy they exude at daytime, and the subtle charm they provide when the sun sets in. 

“We are thankful to the participants because their pictures give us a glimpse of paradise, and albeit virtual, allow us to get closer to nature,” the Director said.

The MIMAROPA Region, which is comprised of the island provinces of Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan, is blessed with hundreds of marine protected areas which, like the ones mentioned above,  spell beauty and significant value to the people and the community.  Unfortunately, some human activities cause water pollution, encroachment and unsustainable practices that threaten, if not damage, the rich biodiversity of these marine areas.

Hence, the theme of this year’s Month of the Ocean celebration, “PAra sa Tao, Protected Areas for a Protected Future,” underscored the essence of sustaining these  marine resources for the next generations.

In support to this, Picture Perfect also encouraged participants to send along with their photos, their personal commitment towards conserving the MPAs. Photos were likewise shared to spread the advocacy on responsible tourism. Two participants whose photos garnered the most number of likes would receive an eco-friendly bamboo tumbler, which was also in line with the agency’s no “to single-use plastic campaign.”

“The decisions we make today help define the kind of environment that awaits our children and grandchildren. With this activity, we hope to inspire more people to make decisions that will never harm, but instead, ensure preservation of our natural resources for the future generations,” RED Adornado concluded.

To view the stunning MPAs in MIMAROPA visit https://www.facebook.com/DENRMIMAROPA/. ###

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Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Press Releases

Published: 07 June 2020