๐๐๐๐: Several concerned DENR-12 personnel convened recently to expedite this yearโs implementation of Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Management Program (CMEMP) in the Soccsksargen Region, ensuring prompt action and impactful outputs.
In a year starter leveling-off meeting on Feb. 13-16 initiated by the DENR-12 Coastal Resource and Foreshore Management Section (CRFMS) and attended by technical and planning personnel alongside with immediate supervisors, Conservation and Development Division (CDD) Chief Ali M. Hadjinasser, PhD emphasized the significance of the event in demonstrating their commitment to effective coastal and marine ecosystems management. He stressed the importance of fostering open dialogue and aligning understanding among field implementers to synchronize efforts, address challenges, and ensure seamless execution of the CMEMP.
As the region embarks a new phase of sustainable resource management, the CRFMS remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the objectives of the CMEMP. Through a shared vision and concerted efforts, the focus remains on promoting the health and resilience of coastal and marine environments. ### (WIth report and photos from CDD-CRFMS | ๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐จ๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ, ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐จ๐ญ๐๐๐๐ญ๐จ โ The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) โ 12 in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kidapawan City initially discussed pushing for a 50-hectare watershed reservation and other future collaborations during a courtesy visit with Kidapawan City Mayor Atty. Jose Paolo M. Evangelista on February 13.
Accordingly, it was discussed by the DENR-12 through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENR) Officer of Cotabato Radzak B. Sinarimbo, Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) Officer of Matalam For. Abdulnagib T. Ringia and Deputy Protected Area Superintendent (PASU) of Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP) Mary Eve Nachon with the LGU of Kidapawan City that there will be a proposal for the establishment of a nursery site through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
In that vision, DENR-12 and LGU Kidapawan City would push for a 50-hectare watershed reservation area and will schedule a PAMB presentation to the Sangguniang Panglungsod for its adoption by the three LGUs of Kidapawan, Magpet, and Makilala. Upon completion of the Canopy '25 program where the City of Kidapawan was committed to planting and nurturing 2.5 million trees, a proposed declaration of Local Watershed Area must be implemented afterward.
According to City Mayor Evangelista, the planned partnership would provide a chance to demonstrate and educate the public and the national government about the areaโs best practices. He also anticipated that by 2025, more budgetary proposals and perhaps more funding would be available to support a longer-lasting partnership aimed at restoring and protecting the environment. Greater attention should be paid to a long-term partnership.
Further, PENR Officer Sinarimbo reaffirmed the commitment to protecting and improving the watershed regions to boost water resource availability and encourage partnerships with local government entities and other stakeholders. Along with protecting and maintaining the environment and natural resources, this endeavor would bring local government organizations, the department, and other stakeholders together. ### (๐๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐ข๐ง๐๐จ๐ง๐ข๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐ก๐จ๐ญ๐จ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ) | ๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐: The Regional Gender and Development Focal Point System (RGFPS) of DENR-12 chaired by the ARD for Management Services (ARD-MS) Maria Elvira V. Lumayag spearheaded a meeting on February 16, at the Regional Office XII, Koronadal City.
ARD Lumayag and the RGFPS members discussed the preparations for this yearโs Womenโs Month in March, including the work and financial plan, capacitation on a database, re-orientation of the GAD plan and budget, and the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF). ### With reports and photos from LSaarte Gender and Development-Regional Office | ๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐, ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐จ๐ญ๐๐๐๐ญ๐จ.The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) South Cotabato in coordination with Community (ENROs) of General Santos City, and Banga conducted an orientation and paralegal training for the Deputation of Environment and Natural Resources Officers (DENROs) on February 14, at EMR Center, Barangay Morales, this city.
The activity aims to strengthen the capacity of partner agencies/volunteers considering their crucial role in the enforcement of environmental laws, rules, and regulations.
It was attended by thirty (30) participants from the local government units (LGUs) of General Santos City, Polomolok, Tupi, Tampakan, and Surallah all in the province of South Cotabato.
Atty. Florencio C. Amago, Jr., chief of the Enforcement Division (ED) โ Regional Office discussed the topics on Philippine forestry, the status of forestry enforcement in the Philippines, and salient points of Presidential Decree No. 705 or โRevised Forestry Code of the Philippines and DENR Administrative Order No. 97-32 or the โ1997 Rules for the Administrative Adjudication of Illegal Forest Products and the Machinery, Equipment, Tools and Conveyances Used in Connection Therewithโ while, Forester Zobair B. Sidic, Development Management Officer III of Licenses, Patents and Deeds (LPDD) โ Regional Office discussed the policies and regulations on tree cutting and transport of forest products.
The participants were also taught on the proper filling-up of forms/documents on apprehension, seizure, and confiscation of undocumented forest products including the conveyances, equipment, and vehicles used in the commission of the forest violations.
In addition, the orientation/training is necessary for the approval of the application of new DENROs and/or renewal of appointment of those deputized in the year 2023.
DENROs role is vital in addressing threats posed within the forest lands. They also serve as an additional workforce in the detection, deterrence, apprehension, and prosecution of forest violators since the number of forest law enforcement officers in the DENR is limited.
Meanwhile, on February 13, PENRO South Cotabato conducted the same orientation and paralegal training at the same venue for the 55 Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEO) participants coming from the same mentioned municipalities in the activity on February 14 , including Norala and Lake Sebu.
It aims to enhance the knowledge and capability of WEOs in the implementation of Wildlife laws, rules, and regulations, which is also part of the requirements in the deputation of WEOs as stated under Section 30 of RA 9147, or the โWildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Actโ.
Atty. Amago with the technical staff of ED, LPDD, and Protected Area Management Office (PAMO)-Allah Valley Protected Landscape (AVPL) served as resource speakers. ### With reports and photos from MEdsil, PENRO South Cotabato Information Officer | ๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ข ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐๐ - The DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Kiamba has awarded on Tuesday (Feb. 13) six contracts to five peopleโs organizations under the Enhanced National Greening Program (eNGP) for the second year maintenance and protection of 70 hectares plantations that will alleviate the flooding and soil erosion issues in some towns in Sarangani Province.
Under the letter of agreements (LOAs), the POs are entrusted to maintain and protect the 69-hectare bamboo plantations and one-hectare indigenous trees plantations in Maasim, Kiamba, and Maitum towns.
For. Shalimar A. Disomangcop, provincial environment and natural resources officer (PENRO) of Sarangani, said the endeavor not only ensures the preservation of local biodiversity but also contributes to mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable livelihoods within the communities.
CENR Officer Felix D. Robles emphasized that aside from environmental benefits of their partnership with the POs, the program will also improve the farmerโs purchasing powers which is a key indicator in uplifting the community. ### (With report and photos from SRCabildo, PENRO Sarangani IO Designate) | ๐๐๐๐๐๐