Regional Releases

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 6 have recently inaugurated the newly established Small Water Impounding System (SWIS) at So. Alimatoc, Brgy. Celestino Villacin, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

In his inspirational message, DENR 6 ARD for Special Concerns Ivene D. Reyes emphasized how people are the stewards of God's creation and that our fundamental responsibility is to safeguard our environment and natural resources. He also urged everyone to continue planting trees to combat climate change and lauded the National Greening Program (NGP) personnel of Community ENR Office–Cadiz for their efforts and close monitoring with the People’s Organization (POs) in the community. The DENR 6 thru its Provincial ENR Office – CENRO Cadiz City continues to provide technical assistance in the implementation of NGP, which resulted in 100% accomplishments on site preparation and plantation establishment for its CY 2022 target.

The 50 cubic meter SWIS’ primary purpose is to address the water supply needs of the nearby communities and to be used for the effective management, maintenance and protection of the NGP in the area. This will benefit the PO members and residents of Brgy. Celestino Villacin Vegetable Farmers Association (BCVVFA).

SWIS is a water harvesting and storage structure consisting of an earth embankment spillway, outlet works and canal facilities. It is designed for soil and water conservation and flood control by holding as much water as possible during the rainy season.

“As the primary agency responsible for conservation, management, development and proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources, the DENR is committed to support our POs through provision of SWIS. This facility will help the BCVVFA and other members of the community with their water needs and in the conservation of our natural resources, aside from mitigating the impacts of climate change,” said DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran.

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Guimaras conducted a three (3) day learning event on environmental laws, rules and regulations to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) partners/volunteers from September 07 until 09, 2022.

Led by PENR Officer Edgardo M. Rostata, the activity is primarily conducted to ensure the effective environmental governance, mobilize the citizenry and raise environmental awareness for the proper use and management of our natural resources.

"After this training, we will issue a Deputation Order, bearing the blanket authority as our DENROs. Although the province of Guimaras is not included in hotspot areas in terms of illegal logging and illegal cutting, we are here to promote environmental advocacy and served as environmental stewards,” said PENRO Rostata.

“This is probably a call for composite law enforcement and unity of action of the various task forces from the different sectors and partner agencies like Philippine Army, CIDG, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). This would be my benchmark as a new PENR Officer of Guimaras,” Rostata added.

“This is a timely endeavor conducted by PENRO Guimaras for we need a helping hand to maintain the balance that we have in our natural resources. These people are not just our environmental partners but considered as our family in helping us maintain, conserve and protect our environment and natural resources,” said DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran.

This three-day deputation training activity aims to raise awareness and equipped the Department’s partners/volunteers on the knowledge and skills concerning the environment./DENR 6

A female Dugong (sea cow) was found dead in Brgy. Tigum, Buruanga, Aklan last September 08, 2022. Mark Gem Merin, staff of Coastal Resources and Foreshore Management Unit (CRFMU) of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Aklan together with Buruanga Municipal ENR Officer Delia Rocero inspect the sea cow after receiving reports from local residents. The mammal weighs approximately 500 kilos and measures 3.30 meters in length. The cause of death is still unknown but upon inspection, huge amount of plastic materials are found in its intestines.

The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 6 conducted a consultative meeting cum dialogue with the local fisherfolks and beach resort/lot owners in Brgy. Sinogbuhan, San Joaquin recently to address docking issues.

The private beach resort/lot owners told the CENRO team they wanted to establish protection of their lot and to stop further degradation due to soil erosion. Meanwhile, the local fisherfolks are seeking the resort owners’ support by allowing them to dock in portions within their property.

CENRO Guimbal team led by CENR Officer Vicente T. Mellizas suggested they will conduct site inspection and verification to determine the extent of the claimed lot. It will also help them ascertain the area intended for the docking of fishing boats. The suggestion was quite amenable to all parties involved.

A total of sixty-four participants (with 45 males and 19 females) attended the dialogue with the presence of CENR Officer Vicente Mellizas and officials from the barangay and municipal local government units.

“It is part of our duty and responsibility to reach out to the LGUs, assist them in their environmental concerns and guide them to a better decision-making. When we do it in the name of public service and for the good of our environment, we can say that we have delivered what we are here for,” said DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran.

The municipality of San Joaquin is a recipient of the DENR’s Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program (CMEMP) which aims to effectively reduce the drivers and threats of degradation of the coastal and marine ecosystems. Thus, it can help increase the ability of coastal and marine ecosystems in providing ecological goods and services to the communities where they may be found. The program is also designed to improve the quality of life of people in the coastal areas, ensure food security, and climate change resiliency.

One of CMEMP’s components is the provision of technical assistance. It is the capacity building training received by the DENR personnel who then cascades the technical assistance to the LGUs, other stakeholders, and partners in the field.

“We should protect our coastal and marine resources especially those that have important historical landmarks because we are not only protecting these resources but we also preserve these for the future generations to appreciate, enjoy and be proud of,” said CENRO Vicente T. Mellizas said during the site visit.

Aklan Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Merlene B. Aborka (right) gave her message during the Protectected Area Management Board meeting which tackled issues and concerns affecting the Aklan River Watershed Forest Reserve (ARWFR) on August 26, 2022. Conservation and Development Division (CDD) Chief Danilo L. Lorilla  from the DENR 6 regional office also attended the meeting and gave his insights on topics discussed. During the meeting, the formation of the Executive and Technical Working Committees of PAMB en banc for ARWFR was approved. The proposed rates and fees for entrance and use of facilities and resources inside ARWFR was also adopted.