Press Releases

PENRO RIZAL CONDUCTS ANNUAL ASIAN WATERBIRD CENSUS

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Rizal conducted its Annual Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) along the selected lakeshore areas within five barangays in the municipalities of Jala-Jala and Pililla, Rizal identified as key sites for wild migratory birds in Laguna Lake.

The AWC team was led by the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) of Pamitinan Protected Landscape and Hinulugang Taktak Protected Landscape, For. Zosima Belen, and PENRO Rizal Conservation and Development Section Chief, For. April De Rota, and was composed of selected personnel who are licensed Foresters, GIS Experts, and Biologists.

The team was able to identify and determine the species and the conservation status of the waterbirds observed in the sites including Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) with the most count of 108 heads, 50 heads of Black-winged stilts (Himantopus himantopus), and 14 heads of Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis).

The most common forms of threats on the wetland and the waterbirds were also noted during the census, most of which were human-induced such as industrial and solid waste pollution, and agricultural and fishing activities in and around the lake. All of these were labeled by the team as high levels of threats.

AWC was initially conducted in the Indian Subcontinent in 1987. Over the years, the conduct of the said census has been rapidly adopted in other countries in Asia. In line with the international census of waterbirds, AWC aims to build and strengthen the national network of census volunteers and facilitate the training of such volunteers as well.

PENRO Rizal will submit to the DENR Regional Office and the Biodiversity Management Bureau the findings and observations collected during the AWC, to be part of the department’s collective efforts and contribution to the international census.###

Details
Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Press Releases

VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS GIVE FULL SUPPORT TO INTEGRATED MARIKINA RIVER BASIN MASTER PLAN

Sixty (60) individuals representing various stakeholders of the Marikina River Basin (MRB) gave their whole-hearted early support in the updating, approval, and adoption of the Integrated MRB Management and Development Master Plan as they signed the corresponding Manifesto during the 2024 Marikina Local River Basin Summit spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CALABARZON Region last March 21, 2024 in its office building in Calamba, Laguna.

“As stakeholders, we stand united in our commitment for the sustainability of Marikina River Basin, ensuring that our shared resources are managed and utilized responsibly for the present and future generations,” the duly signed Statement of Support read.

Anchored with this year’s World Water Day theme “Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Seguridad ng Tubig”, the Summit mainly aims to unite MRB stakeholders, enhance their awareness on the importance of river basins in ensuring water security and fostering sustainable development, and inspire them to be active partners of the DENR in the sustainable integrated management and development of MRB. 

MRB is one of the three major river basins in the country and is one of the five river basins with Master Plans currently being updated under the Build Back Better Task Force Program of the government. ###

Details
Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Press Releases

DENR CALABARZON OFFERS FREE DENTAL SERVICES IN CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

DENR CALABARZON in partnership with Coast Guard Station Laguna, 107th Auxillary Squadron Philippine Coast Guard Auxillary (PCGA), Tooth Family and Maritime Security Law Enforcement Command (MARSLEC) conducted a dental mission on March 8, 2024 at Ground Floor Conference Hall, DENR CALABARZON Regional Office, Brgy. Mayapa, Calamba City, Laguna 

The dental mission was part of the Community Passion (COMPASSION) Project of the Department’s Association of Career Executives (ACE) health and wellness program. The activity offered free dental consultation, tooth extraction, and fluoride varnish for children.

In addition, the activity also coincided with the celebration of International Women’s Day. Assistant Regional Director for Technical Service Eriberto Saños said “ang inyong buhok lalo na sa kababaihan ay korona ng kagandahan, at ang inyong ngipin ang kislap ng inyong kagandahan” . ARD Saños highlighted the importance of dental health as well as the wellness of one’s body. 


Moreover, Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria shared that March 8th is International Women’s Day. “Bilang pagkilala sa papel ng mga kababaihan sa kasaysayan, sa pag-unlad at sa lahat ng aspeto ng ating buhay. Pagpapakita ng kahalagahan ng papel ng ating mga kababaihan” RED Tamoria said. He also extended gratitude to the partners volunteers.###

Details
Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Press Releases

PROSPECTIVE DEPUTIZED ENR OFFICERS UNDERGO TRAINING IN RIZAL

Over 40 individuals from the people’s organizations in Antipolo, Upland Farmers Association, IP Farmers Association, and bantay gubat and forest patrollers of WawaJVCo, Incorporated along with personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Rizal Provincial Office participated in a two-day training for prospective Deputized Environment and Natural Resources Officers (DENROs) at Boso-Boso Highlands Hotel and Resort, Rizal last March 6-7, 2024.

The said activity was facilitated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CALABARZON through its Enforcement Division.

“Marami ang natawag, ngunit kakaunti ang napili. Kayo ang napili upang maging kaagapay ng DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) at ng Probinsya sa pagpapatupad ng mga environmental laws”, said by Engr. Robert Estrada from the Provincial Government of Rizal as he relayed the message of Rizal Governor Hon. Nina Ricci Ynares to the participants.

The training aims to capacitate prospective DENROs to assist DENR in the enforcement of environmental laws, conduct of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities, and documentation of the Administrative Confiscation Proceedings.

According to the data of the National Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA), 51 percent of the total land area of Rizal are classified forest lands. PENRO Rizal Technical Services Division Chief, Ernesto M. Diso, Jr., recognized the lack of manpower to patrol the area they cover. He shared “Ang average na kailangang i-patrol ng isang forest ranger namin ay 1,400 hectares. Kaya po andito kayo, upang makatulong naming mabantayan at mapatrol ang kagubatan”.

Government Affairs and Public Relations Head of WawaJVCo, Inc Ms. April Adis emphasized the need for reinforcements in the protection of Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL) – a 26,126 hectare Protected Area (PA) in Rizal. “Mayroon lamang po tayong 17 Forest Rangers protecting Upper Marikina... Ito ay hindi birong gawain kung kaya’t tayong mga IPs ng Antipolo at Montalban at iba’t ibang ahensya na nakapaloob sa Protected Area, at mga nakatira sa PA, ay responsibilidad nating tulungan ang DENR na mapangalagaan ang PA”, Adis said.

 Meanwhile, For. Lorenzo Cordova, Jr, Company Forester of WawaJVCo underscored the significant role of the community in protecting the PA. He said “Binibigyan natin ng halaga ang partisipasyon ng komunidad…Kailangan ang mas malalim na pagsasanay para kayo mismo na nasa frontline ng pagprotekta sa ating kalikasan ay maipatupad ng tama ang batas.”

DENROs are authorized to arrest, even without a warrant, any person who violated environmental laws. They may also appear in court as witnesses against environmental violators.

The two-day training covered discussions on environmental laws, rules, and regulations under the forestry, biodiversity, and land sector. Further, salient features of Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and Philippine Mining Act were also tackled.

The training was requested by the WawaJVCo, Inc that primes to supply water to 2 million residents of Rizal Province and Metro Manila.###

Details
Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Press Releases

DENR-PENRO CAVITE CHAMPIONS PRIE-HRM PRINCIPLES AMONG CAITE SCIENCE INTEGRATED SCHOOL-REGIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS THRU WORK IMMERSION PROGRAM

In a knot-tied collaboration between the DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Cavite and Cavite Science Integrated School-Regional Science High School through a Memorandum of Agreement, nine Grade 12 students embarked on an 80-hour work immersion program from February 12-23, 2024.
 
This initiative, guided by the principles of Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) and DepEd Order No. 30 s. 2017, offered students an immersive experience in environmental stewardship while fulfilling academic requirements.
 
DepEd Order No. 30, s. 2017 sets the guidelines in the conduct of Work Immersion primarily aimed to enhance the quality of education in the Philippines by prioritizing the holistic development of learners. It emphasizes the integration of values education, career guidance, and work immersion programs into the school curriculum to equip students with the necessary skills and competencies for personal and professional success.
 
Designed to bridge classroom learning with practical application, the work immersion program offered students with firsthand exposure to the vital functions and responsibilities within DENR—under the mentorship of PENRO personnel from Land Records Unit, Compliance Monitoring Unit, Accounting, Manila Bay Site Coordinating and Management Office (MBSCMO), Surveillance, Investigation and Intelligence Unit (SIIU), Planning and Management Section, and Administrative Section.
 
Students gained practical insights into environmental conservation efforts, natural resource management, and sustainable development practices. Furthermore, the work immersion program provided them with a platform to actively apply Prime HRM principles in their daily activities.
 
By fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, DENR-PENRO Cavite empowered students to develop essential competencies such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving – qualities essential for success in both academic and professional spheres.
 
The culminating activity involved the awarding of certificates to students for their successful completion of the program. This recognition ceremony served as a testament to the students' dedication, effort, and achievement throughout the immersion period. It also provided an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and acknowledge the valuable contributions they partook to the DENR-PENRO.
 
During the recognition ceremony, selected students were invited to share their reflections on their experiences as DENR trainees. Part of the activity had students respond to prompts such as "𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝑫𝑬𝑵𝑹 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒆, 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 ______", where they expressed their personal commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. Mr. James Bryan Orosco responded, "𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝑫𝑬𝑵𝑹 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒆, 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒂𝒔𝒂𝒏!". The said activity highlighted the students' aspirations to become advocates for environmental protection, agents of positive change, and stewards of nature.
 
In a nutshell, the successful completion of the work immersion program not only reflects DENR-PENRO Cavite's dedication to excellence in education but also reinforces its role as a beacon of environmental stewardship in the region. By embracing PRIME-HRM principles, DENR-PENRO Cavite continued to empower students to become active agents of change and champions for a sustainable future.###
Details
Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Press Releases