𝐌𝐀𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐌, 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 – The DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Kiamba recently joined the inauguration of an eco-tourism site in Barangay Tinoto of this town that is renowned for its community engagement, ecological methods, and natural beauty.

The Tinoto Community-Based Eco-tourism (TCBET), which aims to showcase the most popular tourist sites in the area, is a social enterprise initiated by AWO International through the OND Hesed, Provincial Government of Sarangani, Municipal Government of Maasim, and Asnalang Fisherfolks Association.

Various views can be seen at the TCBET including the statue of Gong Dugong – Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape flagship species; a boardwalk established and maintained by CENRO Kiamba; fish cage of Asnalang Fisherfolks Association; and the JML Beach House which is considered as the “Little Coron of Maasim.”

One of the highlights during the launching on Nov. 15 was the planting of mangroves which will also be experienced by all the future visitors of TCBET. ### (With report and photos from ADTenio, CENRO Kiamba IO Designate) | 𝐑𝐒𝐂𝐈𝐆𝐌

NOVEMBER 23, 2023- BANGA, South Cotabato - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region XII in partnership with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA) XII proudly conducted a tree-growing activity in celebration of the 16th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week, with the theme "Bayanihan Para sa Klima: Bagong Bansang Matatag," the event took place on November 23, 2023, in Brgy. Improgo, Banga, South Cotabato.

Aligned with the mission to combat climate change and promote environmental stewardship, DENR XII and DA XII joined forces to organize this significant initiative. The Office of the Community Environment and Natural Resources - (CENRO) Banga played a pivotal role, assisting in identifying the ideal location for the tree-growing endeavor.

The event was graced by the presence of esteemed personnel of CENRO Banga, Regional Office Climate Change Focal and employees, a team from DA XII, and passionate students from the Koronadal National Comprehensive High School.

This tree-growing activity symbolizes a shared commitment to environmental conservation and underscores the importance of proactive measures in addressing climate change. Each sapling planted stands as a testament to the dedication of the participants in building a greener for a more sustainable tomorrow.

Both DENR XII and DA XII express heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in making this event a resounding success. Through collective efforts and unwavering determination, these agencies remain steadfast in their pursuit of a resilient and environmentally conscious nation. (Courtesy: CENRO Banga IO Almira Andatuan and RSCIG)

𝐊𝐈𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐀, 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 – The DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Kiamba has turned over recently the management and maintenance of a newly established Small Water Impounding System (SWIS) to a National Greening Program (NGP) recipient people’s organization in Barangay Kapate of this town.

This was made after an agreement signed by CENR Officer Abdul D. Cariga and Datal Nuhag Farmers Association president Mario Aman on November 14.

The 16 cubic meters structure, which will benefit more than 50 households, is designed to address the problems on supply and allocation of water in certain watershed communities as cited in FMB Technical Bulletin No 13-a. ### With report and photos from ADTenio, CENRO Kiamba IO Designate | 𝐑𝐒𝐂𝐈𝐆𝐌

Top officials of the DENR and protected areas in Region 12 convened recently in Glan, Sarangani Province for this year’s Second Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Conference to deal with some issues concerning the PAs.

DENR-12 Regional Executive Director and Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) Chair Atty. Felix S. Alicer said "Our protected areas are our remaining frontiers in preserving our environment and local biodiversity. Though each protected area comes with its own set of challenges, we must take a unified stance in addressing these issues to protect our natural resources," he said.

The conference on Nov. 16-17 served as an avenue for the management offices of Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP), Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL), Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS), Allah Valley Protected Landscape (AVPL), and Libungan River Watershed Forest Reserve (LRWFR) to share their respective issues, concerns, and lessons learned.

Among the matters discussed were the issuances of Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) within PAs, the organizational structure of the PAMB, status of tenurial instruments, and the interpretation of easement areas in SBPS. ### With report and photos from PENRO Sarangani | 𝐑𝐒𝐂𝐈𝐆𝐌

Since 2021, Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP) – Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) Cotabato has been regularly conducting the Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS), which began with a single transect site in the lower montane ecosystem.

This year, five observation sites covering the lower, middle, and upper montane regions of Mount Apo were added. It was made possible by funding from its Integrated Protected Area Fund-Retention and Income Account (IPAF-RIA).

More findings of the avifauna sightings were recorded this year indicating the high abundance of species in the area. As recorded, there is an increased number of avifauna species. This observation could have been brought about by the conservation efforts imposed by MANP Sub-PAMB since 2021 through its ‘NO CLIMB’ policy for the months of June to August, the observed mating periods of birds in this area.

This year, the team used highly effective devices to record the bird species in addition to the unique flora and fauna species observed. Some of the species observed were the following:

a) Philippine Eagle (Pithecopyga jefferyi), Pinsker’s hawk-eagle (Nisaetus pinskeri), and Amethyst Brown Dove (Phapitreron amethystinus)- threatened species.

b) Bird species found in the island of Mindanao only were recorded such as the Apo myna (Basilornis mirandus)- flagship species of Kidapawan City, Cinnamon Ibon (Hypocryptadius cinnamomeus), and Apo sunbird (Aethopyga boltoni).

c) Avian species found only in the Philippines include the Male and female Philippine trogon (Harpactes ardens), known for its vibrant plumage and melodious calls, often associated with the mythical Ibong Adarna.

d) Birds found exclusively in the country are male and female Mindanao Hornbill (Penelopides affinis), Philippine Serpent eagle (Spilornis holospilus), Black and cinnamon fantail (Rhipidura nigrocinnamomea), Bicoloured flowerpecker (Dicaeum bicolor), Grey-hooded sunbird (Aethopyga primigenia), Short-billed brown dove (Phapitreron brevirostris), Buff-spotted flameback (Chrysocolaptes lucidus), Sulphur billed nuthatch (Sitta oenochlamys), Mindanao blue fantail (Rhipidura superciliaris), Coleto (Sarcops calvus), Guiabero (Bolbopsittacus lunulatus), Elegant tit (Periparus elegans), Brown tit warbler (Macronus striaticeps), Mountain shrike (Lanius validirostris), Southern Rufous Paradise-flycatcher (Terpsiphone cinnamomea), and Southern silvery kingfisher (Ceyx argentatus).

e) Documented in the lower and higher montane of Mt. Apo are the following birds:

Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis), Blue tailed bee-eater (Merops philippinus), Brahminy kite (Haliastur indus), Brown shrike (Lanius cristatus), Citrine Canary Flycatcher (Culicicapa helianthea), Grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea), Grey-streaked flycatchers (Muscicapa griseisticta), Island thrush (Turdus poliocephalus), Philippine cuckoo dove (Macropygia tenuirostris), Scarlet minivet (Pericrocotus flammeus), Large billed crow (Corvus enca) and other species comprising bulbuls, flowerpeckers, flycatchers, babblers, sunbirds, flycatchers, and white eyes.

f) Interestingly, some non-volant mammals also made a noteworthy appearance during the monitoring activities such as the elusive Philippine pygmy squirrel (Exilisciurus concinnus) and Philippine civet cat (Paradoxurus philippensis) were successfully captured on camera after several attempts along with various bat species, herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians), and arthropods were also documented in the area. The team have also sighted the presence of flying lemur in one BMS site during the night sampling, unfortunately, no photographs were taken.

Since it is essential to continuously improve Mt. Apo's current biodiversity status, all stakeholders involved in the area keep up their environmental awareness campaigns. In order to gain strong support, regular CEPA (Communication, Education, and Public Awareness) programs are integrated into MANP Cotabato's annual implementation plan. # (𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑴𝑨𝑵𝑷 𝑪𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒐) | 𝑹𝑺𝑪𝑰𝑮𝑱

 

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