A breathtaking milestone in the conservation of Mt. Apo Natural Park has been unveiled by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Mount Apo Natural Park Protected Area Management Office (DENR-MANP PAMO Cotabato), in a stunning rare display of aerial courtship of the critically endangered Philippine Eagles. The courtship between the two eagles has been spotted recently, and it has raised the bar in the ongoing efforts to protect and save these raptors.

From November 6 to November 11, MANP Cotabato through its Philippine Eagle Monitoring Team composed of Deputy PASu Shirley P. Uy, Focal Person Arnold Allen S. Chin, Lucky Jay Naquines, Jayson Serrano, and Rufino Iday Jr. conducted a Philippine Eagle Monitoring activity, during which the captivating encounter took place. The eagles engaged in the courtship symbolize not only their readiness for procreation but also the critical role that breeding pairs play in maintaining the population growth and survival of their kind.

The male and the female eagles performed aerobatics and locked their talons together as they soared high into the sky to begin their courtship. During the process, the pair also vocalized what seemed to be distinguishing calls in order to communicate and strengthen their pair bond. As the courtship progresses, the pair engaged in intricate mid-air dances, spiraling dives, and impressive maneuvers that highlight their grace and power.

This remarkable discovery has even greater significance because it was made during the eagles' breeding season, which is normally observed from October to December. In one instance, a presumed female Philippine Eagle (Phithecophaga jefferyi) perched on White Lauan tree (Shorea contorta) was observed feeding on Philippine Long Tailed-Macaque brought by the Male Philippine Eagle.

In addition to demonstrating the value of the area as a habitat, the existence of a breeding pair inside Mt. Apo Natural Park also attests to the general health of the ecosystem. It highlights the vital interdependence of a healthy ecosystem, which gives apex predators like the Philippine Eagle access to vital resources like suitable nesting sites and prey species.

Conservation efforts on the determination of the natural behaviors of critically endangered Philippine Eagles were obtained through the diligent monitoring of the MANP Cotabato team. The eagles' aerial courtship was documented, confirming DENR-MANP PAMO Cotabato's dedication to protecting the ecosystem of Mt. Apo Natural Park and demonstrating the effectiveness of cooperative conservation efforts.

This documentation emphasizes ongoing monitoring and habitat protection, adding to the body of knowledge crucial to the conservation of the Philippine Eagle. The endeavors of DENR demonstrates committed conservation and provide optimism for the Philippine Eagle's sustained existence, highlighting our shared obligation to protect these remarkable avians for upcoming generations. # (𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘔𝘈𝘕𝘗 𝘊𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘰) | 𝘙𝘚𝘊𝘐𝘎𝘑

𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧, 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR PENRO) Sarangani, joined forces with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Glan, along with LGU Malapatan to champion the long-term advocacy: "Pagbabago: A Million Learners and Trees Campaign" on Saturday, August 12.

The event drew the participation of 582 attendees, contributing to the planting of 6,000 seedlings in Purok Sto. Niño, Bgy. Lun Masla, Malapatan, Sarangani. This included 4,500 Falcata seedlings, 1,000 Lauan seedlings, and 500 Ilang Ilang seedlings, all nurtured across an expansive 8-hectare expanse. This joint endeavor underscores the mutual commitment of both organizations toward environmental enrichment.

The stewardship of the planted trees will fall under the capable care of the local communities of Purok Sto. Niño, led by the BLGU Lun Masla.

In her message, PENRO Maria Elvira V. Lumayag conveyed, "The campaign symbolizes the powerful synergy that arises from the collaboration between government and community. Initiatives like these not only ignite ongoing engagement but also emphasize the pivotal connection between education and environmental sustainability."

The "Pagbabago: A Million Learners and Trees Campaign" has captured the hearts and minds of communities nationwide, fostering a harmonious blend of education and environmental sustainability. This visionary undertaking, led by the Office of the Vice President, exemplifies a shared dedication to embracing positive transformation.

Meanwhile, Mayor Salway D. Sumbo Jr. underscored the campaign's significance for the municipality, stating, "This endeavor signifies more than a mere singular effort; it stands as a testament to our unwavering determination in confronting the challenges posed by climate change. Through its steadfast implementation, we are actively safeguarding the well-being of future generations against the adverse effects of these environmental changes."

Conduct of the said activity was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Malapatan, as well as other national government agencies and the local community. (𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐎 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐈𝐎 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐥 𝐑. 𝐂𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐨) |𝐑𝐒𝐂𝐈𝐆𝐏

 

For more photos and videos, please click the link: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=687494160087599&set=pcb.687495180087497

 

𝐊𝐎𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐃𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨 – One hundred eleven (111) Olive Ridley sea turtle, locally known as ‘pawikan,’ hatchlings returned to their natural habitat in Sarangani Bay on June 16 after they were released by environment workers and concerned stakeholders in line with the celebration of World Sea Turtle Day 2023.

Forester Abdul D. Cariga, community environment and natural resources officer (CENRO) of Kiamba in Sarangani Province, said 40 sea turtle hatchlings were freed at the Pawikan Hatchery and Learning Center in Barangay Kiambing, Maitum town while the other 71 were released at Barangay Luma in the Municipality of Kiamba by 64 participants from the DENR, local government units, Municipal ENROs, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, and academe.

The World Sea Turtle Day is celebrated annually every June 16 to highlight their significance in marine ecosystem. (With report and photos from DENR-CENRO Kiamba) | 𝐑𝐒𝐂𝐈𝐆𝐌

#DENR12News #WorldSeaTurtleDay2023 #EnvironmentMonth2023 #TayoAngKalikasan

𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐄𝐋, 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 – More than 60 dolphins were sighted by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 personnel and concerned stakeholders in Sarangani Bay on World Oceans Day, June 8, while conducting the regular marine mammal monitoring in the protected seascape.

DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) of Sarangani Maria Elvira V. Lumayag said the team composed of personnel from PENRO Sarangani, Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS), Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 12, some vloggers, students, and marine enthusiasts spotted four (4) Risso's and 60 Spinner dolphins off the coast of Alabel town. “Our celebration of this year’s World Oceans Day serves as our interconnectedness with the ocean, shedding light on its vital role and raising awareness on the ways we can protect it,” PENRO Lumayag said.

Joy C. Ologuin, protected area superintendent (PASu) of the SBPS, emphasized the importance of adapting strategies to engage a wider audience and inspire them to become proactive in ocean conservation. "The tides are indeed changing and we must adjust our approaches accordingly. Through our partnership with the DOT-12, social media vloggers, and local marine enthusiasts, we are taking significant steps to encourage public participation in safeguarding our marine wildlife," she said. (With report and photos from DENR-PENRO Sarangani) | 𝐑𝐒𝐂𝐈𝐆𝐌

#DENR12News #WorldOceansDay2023 #TayoAngKalikasan

 

Revive and restore degraded wetlands!

 

A resonating call that brings about the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Region 12 to rally on the restoration of its wetlands.

 

“We all have our individual share of restoring our wetlands. We have to save the world’s wetlands from total oblivion and restore them in a way that we can preserve the biodiversity.”

 

DENR-12 Regional Executive Director (RED) Atty. Felix Alicer emphasized the significance of wetlands in the preservation of life and promoting intergenerational responsibility in the protection of the environment and natural resources.

 

As provided in its latest data, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands informs the public that 35% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared in the last 50 years. This is the utmost reason why a campaign to revive and restore degraded wetlands is being pushed through worldwide. Among the many types of ecosystems, wetlands are vital for biodiversity.

 

In Region 12, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Cotabato along with its Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENRO) of Matalam and of Midsayap teamed up in the culmination of activities of World Wetlands Day (WWD) 2023 relative to this year’s theme, “Time for Wetland Restoration”.

 

Engaging the stakeholders, promoting advocacies on wetland protection through information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns, and community organizing are the approaches that DENR-12 utilizes to realize its program, projects, and activities.

 

This year, PENRO Cotabato adhered to these approaches as they immersed a communication-based approach in sharing with their participants the campaign on the protection and preservation of the wetlands in the province. Together with CENRO Matalam, they facilitated an IEC campaign to the punong-barangay, barangay kagawad, and some barangay staff at Brgy. Dugong M’lang, Cotabato in honor also of the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

 

Earlier this month, CENRO Matalam together with Manobo Apao Descendants Ancestral Domain of Mt. Apo (MADADMA) facilitated a tree growing at Lake Agco, Kidapawan City, Cotabato where a total of 100 seedlings of Almon species were planted.

 

Planting trees along wetland areas can be part of restoring wetlands and providing a water source to maintain flow to waterways during dry weather. The activity aimed to create global awareness of the significant role that wetlands play for people and encourage actions to conserve and restore.

 

CENRO Matalam presented the results of two-day on-site surveillance in the area of Brgy. Dugong, M’lang, and Cotabato where data analysis was discussed. It was also found that based on trends between 2020 and 2023, there are 1,423 individual bird species consisting of 14 migratory birds and 12 other species that have been sighted this year.

 

Like the initiatives of PENRO Cotabato and its CENROs, Ramsar suggests that we need to take action in three specific ways such as conscious choices to minimize our own impact on wetlands, persuasive voices to educate and activate others to get involved in wetland restoration, and bold actions and taking part in wetland restoration efforts locally. Now is the time to take action. (With reports from PENRO COTABATO and CENRO Matalam, and photos from MANP Cotabato) | RSCIGJ