DENR Caraga Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo commended the City and Provincial government of Surigao City for hosting the 15th Philippine Speleo-logical Society (PSS) National Cave Congress, the very first cave congress in the Caraga Region held on April 20-24, 2015.

“In behalf of the DENR Caraga, I congratulate and extend my appreciation to the city and provincial government of Surigao del Norte for holding the 15th Philippine Speleological

Herzon F. Gallego

He may have just reached Grade 5 in education but it is not a hindrance for Junie Bustamante, 46, head of the Bingcongan Tree Farmers Association in Barangay Bingcongan, Bislig, Surigao del Sur to achieve his goal to become rich from tree farming.

Bustamante is expected to gain a hundred fold times the income he is getting now from rice farming in about three years. “We are thankful to the DENR headed by Secre-tary Ramon JP Paje and the President for the NGP” he said.

DENR commends LGU Surigao City on

15th PSS National Cave Congress

Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

Turn to page 5 ▌DENR commends Surigao on 15th PSS

IIINSIDENSIDENSIDE THISTHISTHIS ISSUEISSUEISSUE

4 DENR Caraga named “Best Delivery Unit”

4 Save the reefs

7 New Bio-diversity Projects in 2015

8 DENR-13 plants 5.7 million mangrove propagules

9 DENR-13 distributes 48,366 armchairs to public schools since 2011

10 DENR conducts info drive to save rate birds

12 DENR reminds resort owners in Caraga on proper sanita-tion and waste management

14 DENR recognizes environ-mental partners

16 Energy drives DENR sportsfest 2015, motivates champions

16 Lady foresters lick danger to get crucial data about forest land use

19 DENR top officials vow to neutralize illegal logging in Caraga

page page page 161616

Turn to page 3 ▌Displaced workers of PICOP

New learning strategy on land titling for LGU

DENR inaugurates 3 check-points in Davao & Caraga...

DENR 13 celebrates 28th anniversary

Displaced worker of PICOP Displaced worker of PICOP Displaced worker of PICOP finds relief in NGPfinds relief in NGPfinds relief in NGP

Another success story

2 April - October 2015

EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS

NONITO M. TAMAYO, CESO IVNONITO M. TAMAYO, CESO IVNONITO M. TAMAYO, CESO IV Regional Director

ENGR. PAQUITO D. MELICOR, JR.ENGR. PAQUITO D. MELICOR, JR.ENGR. PAQUITO D. MELICOR, JR.

ARD for Management Services

ROBERTO A. OLIVEROSROBERTO A. OLIVEROSROBERTO A. OLIVEROS ARD for Technical Services

EDITORIAL STAFF

HERZON F. GALLEGOHERZON F. GALLEGOHERZON F. GALLEGO Editor-in-Chief

MARIA CATHERINE M. GONZAGAMARIA CATHERINE M. GONZAGAMARIA CATHERINE M. GONZAGA

Associate Editor

JOHNY S. NATADJOHNY S. NATADJOHNY S. NATAD Lay-out / Design Editor

PENRO, CENRO and Division Chiefs

Contributing Editors ————————————————— The “Kasikas sa Kinaiyahan” is an official newsletter publication of DENR-Caraga with its editorial office at the Regional Public Affairs Office, DENR-13, Barangay Ambago, Butuan City. News manuscript and photograph contribution are accepted subject to the editorial standard policy of this publication. Send comments and reaction through e-mail at denrcaraga@yahoo.com

http://caraga.denr.gov.ph Official Website of DENR Caraga

www.facebook.com/denr13.rpao Communications Development Office Caraga

http://issuu.com/kasikas Kasikas sa Kinaiyahan

Caraga Region has been noted for logging for many years with its peak on the 80’s, but there was significant decline over the years when the imposition of Executive Order No. 23 took its turn after February 2011.

There has been a steady decline in record of apprehen-sions of forest products in the Caraga Region since 2013. The

DENR 13 Technical Services Enforcement Division report shows the record of confis-cated forest products has dropped to 1,931,303.84 board feet in 2014 from 2,585,833.53 board feet in 2011 and as of August 2015, there are only 523,272.76 bd ft. of confis-cated forest products.

Moreover only two hotspots of illegal logging in Caraga out of 17 are left. The DENR Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force in cooperation with the Philippine National Police (PNP) are doing everything to neutralize it. This is a good start for the region’s commitment to zero illegal logging by the end of the year.

To cushion the effect of this campaign to the peo-ple of Caraga especially those who are dependent on this industry, Executive Order No. 26 or the National Greening Program was implemented on 2011.

This year, Caraga has a target of 34,817 hectares including the supplemental targets compared to the 17,887 hectares and 16,292 hectares in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The accomplishment of this target is ex-pected to create job opportunities and generate income.

We also have NGP success stories featuring the changes in the lives of the Caraganons after engaging themselves to the project. One of the examples was the former NPAs in Loreto, Agusan del Sur who are now NGP beneficiaries and the Indigenous People of Sibagat who were former timber poachers who are now benefi-ciaries of the project as well.

This would not be possible without the assistance of our partners especially the PNP, Philippine Army, Aca-deme, Church, LGUs, Media, Civil Society Organizations and the People of Caraga.

At this crucial juncture, our voices and engage-ment are critical. It is not a question of what can we do but rather the willingness and initiative. As public servants, we are not here just to alarm the people but ra-ther to point the way towards the right direction with a right solutions.

Let’s make every day a day for the environment and you will be amazed by the changes it could create in the future. ▄

3

DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Demetrio L. Ignacio, Jr. leads the mass oath-taking of 735 newly appointed / promoted personnel of DENR Caraga on August 6, 2015 at Almont Inland Resort Convention Hall, Butuan City. (Photo by Johny S. Natad, RPAO/DENR-13.)

“I never expected this luck to happen to me,” Bustamante, a former worker of the defunct PICOP Resources Incorporated said. “I never thought I would be rich someday from the tree farming project under the National Greening Program of the government”, he quipped.

Bustamante enrolled in the NGP in 2011 after a team from the DENR conducted an infor-mation campaign in that interior barangay amid timber poaching activities caused by the closure of PICOP considered then as the largest paper mill in Asia in 1996.

Many of the workers of PICOP including Bustamante, then were jobless and starving making the venture in timber poaching and ille-gal cutting so much attractive. “We have no op-tion but resort to timber poaching to relieve us from starvation,” Bustamante said.

Like many other regular and contract workers of the several Timber License Agree-ment (TLA) holders in Caraga Region that fold-ed up when all TLA contracts had expired, ille-gal logging and timber poaching became a “pain in the neck” of the DENR before Executive Order No. 23 and the National Greening Pro-gram under EO No. 26 were imposed by Presi-dent Aquino in 2011.

“At first I have enjoyed the fruit of illegal timber cutting but then I decided to quit my participation because of the tight patrol of the DENR’s anti-illegal logging task force,” Busta-mante said.

This drastic decision has forced

Bustamante to improve the piece of land he owned with his brothers, a 14- hectare rice farm not far from the village. “We cultivated the farm but the products were enough for our consump-tion,” Bustamante said.

Lately however, the water irrigation had dried up due to insufficient water supply brought by the effects of the El Niño Phenomenon. “My other source of living is from grass mowing and banana selling bringing an average monthly income of only P2,000 which is insufficient to make both ends meet,” he said.

“The NGP is the best project that ever happened to us because it brought us new hope,” Bustamante said.

“Antos–antos una karon apan nakasig-uro kami nga makatilaw tag arang nga kinabuhi sa unahan” (For a brief moment we are bearing this sacrifice but we are assured of a better living condition in the days ahead), he said.

There are only six members of the asso-ciation but their respective families are actively involved in the maintenance and survival of the 3,000 rubber trees planted on the 260-hectare timberland in 2011 under the NGP.

While waiting for the right time for harvest of pulps from the 3,000 rubber trees, the association members for the meantime are engaged in seedling production and contract employment.

Aside from the rubber plantation, Busta-mante has also planted 90 trees of falcata in the area to increase his earnings which he expects to harvest three years from now. (HFG) ▄

Displaced workers of PICOP (from page 1)

Another success story

4 April - October 2015

4

The DENR Caraga was named Best Delivery Unit nationwide in the performance assessment made by the Performance Management Group Sub-committees for PBB. The Under Secretary for Policy, Planning and Foreign-Assisted Programs Manuel D. Gerochi confirmed this title in a memorandum on June 9, 2015 which says the region had performed well in almost all criteria.

“The final overall rating of the region was “4.266%” which has an equivalent adjectival rating of “very satisfactory”,” USEC Gerochi said.

DENR Caraga Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo has cited some of the accomplishments of the region from 2014 to 2015 during the 28th Anniversary of the DENR.

“Caraga has been well known for ille-gal logging for many years especially in the 70’s but the DENR 13 managed to bring this incidents down with the imposition of Executive Order No. 23 on February 2011 which declares a moratorium of timber cut-ting in the natural and residual forest over the next 25 years,” Director Tamayo said.

He said that since 2013 to present, there have been a steady decline of apprehensions of forest products in the re-gion. The report of the DENR 13 Technical Services Enforcement Division indicated

DENR Caraga named “Best Delivery Unit”

Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

that the confiscated forest products has dropped to 1,931,305.71 board feet in 2014 from 2,585,833.53 board feet in 2011.

Likewise six areas have been neutralized out of the 17 hotspot areas identified in the region. These areas are Esperanza, Rosario and Talacogon, in Agusan del Sur; Barobo and Carmen in Surigao del Sur; and Cagdianao in Dinagat Island.

To cushion the effect of this campaign to the people dependent upon the logging indus-try, Executive Order No. 26 or the National Greening Program was implemented on 2011. The DENR had set a target of 43,749.37 hec-tares including supplemental targets this year. In 2013 and 2014, 18,736 hectares and 16,676 hectares have been planted. This has also created job opportunities.

The DENR has likewise made impressive accomplishment in Cadastral Survey which was finally done on March 2015. There are 73 cities and municipalities with approved surveys for both contested and uncontested lands. Five other municipalities are under verification due to old records. “This is a century-old project which was finally ended this year,” Director Tamayo said.

Director Tamayo cited the support of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Academe, Church, LGUs, Media, Civil Society Organizations and the people of Caraga for the good performance in Cadastral Survey. ▄

The 240-million hectare Philippine waters which hosts the second biggest coral reefs in Southeast Asia next to Indonesia may face inevitable destruction by excess human intervention unless the people conduct more efforts in protecting it, emphasized RD Nonito Tamayo during the celebration of the Ocean Month in May.

“Small effort such as keeping away

Save the ReefsSave the ReefsSave the Reefs Herzon F. Gallego

from throwing plastic products and bag container into the sea can do a significant contribution in protecting our reefs,” he said.

“Let us save the reefs,” Director Tamayo said as the Filipino people throughout the county join hands in the celebration of the Ocean Month this May.

Based on records of the Bio-diversity Management Bureau (BMB), the activities of dynamite fishing, overfishing, ill-planned coastal development, pollution and the global effects on

DENR Caraga Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo stressed the importance of caves as part of the ecological system on his message at the opening program of the 15th PSS National Cave Congress on April 20, 2015 at the Gateway Hotel, Surigao City. (Photo by Carl Robert Estanol) ▄

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DENR commends Surigao on 15th PSS DENR commends Surigao on 15th PSS DENR commends Surigao on 15th PSS (from page 1)

Society (PSS) National Cave Congress. It’s a privilege to have an active and resourceful partners in promoting sustainable use of our caves,” Director Tamayo said.

The event with the theme “Caving in a Changing Climate” was attended by more than 400 individuals composed of representatives from various regions all over the Philippines. The event was likewise graced upon by Mayor Ernesto Matugas of Surigao, DOT Caraga Regional Director Leticia Tan, PSS National President Jason Garrido, Training Center for Tropical Resource and Ecosystem Sustainability, UPLB Campus Director Roberto P. Cereno, Union of International Speleology and Asia federation of Speleology President Kyung Sik Woo, GIZ/PAME Senior Advisor Terence Dacles and Filipino Cave Divers Co-founder Johann Jake Miranda.

“Caves are more than just holes or passag-es in the surface of the Earth; it is a sanctuary with very complex, fragile, and unique ecosystem with important scientific, economic, educational, cultural,

historical, and aesthetic values,” Director Tamayo said.

For the past 14 years, the National Cave Congress has provided the DENR, Local Government Units (LGUs) and other concerned stakeholders with the technical knowledge needed for the management, conservation, and protection of our caves especially in terms of management planning, basic caving, and cave survey and assessment.

“DENR Caraga in partnership with the concerned LGUs, had already classified a total of 36 caves out of 119 caves recorded in the region. The caves in Puting Buhangin in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; Delot in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; and Buenavista and Silop Multi-Cave system in Surigao City, Province of Surigao del Norte have manage-ment plan. There are 18 of 36 classified caves included in the national list of classified caves per DMC No. 2012-03 and DMC 2014-03,” Director Tamayo said.

The participants were given the opportunity to explore the caves in Buenavista, Silop and Mapawa in Suriga City at the conclusion of the congress. ▄

climate change such as warming seas affected the coral reefs.

But most of the coral reef sys-tem found in the waters of the Philippines are still in good condition although the peo-ple should be reminded always to stop using destructive methods of fishing and polluting the sea waters to protect the coral reefs.

“Plastic wastes which are carried back to the shores by sea currents get entangled often into the mangrove planta-

tion and upset its growth aside from damaging the entire ecological system,” he said.

The Philippine seas are home to some 468 species of scleractinian corals, over 50 soft corals, 1,755 reef-associated fishes, 648 mollusks, and 27 marine mammals. The reefs protect shorelines from waves and storms that cause flooding and erosion, support commercial and subsistence fisheries, and are home to a thriving recreation and tourism industry. ▄

6 April - October 2015

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More than 20 Assessors and Planning Officers have attended the three-day Roll Out and Immersion in Public Land Titling on the Systematic Adjudication Approach in Land Disposition sponsored by the DENR Land Management Bureau at the Tavern Hotel in Surigao City on April 22-24, 2015.

These planning officers and assessors from different local government offices have learned about new guidelines for the implemen-tation of public land titling. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 211-117 enjoins the LGU to support the land titling program. It enjoins the LGU to create a Land Information Office and Cadastral Council with a Deputized Public Land Inspector.

The participants have learned about facilitating the titling activities with LGU jurisdic-tion, tax mapping, demographic mapping activi-ties and geographic information system.

The LGU is expected to improve tax collections as it expands its tax base. The LGU can improve its tax collections on titled proper-ties which are necessary in the support and

improvement of basic services such as health and sanitation, infrastructure development, education, and other social services.

The three day learning activity about land titling were participated by the Assistant Director of Land Management Bureau Atty. Emelyn V. Talabis; Land Management Bureau Chief Engr. Rolando Pablo; Land Administration and Manage-ment Services Head Engr. Warlito Quirimit, and Center for Land Management Administration and Management (CLAMP LMB) Manager Alice Robles.

Later in the day, the participants visited Taganaan, Surigao del Norte to apply their learn-ings. They put up a one-stop shop on land titling so that the people can access themselves in apply-ing residential patents under Republic Act No. 10023.

An applicant must be a Filipino citizen and actual occupant of the parcel land being applied either by herself or himself or through her or his predecessor-in-interest under a bona fide claim of acquisition of ownership for at least 10 years prior to filing of the application to qualify for the free patent. ▄

New learning strategy on land titling for LGU

Herzon F. Gallego

More than 20 Assessors and Planning Officers from the different parts of the country have attended the three-day Roll Out and Immersion in Public Land Titling on the Systematic Adjudication Approach in Land Disposition sponsored by the DENR Land Management Bureau at the Tavern Hotel in Surigao City on April 22-24, 2015. Also in photo are (from left) Engr. Warlito Quirimit, head of the Land Administration and Management, Engr. Rolando Pablo, Chief of the Land Management Division, Atty. Emelyne V. Talabis, Assistant Director of LMB and Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, DENR 13, Atty. Paquito Rosal. (Photo by Catherine Gonzaga, RPAO/DENR-13)

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DENR 13 Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo (2nd from left) signs the new guidelines for the Joint Regional Committee that defines the jurisdiction of each concerned agency over lands of public domain and ancestral domains on July 24, 2015. The guidelines also provide for the creation of a joint regional committee composed of regional directors from the DENR, DAR, NCIP and LRA. Beside RD Tamayo are Regional Director Julita A. Ragandang, CESO III of the Department of Agrarian Reform, Regional Director Atty. Pinky Grace Pareja-Pabelic of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) and the Officer-in-Charge of the Register of Deeds, Land Registration Authority (LRA) XIII, Ms. Susan B. Afable. (Photo by Herzon F. Gallego, RPAO/DENR-13)

Communications Development Office-Caraga IEC Materials

http://issuu.com/cdo-caraga

New Bio-diversity Projects in 2015

The Protected Areas and Biodiversity Conservation Section (PABCS) of DENR Caraga bared its programs for 2015 at a meeting held at the Regional Learning Center, DENR Caraga, Barangay Ambago, Butuan City on April 14, 2015.

A total of 60 participants from the PABCS and planning officers from the DENR field offices attended the orientation.

“The event provided the participants the proper guidance and directions so they can have smooth implementation and timely accomplishments of target activities for 2015,” Conservation and Development Division Chief For. Maritess

M. Ocampo said.▄

Field personnel including planning officers of the Protected Areas and Biodiversity Conserva-tion Section (PABCS) DENR Caraga draw-up the programs for 2015 at the Regional Learning Center, DENR Caraga, Barangay Ambago, Butuan City on April 14, 2015. (Photo by Maria Catherine Gonzaga, RPAO/DENR-13) ▄

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April - October 2015

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DENR-13 plants 5.7 million mangrove propagules Herzon F. Gallego

ARBOR DAY 2015: DENR 13 Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo joins the planting of propagules with more than 500 participants from the different sectors and schools at a tiny sand islet near the Agusan River delta in Barangay Lumbucan, Butuan City in the observance of the Arbor Day on June 25, 2015. (Photo by Herzon Gallego, RPAO/DENR-13) ▄

The DENR 13 have planted half of the total 11,130,000 mangrove propagules prepared by the DENR 13 under the Mangrove and Beach Forest Development Project (MBFDP) in Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte , Surigao del Sur and

the Province of Dinagat Islands.

DENR 13 Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo said about 5,706,452 seedlings have been planted in the different planting sites as of September 9, 2015. The other remaining balance of seedlings raised shall be planted until

November 2015.

Director Tamayo made this announcement during an emergency meeting with the field officers to draw up contingency measures to cushion the impact of the “El Niño” Phenomenon which is expected to be felt by October this year in most parts of the country. The meeting was held at the DENR Regional Learning Center in

Barangay Ambago, Butuan City.

“We anticipate the impact of El Niño on the seedlings that were planted in the different NGP sites which may be affected by intense heat and absence of precipitation” Director Tamayo said. The PAG-ASA Weather Forecast has reported less rains will occur in Caraga Region in the

months ahead due to the weather phenomenon.

Some CENR Officers reported that various measures have been taken to cushion the impact

of El Niño in most reforestation sites under NGP.

OIC, PENRO Roberto Oliveros said he has alerted the newly-hired DENR forest rangers and the Bantay Gubat task force to intensify foot patrol

focused on possible forest fire that may occur in the NGP plantation due to intense solar heat. “Dry leaves and cogon grasses are common sights during this time but a community which is conscious about forest fire can always avert a

forest disaster,” he said.

In some NGP sites, the members of the different Community-Based Forest Management Organizations have fixed their respective im-pounding water structure where they can draw

water for the seedlings.

Director Tamayo said the DENR has also focused its activities on mangrove and beach forest development which are located in the towns of Nasipit and Tubay in Agusan del Norte, SIPLAS Dapa and Surigao City in Surigao del Norte, Tandag, Cantilan, Lianga and Bislig in Surigao del Sur and the Province of Dinagat

Islands.

As of to date, he said, about 4,452 hectares have been planted which is 41.18 percent partially accomplished with 5,706,453.00 seedlings and propagules. Agusan del Norte under PENRO Pat Oliveros, and the Dinagat Province under OIC, PENRO Agapito Patubo have posted high performance

ratings in accomplishment on their target.

About 2,120 folk have been contracted by the DENR to work on the establishment of nursery and monitoring and care of the seed-lings under the Cash for Work program of the

NGP. ▄

9

A total of 712,526.85 board feet of confiscated lumbers were delivered to the TESDA by the Department of Envi-ronment and Natural Resources Region 13 for the production of 48,366 pieces of armchairs through the P-Noy Bayanihan Project since 2011 to date, newly-installed Chief of the Enforcement Division, DENR 13 Technical Services Modesto Lagumbay said.

He said about 47,366 pieces of these manufactured chairs were delivered to public schools in the different provinces and are now being used by the elementary pupils.

The Department of Education (DepEd), TESDA, PAGCOR and DENR have agreed to support each other in the manufacture of chairs from the confiscated logs of the DENR. The PAGCOR provides the necessary equipment and apparatus, TESDA provides the manpower requirement and working shops, the DepEd handles the distribution of the manufactured chairs while the DENR donates the confiscated logs.

Lagumbay said there are 1,030 pieces additional armchairs that are ready for distribution. DENR Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo said the DENR is committed to provide quality-made chairs to the school children so they can enjoy comfortable seats inside their classrooms. (HFG) ▄

5S FOR BASIC GOOD HOUSEKEEPING PRACTICES. Selected personnel of the DENR Regional Office Caraga Region took a one-day learning session about 5S for Basic Good Housekeeping Practices in coordination with the Dept. of Labor and Employment Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) on April 08,2015 at the DENR 13 Regional Learning Center in Barangay Ambago, Butuan City. One of the resource persons is Earl dela Victoria, Board Secretary VI of the RTWPB. (Photo by Maria Catherine Gonzaga, RPAO/DENR-13). ▄

CHAIRS FOR PEACE ADVOCATES. DENR 13 Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo (4th from left) has formally turned over 250 armchairs to Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos, Chairperson of the Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (2nd from right) during a simple rite held at the Father Saturnino Urios High School in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur on June 17, 2015. The armchairs were manufactured by the Nasipit National Vocational School as part of the PNoy Bayanihan Program. (Photo by Herzon F. Gallego, RPAO/DENR-13) ▄

DENR-13 distributes 48,366

armchairs to public schools since 2011

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April - October 2015 10

The DENR-13 through its Regional Public Affairs Office has conducted an information drive in Bislig, Surigao del Sur in coordination with the OIC, Community Environment and Natural Re-sources Officer Michael Montalban to increase the awareness of the residents and save the fast disappearances of rare birds due to the de-struction of the forest.

DENR 13 Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo said he was bothered by the findings of the environment enthusiasts and birders that several rare birds that can be found in the once lush forest in Bislig, Surigao del Sur have vanished. Based on observation of the birders who visited the area, they found several settlers who have moved in resorted to slash and burn, destroying the forest cover to set up farms leading to birds losing their natural habitats.

Director Tamayo said “It is disappointing to note that some endemic birds in that area which are considered treasures are slowly disappearing because of increase in human activities in the forest”.

“Birds species like blue fantails, writhed hornbills, rufous-fronted tailorbirds, brown tit-babblers, leafbirds, celestial monarch, the Mindanao heart-bleeding pigeon, the Mindanao Broadbill and the Philippine Eagle, were common sights in the 90’s but you can seldom spot them today in the forest”, the birders said.

The report of the Haribon’s “Priority Sites for Conservation in the Philippines” said that the avian population that are thriving in the 154,829 hectares forest land covering Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental and Composte-la Valley have been threatened by previous logging concession, illegal logging, land conver-sion (plantation), and human encroachment.

The DENR-13 expects that through the mass media channels it can encourage the people to contribute in protecting the environ-ment and preserving the avian population particularly at the former logging concession area of the “PICOP Resources Incorporated”.

“Bislig has been identified as a key biodiversity area and potential destination of local and foreign birders but unless the local government and other concerned government agencies join together to save the remaining rare birds from their extinction, the next generation will no longer see and hear these rare birds”, Director Tamayo said. (Herzon F. Gallego) ▄

DENR-13 conducts info drive to save rare birds

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LAKAD PARA SA KALIKASAN 2015. DENR 13 officials led by Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo (center) and Assistant Regional Director for Management Pacquito Melicor, Jr. (right), DENR regional personnel and other government employees from the national government, and private entities held a “Lakad para sa Kalikasan” on June 5, 2015 with a distance of about 2 kilometers to celebrate June 5 Environment Day with the theme "Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care" from the Guingona Park to the Provincial Capitol. (Photo by Herzon Gallego, RPAO/DENR-13) ▄

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Regional Office in collaboration with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) held the first ever River Basin Summit in the Philippines on September 3-4, 2015 at Almont, Inland Resort, Butuan City.

The summit was focused on the Agusan River Basin which is considered as the third largest River Basin in the country with a total drainage area of 11, 936.55 km2 and 350 kilometers river length. It originated from the mountains of Pantukan in Compostella Valley traversing north-ward all the way to the Butuan Bay at Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.

“I am very much impressed about this very first River Basin Summit in the country and this group has already set a high standard for the other river basin summits to follow,” Executive Director of the DENR Central River Basin Control Office Jacob Meimban Jr. said.

“The summit aims to popularize and create the Agusan River Basin Master Plan. One signifi-cant output of the summit is the creation of the offi-cial ARB Organization headed by Bishop Juan de

Caraga hosts the first ever River Basin Summit in the Philippines Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

Dios D. Pueblos. This is a good start in putting into realization the plans for the basin,” head of the Agusan River Basin Technical Working Group, Forester Maritess M. Ocampo said.

A total of 220 participants from Regions X, XI and XIII graced the event bringing with them the hopes of finally succeeding with the finalization of the Agusan River Basin Master Plan.

The guests during the event include the Vice Chairman of the National Advisory Council World Wide Fund Philippines, Mr. Jose Maria Lorenzo Tan, Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Luwalhati R. Antonino, DENR Caraga Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo, Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, and RBCO Executive Director Jacob Meimban Jr.

“If I base it on numbers, I could clearly see the success of our goals for the Agusan River Basin,” Director Tamayo said.

“This event is very timely as we face the challenges brought by climate change. I would like to congratulate everyone for being a part of an advocacy that is worth your time,” he said. ▄

12 April - October 2015

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DENR Caraga employees have joyfully celebrated the 28th Founding anniversary of DENR on June 10 at the regional office covered court in Barangay Ambago, Butuan City with the theme, “Alay sa mga kawani: Katuparan ng mga Minithing Pangarap”.

In his message, DENR Caraga Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo congratu-lated the employees for achieving the recogni-tion of being one of the best performing region.

“For the third time we were best anew in performance among the other DENR regional offices nationwide. Thanks to your dedication and all out support for a job well-done,” RD Tamayo said.

“We have been working hard on NGP, cadastral survey, and we have slowed down the activities on illegal logging which were far better in 2014,” he said.

“With the completion of our rationaliza-tion plan, all vacant positions can be filled up with deserving personnel,” he said. “I expect everyone to be active, dedicated, and inspired in extending good public service,” said RD Tamayo.

He also cited the critical role of the employees in management, protection, and conservation of environment and natural

DENR 13 celebrates 28th anniversary

resources.

The main purpose of celebrating the anniversary is to make the people aware of their role in environmental protection and preservation. “We are now on the tipping point toward destruction of the Earth,” he said. “It is our responsibility to save our natural resources. Let us be an active agent of change toward sustainable management of our environment,” RD Tamayo added.

The whole day “Fiesta sa DENR” celebration kicked off with the ribbon cutting followed by an opening program, Zumba Fitness Dance Competition, Laro ng Lahi, Recognition of DENR environmental partners, The Voice contest, Raffle for minor items, Search for Mr. and Ms. Kalikasan, and Musikahan at Sayawan.

The DENR was officially created in June 10, 1987 by virtue of Executive Order No. 192 signed by then President Corazon C. Aquino. The agency’s humble beginning dates back in 1863 during Spaniard regime. It was during the American regime when the Commonwealth Act No. 2666 was enacted to establish an agency tasked to primarily focus on fishing, forestry and mining which was the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR)”. (JSN) ▄

Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo of the Department of Environment and Natural Re-sources (DENR) Caraga Region reminded own-ers of beach resorts and commercial establish-ments particularly in places with tourist influx to be aware about good sanitation and proper waste management to keep the waters safe for swimming.

Director Tamayo issued the advisory in face of the situation in Boracay waters which is partly affected by the presence of the so-called “green and slimy algae” that has spoiled the sum-mer fun of bathers and swimmers.

“Although the appearance of green algae is a natural occurrence during summer, it would be practical to the owners of resorts and other

DENR reminds resort owners in Caraga on proper sanitation and waste management

commercial establishments operating on the beach corridors in the region to exercise proper management of sanitation and waste disposal” Director Tamayo said.

He said he would ask the Environmental Management Bureau Regional Director for Cara-ga Region Wilson L. Trajico to likewise look into the informal settlers along shorelines to deter-mine if the quality of water in their surrounding areas are in accordance with the Clean Water Act and other environmental laws and regulations.

Director Tamayo said a well-designed sewage system may be practical and beneficial to the owners of the establishments in the tourist-destined beach resorts in the region. (HFG)

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April - October 2015 14

DENR recognizes environmental partners

Johny S. Natad

The DENR Caraga has recognized environmental partners for the accomplishments on environmental management and develop-ment particularly in the successful implementa-tion of the National Greening Program (NGP) and anti-illegal logging campaign.

DENR Caraga Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo gave awards and plaque of appreciation to four (4) farmers organizations, twenty-seven (27) local government units, two (2) municipal police stations, and ten (10) regional government agencies with significant contribution in the implementation of NGP and intensifying anti-illegal logging campaign in the region.

“We are grateful to our partners,” RD Tamayo said. “They shared their unequivocal supports to us,” he said. “It’s a crucial task of DENR but working together in partnership with different government line agencies, people’s organization, community, PNP, National Defense and Arm Forces of the Philippines, we can achieve good results,” RD Tamayo said.

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño said NEDA will continually support the agency.

“We have been working with the DENR in environmental development and manage-ment in the region. We congratulate its officials and staff for its accomplishments,” RD Cariño said.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga Regional Director Letecia Tan said tourist arrival in the region have registered one million mark in 2014 with the help of DENR’s support for eco-tourism.

“DENR has been a partner in conver-gence. Our partnership makes us more inspired

to work with other government agencies for eco-tourism development in the region”, RD Tan said.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga Regional Director Edna Mabeza expressed her satisfaction over the achievements of DENR. “Our office will always support in protecting the natural resources,” she said.

Police Regional Office Caraga Regional Director PCSupt David Ombao said the PNP in coordination with the DENR has intensified its anti-illegal logging campaign.

“We commit our support to the DENR on its objectives particularly on zero-illegal logging in Caraga. The central Philippine National Police is focused on this kind of operations,” said PCSupt Ombao.

Sibagat Federation of Tribal Community Agro Farmers Development Association, Inc. (SFTCAFDAI), headed by Arnold M. Acebido “Datu Subang”, thanked the DENR Caraga for providing technical and livelihood supports. Datu Subang said the NGP had changed their lives from being timber poachers to forest defenders.

"I used to carry guns with me before. But I surrendered everything to the authorities. The support of DENR assured us of our livelihood. My future and my children’s future are secured consid-ering the income that we will earn from our 163-hectare coffee plantation,” Datu Subang said.

Technical Education and Skills Develop-ment Authority (TESDA) Caraga Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico Jr., commended the DENR Caraga for its accomplishments considering that it inspired convergence to work for success.

“With convergence, we can do many things. In partnership with DENR, TESDA has able to manufacture 47,641 chairs made from the confiscated illegal forest products,” RD Sunico said. (JSN). ▄

DENR partners. From left: NEDA-13 RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño, SFTCAFDAI leader Arnold M. Acebido a.k.a Datu Subang, PRO-13 RD PCSupt David Ombao, DOT-13 RD Letecia Tan, TESDA-13 RD Florencio F. Sunico Jr., and DA-13 RD Edna Mabeza. ▄

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DENR CALLS SUPPORT FOR DECARBONIZED ECONOMY. DENR-Caraga Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo (center) explains the need to apply decarbonized economy in running economic operations during the Environment Day media conference on June 5, 2015. Also in photo from left are MGB-13 Regional Director Engr. Daniel Belderol and EMB-13 CPD Chief Reynaldo Digamo. (Photo by Herzon F. Gallego, RPAO/DENR-Caraga) ▄

LEGAL TEAM DISCUSSES LAND DISPUTE QUICK RESOLUTION. A team of legal experts from the DENR Central Office paid a courtesy call with DENR 13 Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo at his office on April 7, 2017. The team was sent by DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje to Caraga Region to expedite for the speedy resolution of cases involving land disputes in several areas of the region. Also in photo is Engr. Pacquito Melicor, Assistant Director for Management of DENR 13. (Photo by Catherine Gonzaga, RPAO/DENR-13). ▄

FAMILY DAY. The DENR Caraga took a one-day break to hold family day/ mini-sports fest at Amontay Beach Resort on May 8, 2015. (Photo by Catherine Gonzaga, RPAO/DENR-13). ▄

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DENR-13 employees enjoyed a three-day Sportfest on June 22 to 24, 2015 at the Agusan del Norte provincial covered court in Butuan City, highlighting the celebration of the environment celebration. The sportfest was participated by EMB, MGB, ERDB, regional office, five PENROs and ten CENROs. The event opened with a cheer dance competition followed by the ballgames such as basketball and volleyball and other sport events like dart, bowling, lawn tennis, table tennis and badminton. The volleyball, table tennis and dart sports activities were held at the Agusan del Norte provincial covered court. The basketball and lawn tennis events were held at the Luz Village covered court while the bowling and badminton events at Timberlane and Timberline. During the opening program, DENR Caraga Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo encouraged the participants to enjoy the sports. “Sport makes a person’s body and mind healthy and strong,” RD Tamayo said at the opening ceremony. “This sportsfest is timely because this is the time when employees take time to recharge their energy and flex muscles,” he added. “Everyone who indulges in sports is already a winner. Everyone must therefore encourage others to indulge in sports activities as a medium for advocacy,” he said. “Sports as medium would relate to people that healthy mind and sound body are necessary to be effective and champions in environmental

Energy drives DENR sportsfest 2015, motivates champions Johny S. Natad

management,” RD Tamayo said. Meanwhile, Agusan del Norte Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba who was invited as honored guest of the sportsfest has affirmed her strong support to the DENR-Caraga in the implementation of environmental programs. “I commend DENR for holding this activity which promotes unity and camaraderie,” Governor Matba said. At the culmination of the sportsfest, the teams were declared winners. Team Nonie (Regional Office) was declared the over-all champion who won seven (7) sports events in basketball, volleyball (men), table tennis (men), dart (single women and mixed double), and lawn tennis (single men and double men). Team Cliff (PENRO Surigao del Norte) was the second place winner who won in cheer dance competition, and dart event (single men, double men and double women). Team Pat (PENRO Agusan del Norte) was in third place, winning in bowling and badminton (double women) events. The other winners were Team Wilson (EMB-13) who won in lawn tennis (single women, double women and mixed double) competition; Team Aga (PENRO Dinagat Islands) won on badminton (men double and mixed double) events; Team Bebot (PENRO Surigao del Sur) dominated on volleyball (women) event; while Team Obet (Agusan del Sur) ruled in table tennis (women) event. This years’ sportsfest hosted by PENRO Agusan del Norte is chaired by Regional Legal Office Chief Atty. Claudio A. Nistal, Jr. as the over-all sports coordinator. ▄

Turn to page 19 ▌Lady foresters dare danger

Lady foresters lick danger to get crucial data about forest land use

It takes two Lady foresters of the Depart-ment of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Regional Office to cross danger lines inside forest jungle in Agusan del Sur to be able to get crucial data on forest land use needed by the management on its decision.

“We spent hours of hiking in the forest jungle without minding the danger that lurks to assess the forest resources particularly about the National Greening Program (NGP),” Forester Marlyn delos Arcos said.

Ms. Arcos is assigned at the Conservation and Development Division, Technical Service of

the DENR 13 under Maritess Ocampo where data and information about the status of the planted seedlings and the tree stands are constantly moni-tored to guide the top management in making de-cisions. “We go to places where men sometimes dare not owing to the critical security condition on the area,” Arcos said.

The lady forester referring to the presence of the armed rebels evading government soldiers. “We avoid being caught in the middle of the conflict as much as possible,” Arcos said. “Facing an NPA cadre does not bother us and most often

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April - October 2015

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The DENR has put up three forest moni-toring checkpoints at the boundaries of Davao and Caraga region to strengthen monitoring and bring down illegal logging and timber poaching incidence to zero level by the end of June 2015.

“It's a tall order from DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje who instructed the DENR regional directors earlier to bring illegal logging incidence down to the zero level by the end of June,” Regional Director Nonito Tamayo of DENR 13 said during a press interview.

“We expect support and active participa-tion of the people in this all-out campaign against illegal logging,” DENR Region 11 Direc-tor Joselin Marcus Fragada said.

The two DENR executives have led the inauguration of what they call “common check-point” at Barangay Rizal in Monkayo, Compostela Valley.

“We thought it practical to put up the monitoring checkpoint at the boundaries of Agusan del Sur and Monkayo, Compostela Valley hoping it can control illegal logs from Bislig, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur and Davao,” Director Tamayo said.

The DENR has also established check-points at the boundary of Laac, Compostela Valley; Loreto, Agusan del Sur; Linging, Surigao del Sur; and Boston in Davao Oriental.

“We hope these forest checkpoints will discourage timber smugglers and poachers,” Director Fragada said

The inauguration ceremony was attended by local officials, the commanding officers of Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army led by PSupt. Jay Gacis Dema Ala, Chief of PNP Monkayo; PSupt. Albert Ignatius D. Ferro, OIC, PNP Provincial Director, Compostela Valley; Lt.Col. Gilbert S. Ruiz, Batallion Commander of the 66th Infantry Batallion, PA; Lt. Col. Michelle Amayron, Jr., Batallion Commander of the 26th Infantry Batallion, PA; Mayor Joselito Brillantes of Monkayo; PENR Officer Pablito Ofrecia of Com-postela; PENR Officer Rosendo Asunto, Surigao del Sur; OIC, PENR Officer Roberto Oliveros, Agusan del Sur; the CENR Officer of Maco, Rogelio M. Hermo; the CENR Officer of Mon-kayo Martiniano Ratol; the DENR 11 ARD for Technical Services Felix M. Alicer; and the OIC CENR Officers of Bayugan, Jerome Albia; Luis Gonzaga of Talacogon; Modesto Lagumbay of

DENR inaugurates 3 checkpoints in Davao and Caraga to bring illegal logging down to zero

incidence Herzon F. Gallego

Bunawan; Melvin Bustillo, and Precilio Penaloga of Loreto.

Director Tamayo emphasized that the newly established forest monitoring center will likewise serve as “Monitoring and Public Assis-tance Center”. It will function as an information center where anyone can come and learn some-thing about environment, the climate change, the national greening program and many others.

He said the DENR have laid out strategies to stop illegal logging at all cost and by all means in keeping with the commitment with Secretary Paje.

He said the PNP and the Philippine Army commanders also gave their full support to the DENR to accomplish its goal.

The forest monitoring and public assis-tance center shall be manned by 10 personnel from the two regions with uniforms. They will be multi-sector groups .

Director Fragada said the drivers of con-tainer vans shall be asked with documents by the operatives at the checkpoints as a matter of prop-er operational procedure.

The DENR operatives shall focus its operations in 11 hot spots. ▄

PARTNERSHIP FOR ANTI-ILLEGAL LOGGING CAMPAIGN. DENR Regional Director Joselin Marcus Fragada of Davao Region and Nonito M. Tamayo of Caraga congratulates each other after the inauguration of the Forest Monitoring and Public Assistance Center in Barangay Rizal, Monkayo, Compostela Valley on May 27, 2015. (Photo by Herzon F. Gallego, RPAO/DENR-13) ▄

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ZERO ILLEGAL LOGGING MANIFESTO OF COMMITMENT. DENR Caraga Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo holds the manifesto of commitment of the DENR senior management staff that they will exert more efforts to neutralize illegal logging in the region by the end of June 2015 during the Special Management Conference held at Samping Avenue Convention Hall, Butuan City on May 7, 2015. (Photo by Catherine Gonzaga, RPAO/DENR-13) ▄

they understand our job,” she said.

She said the Forest Resource Assessment (FRA) is so important in terms of data gathering in the forest land use. Its activities involve collecting, managing and analyzing information about forest resources. Information from sample plots and tracts, the measurement of biophysical properties and feed-

Lady foresters dare danger (from page 16)

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo and his senior staff and field officials have vowed to neutralize illegal logging activities in the remaining hot spot areas in the region.

The move was formalized at the recent Special Management Conference in May 7, 2015 where 35 officials including five PENROs and 10 CENROs have signed the agreement.

The officers also gave their consent to a condition that they can be removed from their post or demoted to a lower post should they fail on their targets.

DENR top management had imposed a ze-ro illegal logging by June 30 which was announced at a conference presided over by DENR Undersec-retary Ignacio of Field Operations at the DENR Central Office. “We were asked to neutralize the remaining areas considered hot spots of illegal log-ging to zero level by 30 June 2015,” Director

DENR top officials vow to neutralize illegal logging in Caraga Herzon F. Gallego

Tamayo said.

He said the DENR took this challenge, the fact that illegal logging has been a perennial problem in 70’s.

“But we have managed to bring down illegal logging incidents after 45 years later with the imposition of Executive Order 23 on February 2011 declaring a moratorium of timber harvesting in the natural and residual forest over the next 25 years,” Director Tamayo said.

He said the DENR has neutralized six areas of the 17 identified hot spots in the region mostly located in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.

DENR 13 noted a sharp decrease in the apprehension, seizure and confiscation of forest products from 2,617,184.77 board feet in 2013 to 1,882,747.36 board feet in 2014. In the first quarter of this year, the volume of confiscated logs and lumber totaled 131,225 board feet. ▄

back from forest users are also crucial in the management of tree resources. “Our focus in particular is about the changes in land use and the existing vegetation inside the forest area”.

She said 26 sample tracts in Caraga Region are currently being assessed and evaluated by the DENR team. (HFG) ▄

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http://caraga.denr.gov.ph Official Website of DENR Caraga

DENR CARAGA completes Cadastral SurveyDENR CARAGA completes Cadastral SurveyDENR CARAGA completes Cadastral Survey

The century-old Cadastral Survey in Caraga Region was finally completed on March 31, 2015 through the efforts of the Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Atty. Paquito Rosal.

DENR Caraga Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo said the DENR has accomplished the Cadastral Survey of 73 cities and municipalities in the region. The cadastral survey of 51 cities and municipalities from 2008 to 2014 have been approved with 54 cadastral projects. A total of 843,317.839 hectares which includes contested and uncontested areas with approved surveys from 2011 to 2014 have been accomplished.

“ARD Paquito Rosal, in spite of his ailment, had personally attended meetings to immediately solve land conflicts whenever

PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT FOR LAND TITLING. DENR-13 Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo signs a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement for the Public Land Titling Project with the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur headed by Governor Adolph Edward G. Plaza at a simple ceremony during the celebration of Naliyagan Festival at the Provincial Capitol ground, in Patin-ay, Prosperided, Agusan del Sur on June 17, 2015.The signing ceremony was also witnessed by Vice Gov. Santiago "Santi" B. Cane, Jr. and OIC PENR Officer Roberto A. Oliveros. (Photo by Herzon Gallego, RPAO/DENR-13) ▄

possible,” Regional Cadastral Coordinator Engr. Bernard A. Daitol said. “ARD Rosal is truly dedicated to his job,” he added.

Cadastral Survey Program started in 1913. It involves survey of a city, municipality or province to determine its metes and bounds or political boundaries. It covers the identification and delineation of individual lots of all landowners and claimants and the establishment of survey control points, popularly known as “mohon”.

The project is a priority program of the DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje especially in the Aquino administration. The completion of the Cadastral Survey can boost economic prosperity through reforming the country’s land services towards improve productivity.

(MCMG) ▄

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