The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Guimbal conducted a comprehensive assessment of Certificate of Stewardship Contract (CSC) holders on January 31 to February 2, 2024 at Brgy. Pitogo, San Joaquin, Iloilo.
A Certificate of Stewardship is awarded to individuals or families actually occupying or tilling portions of forest lands pursuant to LOI 1260 for a period of 25 years and is renewable for another 25 years.
For the month of January this year, a total of twenty-five (25) CSC holders were assessed by the team from the Monitoring and Enforcement Section (MES) in Brgy. Pitogo and among those looked into are adherence of the holders to CSC terms and conditions, environmental regulations, the effectiveness of conservation efforts being done in these areas, and the overall impact of the stewardship contract to the community and local ecosystem.
The said activity exemplifies DENR's dedication in upholding the principles of sustainable development and protecting the invaluable natural heritage of the region.
“It is important that we give people the opportunity to be stewards of sustainable use of our resources and the protection of our rich biodiversity. Wee at DENR 6 will continue to monitor the implementation of these initiatives and ensure compliance from our CSC holders,” Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran said.
Commencing last 2018, CENRO Guimbal was able to assess a total of 1, 904 holders in the municipalities of Igbaras, Miagao, and San Joaquin, in the First Congressional District of Iloilo as of CY 2023.
Agarwood is considered as the highest valued forest product in the world because of its distinctive fragrance. It is produced when Aquilaria tree species, locally known as lapnisan, was infected with mold called Phialophora parasitica. The infection causes the heartwood of the trees to become moist and develop dark spots, producing a rich, fragrant resin. This heartwood, considered as “Wood of the Gods” is quite rare in nature, but due to its high value, all varieties of Aquilaria trees where agarwood came from becomes threatened to exist in the wild.
The resinous wood was used as incense, for medicinal purposes, and because of its distinctive fragrance, the pure resin in distilled form, is used as an essential oil and perfume component.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that while propagation of agarwood-producing species like Aquilaria malaccensis is allowed, it is however highly regulated and collecting its seeds directly in the wild is prohibited.
This follows the apprehension of agarwood in the municipality of Malinao, Aklan on December 29, 2023, after the four (4) days of surveillance. The Lawin Patrol Sector No. 3 of PENRO Aklan under the leadership of OIC-PENRO Engr. Jurlie Zubiaga and Team Leader Nina Fritz Cahilig together with the team from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Brgy. Officials of Brgy. Kinalangay Viejo apprehended ten (10) men at Sitio Angeles, of the said barangay and recovered 1.35 kgs. of agarwood with an estimated market value of Php216,000.
"We at the DENR, environment and balancing our ecosystem will always be our priority. We are here to protect and conserve our flora and fauna but how can we achieve those if there are still individuals who are patronizing illegal activities,” DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran pointed out.
“Secure all necessary permits with any activities concerning our flora and fauna, and seek clarification regarding environmental related endeavors of other concerned stakeholders from the DENR,” RED Duran added.
Less than a month after, another apprehension was made on January 17, 2024 inside the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park (NPPNP), specifically at the municipality of Nabas, Aklan. The apprehension was done during the scheduled overnight foot patrol and wildlife monitoring of the nine (9) NPPNP Park Rangers.
An agarwood weighing 2.630kg with an estimated market value of 1,972,500 (750,000 per kilo) and other paraphernalia was apprehended from the poachers that was caught in the act by the NPPNP Park Rangers, but only one of them was arrested and the three (3) individuals fled in the different areas. The caught poacher was reported and jailed with the help of the 2nd Aklan Provincial Mobile Force Company headed by PLTCOL Donnel Regis and the PNP Nabas, Aklan.
These caught poachers will be charged with violation of Presidential Decree (PD) 705 or Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines as amended, Republic Act (RA) 9147 or Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and RA 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Area Systems (eNIPAS) Act.
Varieties of Aquilaria trees species are listed in Appendix II (species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival) by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
"After another apprehension here comes another. And the worst part, not all of the Aquilaria trees that were damaged by the poachers can surpass the infection,” RED Duran furiously commented.
“The DENR will not tolerate such activity! We will continue to protect our environment from these illegal activities. We deserve the ecological balance that we have right now, and our flora and fauna deserve peace in the wild,” his ending statement.
In the Philippines, one species of Aquilaria (A malaccencis lam) is categorized as Endangered and seven (7) species are listed as Vulnerable based on DENR Administrative Order No. 2017-11 (Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Plants and their Categories). Generally, agarwood is a threatened plant species in the country and it is mandatory to identify the species in order to determine the fines and penalties associated with the violation committed in accordance with RA 9147.
As part of the World Wetlands Day celebration on February 2, 2024, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 together with the different Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENRO/CENRO) all over Western Visayas conducted various activities within their areas of jurisdiction.
This year’s theme is "Wetlands and Human Well-being" and it focuses on the interconnectedness between wetlands and various aspects of human well-being which includes physical, mental and environmental health.
DENR Regional Office through its Conservation and Development Division, PENRO Iloilo, CENRO Guimbal, and Iloilo City ENRO conducted a Bird Watching Activity and IEC at Crgy. Hinactan, La Paz, Iloilo City. Among waterbird species spotted were Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes), Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), Javan Pond Heron (Ardeola speciosa), and Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) to name a few.
“Our wetlands play a vital role not only to our flora and fauna, but to the lives of people in the communities where they are situated. As we celebrate this every year, not only do we remember its importance but we must also increase our efforts for their protection. Our well-being is influenced by healthy ecosystems and it is our duty to preserve the natural wonders around us for the future generations,” Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran expressed.
CENRO Barotac Nuevo collaborated with different stakeholders such as the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) District Jail Pototan, Tactical Group 6 of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Special Action Force, aqnd the Barangay officials and residents of Brgy. Lanas, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo during the conduct of a Coastal Clean-Up Activity on February 6, 2024 in the said barangay.
On the other hand, CENRO Sara headed by OIC-CENR Officer Rene G. Abordo had a Mangrove Planting Activity at Brgy. Agdaliran, San Dionisio, Iloilo on the 2nd of February. One hundred five (105) participants composed of officials and personnel from CENRO Sara, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Dionisio, Iloilo Maritime Police Station, officials of Brgy. Agdarilan, the youth sector, and other volunteers. They planted a total of two hundred fifty (250) propagules composed of one hundred (100) Bakhaw and one hundred fifty (150) Pagatpat.
PENRO Antique held a lecture about the importance of wetlands at Hamtic, Antique on February 2, 2024 led by For. Rocelia D. Campos, Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Unit (PAMBCU) Chief. It was attended by the personnel and staff at MENRO Hamtic wherein they were also presented with the results of the recent Asian Waterbird Census within their municipality.
Meanwhile, CENRO Belison with its PAMBCU and CMEMP staff with representatives from the LGU conducted a Bird Watching Activity in identified and mapped sites at Brgy. Poblacion, Belison and Brgy.Carit-an, Patnongon, Antique on February 1 and 2, 2024 respectively. MENRO Noel Salvan of Patnongon together with his personnel also joined in the activities.
In addition, CENRO Culasi strengthened its information and education campaign through a discussion and video presentation to invited People’s Organizations (POs) on January 30, 2024, regarding the importance of wetlands and laws that govern their conservation. Consequently, a Bird Watching Activity was also held on February 2, 2024 at Brgy. San Antonio, Culasi, Antique. Waterbird species namely; Yellow-Vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier), Red Turtle Dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica), Blue Tailed Bee-Eater (Merops philippinus), Wandering Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arcuata), Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica), Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), and Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) were seen and identified.
CENRO Boracay under PENRO Aklan displayed IEC materials on the 1st of February and followed by a Simultaneous Clean-Up together with partners and stakeholders the following day at the different wetlands in the island as well as an Essay Writing Contest participated by high school students in Boracay. A tree planting activity was then conducted at Wetland No. 6 where a total of one hundred (100) seedlings of Api-Api (Avicennia marina) and Coconut (Cocos nucifera) was planted.
PENRO Capiz collaborated with Our Mother of Mercy Learning School, Inc. through its students enrolled in the Special Program in Journalism to develop and produce a documentary that tackles the pivotal role that wetlands play in harbouring Mangrove ecosystems. These areas not only serve as vital habitats for diverse flora and fauna but also offer abundant resources that create sustainable livelihood opportunities. The documentary serves as a powerful testament to the interconnectedness between wetlands and various facets of human health. PENRO Capiz also participated in the mangrove planting activity organized by the Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (CaPENRO) at Brgy. Agustin Navarra, Ivisan , Capiz.
“We are thrilled to present this documentary as part of our commitment to raising awareness about the critical importance of wetlands in our lives…It is an opportunity for the community to witness the symbiotic relationship between wetlands and human wellbeing, emphasizing the need for their preservation and sustainable management,” says Mr. Diomer M. Berdugo, Journalism Adviser at the said School.
PENRO Guimaras through its PAMBCU together with Guimaras ENRO, LGU-San Lorenzo, and JBLFMU conducted activities such as seabird watching, coral reef assessment, and forest bathing in the mangrove areas of the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras as part of the World Wetlands Day on February 2, 2024. A total of fifty-three (53) seabirds were documented in the areas of Masai and Binabaywan composed of Whiskered Terns (Chlidonias hybrid), Black-Naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana) and Philippine Duck (Anasluzonica). It was followed by a coral reef assessment and fish visual census at the same sites. After the assessments, the participants had a short stroll at the Mangrove Boardwalk to commune with nature- a modest yet remarkable way to relieve stress and to wind down.
Moving over to PENRO Negros Occidental headed by PENRO Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya as they jumpstarted the celebrations by hanging tarpaulins bearing this year’s theme on February 2 and will be followed by a series of lectures and distribution of IEC materials regarding the importance of wetlands on the following week.
CENRO Kabankalan on the other hand, joined forces with PEMO Negros Occidental, KAHIL-ICAMC, LGU-Ilog, Barangay Officials, officers from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the local community in a coastal clean-up and IEC activity at Brgy. Bocana, Ilog, Negros Occidental, February 2, 2024.
Meanwhile, CENRO Cadiz with Cadiz City ENRO for a coastal clean-up activity at Brgy. Daga, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental on the 2nd of February. Over two hundred (200) participants composed of volunteers from PNU-Visayas Kabil;in Eco-Club, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Cadiz Substation, Cadiz Volunteer Radio Communicators (CVRCOM), Brgy. Daga Officials, People’s Organizations (POs), and the local community.
CENRO Bago City together with the PENRO Conservation and Management Section had an environmental talk at Pontevedra National High School wherein students are exposed to topics about wetlands and well-being, restoration, as well as introducing to them the Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area (NOCWCA).
“DENR 6 and the different PENROs and CENROs will continue to do our part in ensuring that the wetlands in our region are protected. We urge our partners especially the different LGUs and local communities to give their full support and cooperation so that we can fulfill this mandate. We will further strengthen our collaboration with stakeholders because we wanted really to succeed in our future endeavours,” RED Duran said.
After a two-year gap, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6- Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Culasi marks a milestone through the signing of a Letter of Agreement (LOA) for the implementation of the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP) within their area of jurisdiction, with the Comprehensive Site Development spanning 208 hectares.
The signing ceremony was held on January 31, 2024, at DENR CENRO Culasi, Poblacion, Culasi, Antique. Present were the CENRO Culasi officials headed by OIC-CENR Officer For. Rhodel L. Lababit and representatives of seven (7) identified People’s Organizations (POs) namely; Mayabay Integrated Social Forestry and Farmers Association Inc., Idao Integrated Social Forestry Association, Codiong Inyawan Green Forest Association Inc., Abiera Development Association, So. Orag Community Workers Association, Pandan Communal Irrigations Association, and Idiacacan Calabanog Planters Association.
Under the Enhanced National Greening Program, DENR CENRO Culasi aims to address environmental challenges, promote biodiversity, livelihood opportunities for upland communities and combat climate change through widespread tree planting and sustainable forest management practices.
The collaborative effort of the stakeholders reflects a shared commitment to environmental conservation and reforestation, aligning with the nation's broader sustainability goals.
“DENR 6 and its field offices will continue to engage and empower our local communities through initiatives such as the ENGP. Not only to we restore and increase our forest cover, but people are also given the chance to earn a living,” Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran said.
Forester Lababit also expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "This LOA signing is a testament to our shared dedication to the environment. Through the ENGP, we aim to make a lasting impact on the environment and empower local communities to be stewards of their natural heritage."
A total of 225 hatchlings of Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) marine turtles were released on January 23 and 29, 2024 at Boracay Island and Numancia, Aklan respectively.
On the afternoon of January 23, eighty-four (84) hatchlings had emerged from its nest located at the middle part of the Puka Beach in Brgy. Yapak, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.
These eggs were relocated on the same beach last November 2023 and were guarded and monitored until the day they hatched. Personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Boracay through the Chief of Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Unit (PAMBCU)/Coastal Unit facilitated the release of the turtles and the event was witnessed by locals, tourists, and guests passing by the area.
More recently on January 29, the Local Government Unit of Numancia in cooperation with the PAMBCU of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Aklan facilitated the release of one hundred forty-one (141) hatchlings at the coast of Brgy. Camanci Norte, Numancia, Aklan. It is the 77th batch of sea turtle hatchlings that was released.
Hon. Jeserel T. Templonuevo, Municipal Mayor of Numancia led the release together with the Numancia Agri-Fishery Numancia Agri-Fishery Sea Turtle Conservation and Protection Unit, Judy A. Gonzales-Municipal Agriculturist, AT-Fishery Designate John L. Alcazarin, staff from OMA, Bantay Dagat officers, local fisherfolks, and the Barangay Council and personnel of Brgy. Camanci Norte.
Also witnessing the activity are personnel from PENRO Aklan, Senior Aquaculturist of OPA-Aklan Christian Deza, officers from the Philippine Coast Guard, representatives from the media, and the Indigenous People Congress of Unified Panay Inc.
“Seeing these beautiful creatures make their way to the sea gives us hope that their species is thriving here in Western Visayas. We wanted really to boost conservation efforts and DENR 6 will continue to engage with our local partners to take care of our marine turtles,” Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran said
