Lake Balinsasayao

Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region VII, Central Visayas

Second Quarter Volume 2, Series of 2011

DENR 7 leads NGP regional launch in Talisay City

ore than 8,000 trekked to Jaclupan, Talisay City to join the regional launching the regional implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) on June 25, 2011 which aims to plant seedlings of agroforestry, native and indigenous species in forestlands and denuded areas, as part of coping with the effects of climate change. DENR-7 Maximo O. Dichoso presented the NGP which was attended by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Rep. Eduardo Gullas, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, Negros Oriental Roel Degamo, Provincial Board Members Julian Daan, Jude Thaddeus Sybico, Joven Mondigo and Thadeo Ouano and other local chief executives. Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez pointed out the unusual weather changes in various parts of the country and recent disasters. Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said the fine weather here is a sign from heavens. She thanked the participants for making a difference in planting at least one seedling. You will have staked your claim and you will have staked your commitment to protect Mother Earth and to thank Senior Sto. Nino for continually blessing us, sparing us from climate change that is wreaking havoc, as we speak throughout certain parts of the country. continue on page 9...
RED Maximo O. Dichoso (left) together with Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia (center) and Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the regional implementation of National Greening Program (NGP). The heads of offices of the agencies as indicated in EO 26 also signified their commitment.

The national government and local government officials of Central Visayas led by Cebu Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in a photo session after the MOA signing on the regional implementation of NGP.

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DENR EMB 7 organizes green forum

lmost 100 participants attended the Regional Green Advocates Forum: An Intersectoral Dialogue on April 14, 2011 organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 (DENR) and Environmental Management Bureau-7 (EMB-7). DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Maximo O. Dichoso said a meaningful and constructive dialogue is important among business sectors, local government units, academe, media and other stakeholders to ascertain which areas of cooperation or collaboration along environmental protection are needed to be enhanced. There is a need to strengthen and deepen our strategic partnerships with these sectors as we try to get updates by leveling-off of functions and initiatives among different groups on environmental management in Region 7 as well as the DENR programs, Dichoso added. Plenary sessions were conducted on recent updates of the programs and projects and initiatives of EMB, DENR sectors, concerned national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs) , civic and religious groups, academe, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, media and the youth. Updates on the regional state of the environment and the status of implementation of the thrust and mission of each sector concerning or relating to the environment were presented such as air quality, water quality, toxic chemical and hazardous wastes, solid wastes, and environmental impact assessment. Workshops in identifying the priorities and concerns for 2011 onwards using as reference the roadmap for sustainable development offered by the United Nations were undertaken. Other topics included protected areas, wildlife and coastal zones, forest management, and geohazard mapping. A commitment for the next steps will be sealed to make sure that existing green programs and initiatives will be sustained and sharing of lessons learned will be adopted, he said during the forum. The Regional Green Advocates Forum: An Intersectoral Dialogue was an Earth Day 2011 event with theme Earth Day Everyday held at Sarrosa International Hotel, Mabolo, Cebu City.

Chinese officials visit DENR 7

Guangdong Province of the People's Republic of China headed by Vice Governor Li Ronggen and other higher officials from the Provincial Forestry & Fishery Administration visited DENR-7 Banilad, Mandaue City on June 7, 2011. The group was welcomed by Regional Executive Director Maximo O. Dichoso and briefed by Regional Technical Director Isabelo R. Montejo on the various forestry projects of the DENR-7. The group was able to visit the mangrove forest of Banacon Island, Bohol and the wood processing plant of MATIMCO, Cebu City.
Vice Governor Li Ronggen handed over a token to DENR-7 RED Maximo O. Dichoso

In this Issue

DENR 7 leads NGP regional launch in Talisay City DENR EMB organizes green forum Chinese officials visit DENR 7 DENR plants mangroves in Olango ERDS 7 Supervising Researcher Rey Lanuza won Best Paper Award DENR 7 kicks off environment month celebration Snapshots Regional Launch of the NGP and Run 2 Plant 4 Greenin Philippines Environmental Congress slated Operating mines installed rain gauges DENR 7 files criminal charges Dialogue among CCPL forest occupants conducted

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DENR plants mangroves in Olango

than ten thousand mangrove propagules were planted on June 21, 2011 within the 1,028hectare in Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Lapu-Lapu City by 100 DENR-7 employees, students, local government and other government officials. The sanctuary is the Philippines first wetland of international importance for waterfowl and covers a vast mangrove forest. According to DENR 1995 statistics, conversion to fishponds, prawn farms, salt ponds, reclamation and other forms of industrial development has reduced the mangrove area to 117,700 hectares, from 450,000 hectares in 1918. Mangroves contribute 1,800-4,200 grams of carbon per square meter per year (approximately the contribution of the tropical rain forest and 10 times higher than primary production in the open ocean. Dichoso added we want to convey the message that mangroves provide shelter for local and migratory wildlife and serve as roosting and foraging grounds that is why we really have to protect them. From September to November, thousands of shorebirds migrate to Olango and farther south to Australia and New Zealand after breeding in China, Russia and Alaska following the East AsianAustralasian Flyway. Soon after winter, from March to May, the shorebirds begin their northward migration and thousands of them pass by Olango en route to the breeding areas in northern hemisphere. The most notable shorebirds found in Olango are the Asian Dowitcher, Chinese Egret, Eurasian Curlew, Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit and Red Knot, among others. The mangrove tree planting and coastal cleanup was one of the features of the environment month 2011 celebration with theme: Forests: Nature at your service.

ore

DENR-7 employees, students and local government units and other stakeholders planted over 10,000 mangrove propagules within the 1,028hectare Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Lapulapu City. The activity was initiated to ensure the integrity of the coastal resource through tree planting, as well as clean up.

ERDS 7 Supervising Researcher Rey Lanuza won Best Paper Award

RDS Supervising Science Research Specialist, Reynaldo L. Lanuza won an award for Best Research Paper Senior Research Category during the 14th Annual Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Philippine Society of Soil Science and Technology (PSSST) held at the Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay City, Leyte last 25-27 May 2011. The three-day conference organized by PSSST was attended in by more than a hundred soil scientists, soil practitioners, and agriculturists working in universities, government agencies, non-government organizations, and private companies throughout the country. Leading soil scientists from Australia, Canada, and Germany also attended the said event. ERDS 7 pride, R. L. Lanuza bested other soil experts in the country as he bagged first place in the Senior Researcher Category for his paper entitled: Geospatial Modeling of Soil Erosion in Buhisan Watershed Forest Reserve, Cebu City, Philippines: Model Application and Validation. The research aimed at assessing soil erosion vulnerability, determine and map-out the vulnerability levels, and formulate specific mitigating measures and policy recommendations. The GIS-assisted model was able to predict the potential soil erosion at Buhisan Watershed and the erosion vulnerable sites were mapped out. Mitigating measures comprised the enhancement of vegetative cover and the establishment of erosion control measures. A total of 26 research papers were presented during the conference dealing with various soil topics ranging from soil fertility management to soil characterization and geospatial modeling. In addition, 25 poster papers were also presented. The presenters of the best oral and poster papers were awarded with certificates and cash. Said annual gathering is organized with the end view of promoting the advancement of soil science and technology in the country and providing a venue for sharing and exchanging knowledge and ideas.

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DENR 7 kicks off environment month celebration

he Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 lined up a series of activities this June as the agency led the environment month celebration with theme: Forests: Nature at your service. The highlight of the celebration was the regional launch of the National Greening Program (NGP) which intends to plant and grow 2.816 million seedlings of agroforestry, native and indigenous species to cover 5,632 hectares in Central Visayas. The Regional NGP launched on June 25, 2011 in Barangay Jaclupan, Talisay City is in partnership with Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc (RAFI) and Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) and various national government agencies. On the same day, RAFI held its Run to Plant and Greenin Philippines Program. On June 1, a Linis Opisina was conducted enjoining all DENR offices for a whole day clean up activity and a 2-day Orientation on Residential Free Patent or RA 10023 on June 3 -4 was undertaken. A parade signalling the start of the DENR-7 sportsfest was held on June 6 with its various ball games competition. A film shooting or video documentation on the DENR-7s success stories took place from June 8 to 13 in Nug-as, Alcoy, Apo Island in Negros Oriental and Siquijor. On June 10, the DENR celebrated its anniversary with open house, exhibit, presentation of Mutya ng Kalikasan, Pinoy Games and Bingo. A government vehicles emission testing was undertaken from June 15 to 16 along with the conduct of the Focused-Group on the designation of Butuanon River as Water Quality Management Area. On June 21, a mangrove tree planting and coastal clean up in Olango Island was conducted, and a 2-day roadside emission and CFC testing was held in strategic streets within Metro Cebu area from June 22 to 23. A mine tour was coordinated with Apo Cement Corporation in Naga City on June 23 and a presentation of NGP regional implementation plan for information and support to the Regional Development Council Full Council on June 24. An Environmental Congress was scheduled on June 28-29 hosted by the Environmental Management Bureau-7 and a coronation night of Mutya ng Kalikasan on June 29. The celebration was culminated on June 30 with the giving out of awards and recognition to outstanding DENR officials and employees, DENR retirees, sportsfest competition winners, and partners.

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RED Maximo Dichoso and Ang Taot kalikasan host Ms. Jackie Aquino, staff and other employees of DENR-7 during the briefing for a film shooting or video documentation on the DENR-7s success stories on June 8,

RED Maximo Dichoso with Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Atty. Antonio Oposa during the road revolution movement on June 12, 2011 which sends a message to reduce carbon emissions.

A company official answered questions from the media on the existing environmental protection and enhancement efforts during the mine and plant tour at Apo Cement corporation.

RED Dichoso shook hands with Cebu City Mayor and RDC-7 Chairperson Michael Rama during the RDC-7 Full Council Meeting on June 24, 2011. Mayor Rama presided the Full Council Meeting as his first meeting as chair after he was appointed by P-Noy.

RED Maximo Dichoso as he gave the welcome remarks during the culmination of the 2011 Philippine Environment month on June 30, 2011. He acknowledged the various partners and stakeholders for supporting the monthlong activity.

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REGIONAL LAUNCH OF THE NATIONAL GREENING PROGRAM AND RUN 2 PLANT 4 GREENIN PHILIPPINES

About 8,000 people trekked to Jaclupan, Talisay City to join the regional launch of the National Greening Program on June 25, 2011, which aims to plant seedlings of agroforestry, native and indigenous species in forestlands and denuded areas, as part of coping with the effects of climate change. Targeted at greening at some 1.5 million hectares of degraded forest lands, NGP will focus essentially at developing a sustainable forest resource base to accelerate the national greening program.

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Environmental Congress slated

he Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of DENR Region VII organized and conducted the 2nd Environmental Congress on June 28-29, 2011 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu City. The Congress was all about caring saving uniting with and for nature in a more concrete way that goes beyond four walls! Scientific findings, effective approaches and experience-based strategic programs on climate change adaptation and resilience-building in human/societal sectors of concern under adaptation & vulnerability highlighted the occasion. An exposition of Green Applied Technologies was an integral part of the event. Individuals, organizations and business sectors were consequently motivated to take more positive steps towards sustainability and environmental excellence in their respective homes, schools, communities and workplaces. This one-of-a-kind event became a special venue and opportunity for the companies, organizations, local government units, schools and communities to gain knowledge on practical solutions for greening their respective environments. The main theme that drove it was: ECOLOGICAL EMERGENCY: Man and Nature Together in the Strive for Survival. The plenary and specific theme sessions were handled by a pool of experts with local and international experiences, namely: the well-renowned Architect-Environmental & Urban Planner Felino Palafox Jr., Worldbank-Philippines Environment Operations Officer Dr. Gerry Parco, World Wide Fund CEO Lory Tan, Bayawan City Mayor Rene Gaudiel, Phil. Rootcrops Research & Training Center Director of VSUDr. Julieta Roa , EMB Central Office Hazardous Waste Management Section Chief Engr. Geri-Geronimo Saez , DENR 7 Regl. Exec. Dir. Maximo Dichoso , Alpine Systems President Diosdado Pineda , DENR 7 Regl. Tech. Dir. Dr. Diana Apistar, Sustainability Specialist Consultant and Environmental Designs, Inc. President Joy Onozawa, PCA Deputy Administrator Carlos Carpio, EMB Central Research & Devt. Div. Chief Ella Deocadiz, ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan Resource Mobilization Manager Winnie Dimanlig, Takakura Composting Technology expert Jess Marlowe Libre and DOST 7 Regl. Dir. Rene Burt Llanto. This special event was the very highlight of the Environment Month Celebration of EMB VII with the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines Region VII (PCAPI) as its organizing partner.

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Operating mines installed rain gauges

s part of its contribution in preventing any major impacts brought about by heavy rains, Apo Cement Corporation in Naga City, Cebu installed and maintained along with other ten operating mines and quarries in the region a standard rain gauge to provide information to neighboring municipalities to alert residents on potential areas of landslides, flooding and other geological hazards. It maybe recalled that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) capacitated or trained personnel of these mining companies on the proper installation and maintenance of rainfall measuring apparatus, site selection and gathering of rainfall data. The mining companies maintain the operation of their rain gauges and do the collection, reading and recording of the data as prescribed by PAG-ASA. The 8 inches diameter standard rain gauge is installed in a metal support that is attached to three stakes driven in the ground. The support is mounted firmly and so the top of the gauge is level, and the base is 10 to 15 inches above the ground. The mining companies with rain gauges are Carmen Copper Corporation in Toledo City, Cebu; Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc. and Solid Earth Development Corporation in San Fernando, Cebu; JLR Construction and Aggregates Inc., in Naga, Cebu; Philippine Mining Service Corporation-Bohol Limestone Corporation in Garcia-Hernandez, Bohol; Philippine Mining Service Corporation-Dolomite Mining Corporation in Alcoy, Cebu; Lazi Bay Resources Development Incorporated in Lazi, Siquijor; and Goodyield Resources Development Incorporated in Ayungon, Negros Oriental. Mines and Geosciences Bureau-7 Regional Director Loreto B. Alburo said the initiative is the first time being instituted by mining companies in the country as part of their contribution to the community so that data or information that will be gathered or collected will be used to advance disaster mitigation and preparedness. Alburo added this practice among mining companies in the region is a manifestation of responsible mining of trying to provide assistance to proper authorities particularly the local government units and ultimately the communities in responding very cautiously to disasters.

Apo Cement Corporation/Apo Land and Quarry Corporation Deputy Plant Director Normandy Chan warmly welcome the participants of the Mine/Plant Tour from the trimedia, NGOs, and local government units and other stakeholders. He stressed that the company has been transparent in every mining stage.

DENR-7 files criminal charges

welve persons mostly farmers were formally charged for violation of Section 14 of Republic Act (RA) 9486, or the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) Act, after they were caught inflagrante delicto or in the act of cutting and gathering trees without permit, collecting by-products derived, informally occupying or dwelling, excavating and destroying natural land formations in Barangays Tabunan and Sudlon II within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL). The farmers who were formally charged on June 14, 2011 with Criminal Case No. CBU-92765 for violation of Section 14, RA 9486 are Cristtuto Quia-ot, Elesio Bacalso, Elizardo Racaza, Florencio Borres, Meling Abendon, Marjon Ababon, Maynard Ababon, Jimmy Epe, Carmelito Fernandez, Juan Compra, Lolita Epe, and Nene Ministerio. They were ordered release after paying a total amount of P480,000 as cash/surety bail bond or P40,000 each on June 14, 2011. The destroyed or damaged of 1.5 hectares has an estimated value of P541,000.00 and sits within the strict protection zone of CCPL. continue on page 10

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available, Dichoso stated. Protected Area Sustainability Assessment (PASA) includes location, topography, land use, potential for tourism services, industries, natural features, hydrology, vegetative cover, ctual forest occupants within the 504-hectare reforesta- flora and fauna, and cultural practices or uniqueness. tion project within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) in Barangays Cantipla and Tabunan, Cebu City of A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was executed retired General Tiburcio Fusilero will be organized to police between then DENR Secretary Antonio H. Cerilles and undertake maintenance and protection from squatters or and General Tiburcio Fusilero on the Adopt-aencroachment, forest fires, illegal resource extraction, ex- Mountain Program in Barangays Cantipla and Tapansion off farm lots and other destructive activities; and bunan on November 15, 2000 within the 28,312preparation of detailed management and development plan hectare Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL). were the recommendations after a dialogue presided by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 Re- The Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) under Republic Act No. 9486 which was approved on June gional Executive Director Maximo O. Dichoso. 7, 2007 covers a consolidated area of 28,312 hectares A dialogue attended by 22 tenured migrants and new forest consisting of the Buhisan Watershed Forest Reserve, occupants within the awarded area of retired General Tibur- Mananga Watershed Forest Reserve, Sudlon National cio Fusilero under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Park, Central Cebu National Park and the KotkotAdopt-a-Mountain program inside the Central Cebu Pro- Lusaran Watershed Forest Reserve located in the cittected Landscape (CCPL) was conducted to solicit inputs ies of Cebu, Talisay, Toledo and Danao, and in the and solutions on the conflict between a group of farmers and municipalities of Minglanilla, Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela, and Balamban. Mr. Fusilero..

Dialogue among CCPL forest occupants conducted

The development plan will be made in consultation with Mr. Fusilero and the actual forest occupants based on the inventory to be conducted by DENR-7 so that areas will be delineated for farming purposes or for tree planting, he said. We want to stress out here that DENR-7 is willing to extend the appropriate assistance to only actual forest occupants in terms of determining areas for farming in consultation with Mr. Fusilero being the instrument holder without necessarily affecting their livelihood, he said. Our paramount concern is the integrity of the environment there, he (DENR 7 leads from page 1) said. Mr. Fusilero said that they planted around 60,000 seedlings this year but 30 hectares of the total covered area were destroyed or uprooted by some farmers. He further reported that buying and selling of lots started in 2003 when a road was developed within his reforestation project. Meanwhile, the farmers alleged that there was no consultation conducted when Fusilero tried to develop the area and some of them were threatened and harassed. The tree planting activity immediately followed after the launch within a 30-hectare forestland in Brgy. Jaclupan, Talisay City which forms part of Central Cebu Protected Landscape.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was also It was also recommended that a meeting be conducted be- signed by the various national government tween the Cebu City Assessors Office and the brokers or agencies, Local Government Units, non govbuyers of lot within the 504-hectare so that they will know ernment offices and other stakeholders. the impacts of buying or selling within a protected area. The Protected Area and Wildlife Conservation Zone Management Services is instructed to conduct a thorough assessment of actual tenured migrants based on the Protected Area Sustainability Assessment (PASA) records availa-

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(DENR 7 filesfrom page 8) The team composed of CCPL Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Ariel Rica with the PNP Cebu City Police Office led by Police Chief Inspector Pablo Cabildo and personnel from 78th IB, 8ID of Philippine Army apprehended the 12 persons who illegally cut planted and naturally grown trees and erected structures on June 11, 2011 after they received a complaint from the group of Ret. General Tiburcio Fusilero. The area is a portion within the Memorandum of Agreement with Mr. Fusilero. A similar complaint was received on May 3, 2011 involving the same group of farmers and they were notified to stop the activities introduced there but they still continued. DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Maximo O. Dichoso commended the efforts of the team as he urged all concerned citizens to report immediately any violations or illegal activities within the CCPL area so that proper investigation could be effected. Based on the inventory, 301 pieces of boyon-boyon and 38 pieces of pako, all indigenous tree species, were cut down amounting to P41,960.70, two bunkhouses constructed, 289 pieces of foothpath put in and 1.5 hectares of environmental damages which amounted to P500,000. We would like to emphasize here that the protection, conservation and management of CCPL is a collective and joint efforts among local government units, non-government organizations, business sectors, and law enforcement agencies like PNP and AFP, Dichoso explained. We will not hesitate to enforce the laws, rules and regulations relevant to the CCPL, institute and file legal action independently or in collaboration with other government agencies or organizations, he said. A fine of not less than Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) or more than Five hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00) and/ or imprisonment from one year but not more than six years shall be imposed upon any person violating certain provisions of RA 9486. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was executed between then DENR Secretary Antonio H. Cerilles and General Tiburcio Fusilero on the Adopt-a-Mountain Program in Barangays Cantipla and Tabunan on November 15, 2000 within the 28,312-hectare Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL).

Editorial Board

RED Maximo O. Dichoso, CESO III

Managing Director

RTD Isabelo R. Montejo, CESO IV RTD Ruth M. Tawantawan, CESO IV RTD Diana R. Apistar OIC-RTD Emma E. Melana
Editorial Consultants

Eddie E. Llamedo
Editor-in-Chief

Maricita S. Cabasa Theodora D. de Leon Ann Lizther F. Jumawan Stephanie Ave Q. Chan Erna E. Arranguez
Writers/Contributors

Stephanie Ave Q. Chan Ann Lizther F. Jumawan

Graphic Design/Artists

Kalikupan is a quarterly publication of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources with office address at Greenplains Subdivision, Banilad, Mandaue City.
Tel. (032)345-39-59 / 346-96-12 Fax no. 345-39-66 Email:rpaodenr7@yahoo.com Website:www.denr.gov.ph