𝐊𝐎𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐃𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨 – Various activities have been conducted by the Regional and Field Offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office XII in celebration of the 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD) this March 8 with the theme "Embrace Equity”.

DENR Regional Office (RO) and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) South Cotabato joined in the motorcade event of the local government unit (LGU) of Koronadal spearheaded by RO Gender and Development Focal Person Marcelina Cabaňa together with different agencies in the region whereas CENRO Midsayap partook in the activities of their LGU which included a product exhibit, free haircut, manicure and pedicure, foot massage, and giving of contraceptives for all the participants.

An orientation was then conducted by CENRO Midsayap’s CEMU - Senior EMS Johamed L. Penduma on the different environmental laws enforced by the EMB. The orientation aims to give awareness of the intervention done by the DENR-EMB to the different projects/ establishments in reducing or eliminating the adverse impacts of their operations.

PENRO Sarangani proudly recognized the invaluable contribution of the men and women personnel from the Community ENROs of Glan and Kiamba in achieving social transformation and building an environment that provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos. As part of their celebration, said office installed a photo booth in their office premises, conducted board games, and gave advocacy campaign cards to its clients. A Zumba event was likewise spearheaded by PENRO Sarangani, PENRO South Cotabato, and CENRO Midsayap to promote physical fitness and wellness to all its employees.

On the other hand, CENRO Matalam spearheaded livelihood training on baking which may provide both their male and female employees an additional source of income.

DENR XII Regional Executive Director Atty. Felix S. Alicer commends this year's celebration of the IWD which strengthens the department’s support to embrace justness and recognize the unique needs and contributions of each individual to create a workplace that values diversity, equity, and mutual respect. (With report and photos from PENRO Sarangani IO Designate -Sheryl R. Cabildo, PENRO South Cotabato, CENRO Kiamba, CENRO Glan, CENRO Midsayap and CENRO Matalam) |RSCIGP

 

 

DENR XII Regional and Field Offices conducted kick-off activities for the National Women’s Month (NWM) celebration today, March 6 during the 1st Monday flag-raising ceremony.

Bearing the theme “We for Gender Equality & Inclusive Society”, this celebration aims to celebrate women all around the globe and emphasize their need for compassionate and harmonized networks towards gender equality and women’s empowerment.

ARD for Technical Services Engr. Mama G. Samaon and ARD for Management Services Forester Mamutur D. Cariga together with the Division Chiefs gave out roses to female employees to greet them and make them feel special during this women’s month.

In his message, ARD Samaon expressed his gratitude to the entire women workforce of the department saying that their presence in the office makes everything better and worthwhile.

The program was followed by the usual updating, announcement and presentation of accomplishments by the line bureau directors and heads of offices. A Zumba competition was also held thereafter wherein winners were given a cash prize.

Meanwhile, PENROs and CENROs in coordination with their Gender and Development focal person conducted a brief information education and communication (IEC) campaign discussing women’s roles in the environment, RA 11313 or Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) and RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women Act (VAWC) of 2004.

On the other hand, CENRO Kalamansig conducted blood pressure monitoring and medicine distribution to its employees whereas PENRO Cotabato and CENRO Banga conducted a Zumba competition among its personnel and staff.

The flag-raising ceremony was hosted by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau XII in coordination with the Regional Office GAD Focal Person Marcelina Cabaña.

In attendance was EMB Regional Director Engr. Omar M. Saikol and his employees together with MGB's staff and personnel.

Various activities for the women’s month celebration are expected to continue until March 31. (with reports and photos from DENR XII PENR/CENR Offices) | RSCIGP

 

The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Banga – Caves and Wildlife Management Unit (CWMU) recently conducted an information, education and communication (IEC) campaign, community orientation, data gathering, and cave visit in relation to the preparation and drafting of Cave Management Plan of Elvas and Palanog Cave located in Brgy. Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

The conducted IEC campaign focused on cave laws, particularly the Republic Act 9072 also known as the “National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act”.

Conservation and Development Section (CDS) Chief/ For. II Gemma N. Olivo together with her team likewise presented the profile of Elvas and Palanog Caves acquired in 2018 after their discussion on Cave Classification and guidelines covering the naming of caves and other similar features.

Olivo stressed that the protection of caves is vital for the environment. “I encourage everyone to protect and conserve our caves by planting any indigenous species within the vicinity area and by practicing proper waste disposal”, she said.

Meanwhile, Lake Sebu MENRO representative Danny Dubla committed to provide the needed indigenous tree seedlings to the community. Barangay officials and Sitio leaders also pledged their full support on the said undertaking.

Republic Act 9072 or the National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act declare the conservation protection and management of caves as part of the country’s natural wealth. (With report and photo from CENRO Banga IO Designate Alnayah Mohammad Ayman) | RSCIGP

𝐆𝐋𝐀𝐍, 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 – An endangered female green sea turtle locally known as “pawikan,” was freed and returned back to its natural habitat on Friday (March 3) after it was trapped in a fishnet.

Dr. Rosalinda Cortez, community environment and natural resources officer (CENRO) of Glan, said her office received a report from Protected Area Ranger Hejerol Diabal that the pawikan was rescued by a bantay dagat in Barangay Burias of this town on Friday morning after being entangled in a fishnet. The pawikan was immediately turned over to the Pawikan Rescue Center in Burias for health examination.

Based on the assessment of Nelson Ycon, park maintenance foreman of the CENRO Glan, the pawikan measures 40 centimeters long, 44 cm wide, weighed 30 kilograms, and fit for release. Before it was freed in Sarangani Bay, the pawikan was tagged with serial number PH2530A for monitoring and identification which is vital in marine turtle conservation.

Dr. Cortez said the pawikan might return to the navigated shorelines of Burias to lay its eggs. She said that female adult green sea turtles can lay thousands of eggs over their lifetime, but only few survive to maintain their species.

“Every wildlife species has a crucial role in our ecosystems. With our help in the preservation and protection of these species, we are ensuring that our future generations can enjoy our natural world and the precious species that live within it,” she said.

The green sea turtle is listed as endangered species per DENR Administrative Order 2019-09 dated July 12, 2019, thus the government is moving for stronger conservation measures. (With report and photos from JCDumanon, DENR-CENRO Glan IO Designate) | RSCIGM

 

 

 

𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐒 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 and the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) have officially launched the SBPS Week 2023 during the celebration of SBPS Day on Sunday (March 5) in this city in commemoration of the protected seascape’s 27th proclamation anniversary

Engr. Mama Samaon, DENR-12 assistant regional director for technical services, said that what the public is witnessing in SBPS is the fruit of everyone’s continuous effort to protect and conserve the protected seascape. “Let us open this weeklong celebration by also renewing our vows of strengthened conservation and protection efforts through our actions and decisions guided by our conscience and existing laws and regulations,” he added.

During the opening program, several groups showcased their talents in Mass Dance Competition which was judged by CENRO Larry Curias (chairperson of the board of judges), Symond Guillermo, Arlex Narte, Jellybee Baay-Prinsepe, and JM Decenilla.

The Team Indayog from Gensan was declared champion in the competition while the Kalinga Ensemble of Maasim and Indak Siklab of Barangay Labangal in Gensan got the second and third places, respectively.

The program was also attended by DENR-12 Conservation and Development Division Chief Dr. Ali M. Hadjinasser, CENROs, officials and employees of DENR-12 regional and field offices, representatives of partner local government units and national government agencies, private sectors, and other stakeholders.

Several activities are also lined up for this week such as the launching of Protected Area Management Office Building on March 6; SBPS People’s Day on March 8-9; Research Colloquium and Babay Awards 2023 on March 10; and the Coastal Cleanup, Mangrove Cleanup and Planting on March 11.

The SBPS was proclaimed as protected seascape by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 756 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos in 1996. It was also legislated as protected seascape through the Republic Act No. 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Area System Act of 2018. | RSCIGM

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