PENRO Guimaras

The DENR Office in Guimaras whose administrative jurisdiction covers the whole Province of Guimaras was established through the passage of the Provincial Development Council’s Resolution requesting for the establishment of an office within the Sub-province of Iloilo. The issuance of DENR Regional Administrative Order No. 251 dated October 11, 1990 created the Environment and Natural Resources District Office (ENRDO) for Guimaras. Consequently, it becomes a district office operating under the immediate supervision of the PENRO, Province of Iloilo.

The dawning of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO)-Guimaras was realized upon the Provincehood of Guimaras where the District Office was elevated to the Provincial level pursuant to Special Order No. 83, dated January 27, 1993 issued by then, DENR Secretary Angel C. Alcala.

PENRO Guimaras led by PENR Officer Edgardo M. Rostata joined the clean up drive at San Isidro, Buenavista, Gumaras in commemoration of the launching of“Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan” Kalinisan sa Bagong Pilipinas program spearheaded by the Department of Interior and Local Government this January 6, 2024. The partnership with DENR with the public and private sectors, the Kalinisan Program is a convergence initiative that aims to maintain and create a safe, green, and healthy environment while enabling community members to participate. It is based on the "Bayanihan System." Furthermore, this activity was carried out primarily to increase community members' awareness of and involvement in responsible solid waste disposal and sound management. As a result, the national launch of the aforementioned program was in accordance with Proclamation 341's Community Development Day Celebration.

Participated by 111 participants including officials from MLGU Buenavista, BLGU San Isidro, DEP ED, BJMP, youth sector and private entities. A total of 40 sacks of solid wastes were picked up and segregated weighing approximately of 224 kilograms.

In behalf of PENR Officer Edgardo M. Rostata, EMS II Rachel Ann Dequilla, gave the pledge of support commending the initiative of Barangay San Isidro on the active involvement on the environmental endeavors, emphasized the green innovations and youth engagement of “young environmentalists” on protecting and conserving our mother nature.

Since he was previously with the DENR, Sangguniang Bayan Member Valentin Talabero, the Chair of the Committee on Environment, emphasizes in his message” we should walk the talk,” and has been author of an ordinance on solid waste management implementation, no segregation, no collection policy with proposed fines and penalties on the violators in the municipality. As Guimaras Province is very vulnerable to the effect of climate change with various implications on our health and environment, he underscored the importance of the ridge to reef approach on managing the environment. He also recognized the initiatives of Barangay San Isidro on sound practices and management of solid wastes; one sack of empty plastic bottles in exchange of 2.25kilograms of rice which can be replicated by other barangays. The barangay was a recipient of 2nd Runner-up on the Provincial Search for the Cleanest and Greenest Barangay, The Outstanding MANager for Environmental Managent Awards under the 2023 Annual Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran . He is also "campaigning for the pro-active involvement and advocacy on the environmental endeavors for the next generations."

In behalf of PENR Officer Edgardo M. Rostata, EMS II Rachel Ann Dequilla, gave the pledge of support commending the initiative of Barangay San Isidro on the active involvement on the environmental endeavors, emphasized the green innovations and youth engagement of “young environmentalists” on protecting and conserving our mother nature.

PENR Officer Edgardo M. Rostata led the conduct of the Annual Waterbird Census (AWC) on January 8-12, 2024 in Municipalities of Jordan, Buenavista San Lorenzo, Sibunag and Nueva Valencia. Duly supported by the Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Unit (PAMBCU) Team, enjoined by representative from Conservation and Development Division (CDD) of the DENR Regional Office VI.

The activity was primarily conducted in order to track any changes in waterbird populations and distributions in representative areas and elicit information on the conservation status of various waterbird species. Various species of waterbirds were documented in Barangay Hoskyn in Jordan, Barangay Getulio in Buenavista, Barangay Suclaran in San Lorenzo, Barangays Sabang and Alegria in SIbunag, TINMR, Barangays Poblacion and San Antonio in Nueva Valencia. Notable is the sighting of Philippine duck (Anas luzonica) in 4 of the monitored sites, listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The Annual Waterbird Census (AWC) is an annual national undertaking conducted between the second and third week of January, observed concurrently with international assessments in Europe, Africa and Neotropic regions.

The annual Asian Waterfowl Census (AWC) was primarily conducted in order to determine variations in the population and range of waterbirds through routine, consistent counts of representative wetlands; increase awareness on little-known wetland locations and waterbird species; and provide information on the conservation status of waterbird species.

PENRO Guimaras led by PENR Officer Edgardo M. Rostata thru the PAMBCU Staff initiated the rescue and release of the marine turtle (Olive Ridley Sea Turtle) at Piagau Island, Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, La Paz, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras on January 11, 2024.

This marine turtle was originally rescued by MENRO Aljun Margallo of LGU Nueva Valencia from Brgy. Panobolon and turned over to SEAFDEC for its rehabilitation. The marine turtle had an amputated right flipper after it was tied up by the locals before it was rescued. After the conduct of Asean Waterbird Census in the Municipality of Nueva Valencia, the PAMBCU team together with staff from PAMBCS Regional Office received the marine turtle from the SEAFDEC staff. It was then transported to TINMR for tagging and release back into its natural habitat.

The turtle was assessed, with carapace curve length (CCL) of 62 cm and carapace curve width (CCW) of 61 cm. The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle were considered critically endangered based on International Union for Conservation and Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Redlist and DAO 2019-09.

PENR Officer Edgardo M. Rostata, CESE initiated the conduct of the first Provincial Management Conference held at the Olivia’s Kitchen and Island Brew dated January 18, 2024 in order to discuss strategic policies and set operational directions for the year 2024. The conference was attended by twenty seven (11 male and 16 female) key officials comprised of PENRO, MSD Chief, TSD Chief, planning officers, section chiefs and unit heads in order level off and address issues and concerns raised, determine the directives to be complied in relation to the target programs/activities/plans and budget allotted for the year 2024.

The conference commenced thru an Invocation followed by the Pambansang Awit, Acknowledgement of Participants by HRMO II Maricor B. Jornadal and Welcome Remarks given by MSD Chief Vilma Limates. In her message, she underscores that everyone contributed for the high rating last year’s OPCR. She also extended her sincere thanks for the presence and unending support of each and everyone. “Starting the year right and we will end right.” She also calls for the unending cooperation and assistance of the MSD and TSD, taking into account the 94 indicators under the Management and Services Division to be accomplishedthis year 2024.

PENR Officer Edgardo M. Rostata, in his inspirational message, highlighted that PENRO Guimaras had first conducted the Provincial Management Conference through out the Region. “Our budget has been decreased affecting the targets considering our financial standing”.We are the Best performing PENROsince 2022 as I enter Guimaras on April 19, 2022 ; thus, We will carry on with our 2024 plans, taking into account the office procedural guidelines that need to be strengthened. If possible, we will put electronic tracking into place and designate particular responsibilities for receiving andmanaging the network. We will also create a system that allows all documents to be accessed online and track the status to addressing any gaps in the office, even in my absence. Keeping up the excellent ratings in the OPCR for 2023 for two semesters, as reported last year emphasizing the timely filing of compliances with 195 indicators. Personnel reassignment in accordance with formulated special order on the TSD and MSD, with technical skills and performance into consideration.”

Planning and Management Section Head, Engineer Rita A. Colacion presented the approved budget and major targets for FY 2024 per General Appropriations Act of 2024. She also presented the drafted 2nd semester OPCR with rating as well as the 2024 OPCR commitment based on 2023 SPMS and 2024 WFP per GAA. Likewise she presented the budget allotted per indicator with projected sources of funds and fixed expenditures such as fuel and lubricants, travelling expenses, telecommunication expenses, electricity and even the water usage.

An action planning workshop then took place using the prescribed template. Each Section Head was tasked to present their action plan as well as the identified issues and concerns. Chief, of Accounting Section, Zny Pearl D. Villarta presented their targets under the personnel management, procurement services, cashiering, finance and administrative section. She highlighted the maintenance and updating personnel records, processing of vouchers, payrolls and purchase orders.

Forester III Eleodoro Talaban of Monitoring and Enforcement Section presented their action plan, followed by CDS Chief Rhett Arthur Diana of the Conservation and Development Section; Asst TSD Chief, SVEMS Leonora T. Magno presented the updates on returned CBFMA as of December 2023; and Miss Aileen T. Chio, Chief of RPS presented the action plan of LPDU and SMU. Technical Services Division Chief Julieta Gabayeron also lay down her issues and concerns likewise MSD Chief Vilma Limates clear out that all electronic travel orders filed were endorsed for approval even on night time, Saturday or Sunday.

SVEMS Leonora T. Magno in her closing remarks expressed her profound gratitude and sincere thanks for the presence and cooperation of all attendees making the event successful.

PENR Officer Edgardo M. Rostata and DENR Regional Office 6 Lawyer Atty. Cheryl V. Librero has brought criminal charges against four (4) individuals who were involved in the illegal clearing of mangroves and the devastation of forest area at Sitio Baybay, Barangay Sabang, Sibunag, Guimaras before the Office of Guimaras Provincial Prosecutor Attorney Andrea L. Acuyado last January 23, 2024.

The suspects were identified as Rodney Arevalo, Irold Galon, Elmer Gomia, and Francis D. Fernandez, particularly, they were charged for violating Sections 77 and 78 of Presidential Decree (P.D.) 705 otherwise known as the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines as amended and renumbered for Cutting Without License and Unlawful Occupation and Destruction of Forest Lands.

The defendants had violated the law by illegally occupying and demolishing forest lands and by cutting without a permit. The Monitoring and Enforcement team, together with the Protected Area Management Biodiversity Conservation Unit (PAMBCU), discovered and investigated the cutting and clearing of various species of mangroves in a single forestland last August 24, 2023, at Sitio Baybay Barangay Sabang, Sibunag Guimaras. A total of 3125 different mangroves were cut by Mr. Francis Fernandez, et al. without any authority, license agreement, lease, license, or permit from the DENR or any other government agency, causing destruction and damage to that forestland.

As an old adage says “Ignorance of the law excuses no one”. Thus by virtue of Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines (Presidential Decree No. 705) and the agency’s mandate, The Department will mobilize its citizenry to be an environmental stewards with deep sense of responsibility and liability for any illegal activities that destruct our planet. Calling for green innovations towards the conservation and efficient management of environment and natural resources for sustainable development as well as for the welfare of the present and future generations.

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Guimaras led by PENR Officer Edgardo M. Rostata takes part in the momentous inauguration and turnover ceremony of the USWAG Ilonggo Multi-Purpose Building on February 3, 2024, at Sitio Alman Sur, La Paz, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. The event was graced with the presence of Congresswoman Ma. Lucille Nava, Provincial Governor JC Rahman Nava, Hon. James “Jojo” Ang of USWAG Ilonggo Party List, Municipal Mayor Paul Vincent Dela Cruz of LGU Nueva Valencia, Punong Barangay Veronica Ortiz of BLGU La Paz and Punong Barangay Nora Gamuyao of BLGU San Roque, along with the local communities.

The multi-purpose building was built with the intent to support the prospering tourism industry in the Province, serving as a briefing and resting area for tourists visiting the ‘Jewel of Guimaras”, Taklong Island National Marine Reserve. The activity was punctuated by the symbolic ribbon-cutting rites with Cong. Nava, Gov. Nava, PENRO Rostata and Hon. Ang, which was followed by an Acceptance Speech by Mayor Dela Cruz, and inspirational messages by Hon. Ang, Cong. Nava and Gov. Nava.

February 8, 2024- marks the historic 34th Anniversary of Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, celebrating its declaration as a Protected Area on the virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 525 in the year 1990. The event, commemorative of TINMR’s meek yet monumental beginnings and milestones, was graced by the presence of Congresswoman Ma. Lucille Nava, Provincial Governor JC Rahman Nava, Punong Barangay Nora Gamuyao, Punong Barangay Veronica Ortiz, PAMB members, Local Government of Nueva Valencia, People’s Organizations, and the local community.

PENR Officer Edgardo Rostata spearheaded the activity which set off at 6:00 AM with a Fun Run and Zumba, Game Fishing, Holy Mass and Messages of Inspiration and Support from the PAMB members. The afternoon festivity consisted of community building activities including a Quiz Bowl, participated by elementary students from La Paz and San Roque Elementary Schools, mangrove identification and volleyball which were joined in by residents of San Roque and La Paz. The day-long celebration was sealed with “Sugilanon: An Oration Competition”, featuring tales and narratives about TINMR, and the Search for Kataw kag Siokoy sang TINMR 2024. With their exceptional wit, charm and intellect, representatives from Barangay San Roque stood out during the competition, taking home the crowns as the Kataw kag Siokoy sang TINMR 2024. The celebration, which is religiously observed every year, has become a remarkable avenue to strengthen the camaraderie and ties among the partners and stakeholders of TINMR, heightening their support and commitment in achieving the goals of the PA.

PENRO Guimaras led by PENR Officer Edgardo M. Rostata extended his warm welcome to the Internal Auditors namely Accountant III Mark Banusing of PENRO Antique; Planning Officer II Reymando Ortado and Miss Jennifer Salvacion of PENRO Negros Occidental. The two-day internal audit is in line with the implementation of Quality Management System per International Organizational Standards (ISO) 9001-2015 guidelines. This internal audit is a pre-requisite for the external audit to be conducted by SOFOTECH this upcoming April 2024.

PENR Officer Edgardo M. Rostata highlighted that “PENRO Guimaras will speak for DENR Region VI and the whole agency in general, a challenge for us as consistently the “Best Performing PENRO in the Region” since 2019 and still thriving to be the best.” Despite of budget constraint, this office delivered services and accomplished more than the targeted programs and activities last year 2023 and satisfied on internal and external clients through our effective, efficient, and economical delivery of service. Specifically, we were able to grant a CNA amounting to P30,000.00 to all warm bodies working in PENRO Guimaras”. As a driving force in executing the Department’s mandate towards green innovations and sustainable development, we can extend highest degree of service with the greatest level of professionalism through internalization and implementation of the Quality Management System.

February 17-20, 2024- marks the historic 29th Year Foundation Anniversary Celebration of the Municipality of Sibunag, Province of Guimaras., highlighting the Theme: “Sibunag@29: Sailing Towards Unity and Prosperity”. In Support of the Tourism Development Program in the Sibunag, an Information Caravan during the Farmers andFisherfolks Day was held on February 19, 2024 at the Conference Room of Municipal Hall, Sibunag, Guimaras.

Assistant TSD Chief Leonora T. Magno together with Senior Ecosystems Management Specialist Rhett Arthur Diana attended the aforementioned event in behalf of PENR Officer Edgardo Rostata. The celebration was highlighted thru an Information Caravan from different national agencies, local government units and private entities, which become a remarkable avenue to raise awareness on the programs and projects extended to the public, encouraging them to join the green innovations for the climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Assistant TSD Chief Leonora T. Magno presented the agency’s information, mandate, mission, vision, programs, activities and the highlights of accomplishments of PENRO Guimaras for the year 2023.She also encouraged the participants to avail the free potted seedlings at the Office as well as the free patent applications under the Land Administration Program.

This March 16, 2024, a national celebrity named Aeign Zackery Nash Victoriano Aguas and his company made a visit to Taklong Island National Marine Reserve (TINMR). Perhaps, a way of promoting TINMR as an ecotourism destination in the Philippines and the municipality of Nueva Valencia in the Province of Guimaras, Western Visayas, Appreciating the immense beauty of the marine protected area and its amazing sandbars and limestone rock formations, as well as a large number of coves with white sand beaches.

Present during the visit were Hon. Atty. Paul Vincent G. De la Cruz, Municipal Mayor, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras; MENRO Focal Person Mr. Aljun Margallo; and staff of Nueva Valencia Municipal Tourism Office and Provincial Legal Office representative.

DENR-PENRO, Guimaras CDS Chief, Mr. Rhett Arthur A. Diana duly supported by the TINMR Staff presented the historical background, profile and brief information about the TINMR which coined as the “Hiyas sang Guimaras.”