Nineteen (19) species of waterbirds were recorded during the recently conducted Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) held in the four AWC sites within the AOR of CENRO Catanauan, Quezon, particularly, Brgy. Patabog in Mulanay, Brgy. Silongin in San Francisco, Brgy. Luctob in Macalelon, and Brgy. Alibijaban in San Andres, all in the Province of Quezon,

Common species recorded in Brgy. Patabog were Common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) and Philippine duck (Anas luzonica), while in Brgy. Silongin and Luctob, most of the birds recorded were Little egret (Egretta garzetta) and Wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola). Moreover, there were Nankeen night herons (Nycticorax caledonicus) sighted in Brgy. Alibijaban. Species of egrets such as Little egret, Intermediate egret (Ardea intermedia) and Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) were sighted feeding in Alibijaban Wilderness Area and in the dry-up inland wetland located at the southern part of the protected area. The team also recorded a rare sighting of a Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) roaming in between rocks on the mudflats of Brgy. Silongin. Additionally, a lone Great frigatebird (Fregata minor) was sighted flying during the sundown in Alibijaban.

A total of 411 bird individuals of 41 species and 23 families were sighted and counted by the team. Seventeen (17) of which are terrestrial, nineteen (19) are waterbirds, and five (5) are wetland dependent. One of the species observed are Philippine ducks whose conservation status is Vulnerable, while all the rest of the observed species are categorized as Least Concern.

The population observed and recorded during the census proved that the above-mentioned sites are favorable habitats of waterbird species, except Brgy. Silongin in San Francisco, Quezon because of human interruption and coastal settlements.

The conduct of AWC is important, as waterbirds represent one of the most visible indicators of the health and diversity of wetland ecosystems. Some of these birds are more terrestrial while the others are more aquatic. Their adaptations vary depending on their environment. The loss of inter-tidal habitats or reduction in its size is one of the common issues faced by the waterbirds (Szabo et al., 2016).

AWC is an integral part of the global waterbird monitoring programme coordinated by Wetlands International. The census aims to obtain information on an annual basis of waterbird populations at wetlands during the non-breeding period of most species (January), as a basis for evaluation of sites and monitoring of populations. This is also conducted to monitor the annual status and condition of wetlands and to encourage greater interest in waterbirds and wetlands amongst citizens. Global and local actions are needed to preserve the habitats and stopover stations of waterbirds.###

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Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Press Releases

Published: 18 March 2024

"Maraming salamat po, PENRO Ronilo, at MSD Galo! Mabuhay po kayo!”: A simple message with deep appreciation from the DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) personnel.

A retirement program was held to honor the former Quezon PENR Officer, For. Ronilo Salac, and former PENRO Management Services Division (MSD) Chief, Mr. Galo Martinez, who are both happy and contented retirees from their service at the DENR. 

DENR-PENR Officer Cyril Coliflores spearheaded the joyous program to  pay tribute to the retirees. The DENR-CENR Officers of Quezon province, along with the selected staff of PENRO, gave their respective testimonies about the two retired officers. PENRO Technical Services Division Chief, Julieta Narte said the guests of honor were both workaholics and were truly dedicated to their work. 

PENRO Cyril Coliflores shared that former PENRO Officer Salac is his long-time good friend and is known to be an affectionate leader. He also mentioned that retired MSD Chief Martinez has a strong sense of justice, especially in advocating and promoting the basic human rights of the DENR personnel.

DENR CALABARZON Assistant Regional Director for Management Services, For. Ronita Unlayao gave a special message for both retirees. She mentioned that both of them were very enthusiastic in their work and it was evident throughout their time with the DENR. 

Plaques of appreciation and special token courtesy of the DENR-PENR Office were given to the retired officials. Both the former MSD Chief and PENR Officer gave touching and heart-warming messages to all DENR officials and staff present in the event. Salac encouraged them to always love their family and give priority to personal welfare, while Martinez advised them to give recognition to those personnel who are hardworking and committed in performing their tasks.

PENRO Quezon extends its heartfelt gratitude to former MSD Chief Galo and former PENRO Salac, and congratulates them on their retirement. The said office wishes that their legacy continues not only for the Provincial DENR Office but for the whole department.

"Maraming Salamat po, PENRO Ronilo at MSD Galo! Mabuhay po kayo!”###

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Category: Press Releases

Published: 18 March 2024

In celebration of the World Wildlife Day 2024, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CALABARZON conducted an Exposure Trip last March 2, 2024 at the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center (RWRC) and the Regional Seedling Production and Training Facility, both in Brgy. Lamot II, Calauan, Laguna.

Various youth organizations in Laguna participated in the activity including the Club for UNESCO-UPLB, Ugnayang Kalikasan, and some organizations affiliated with the Youth Development Affairs Laguna such as Gawad Laguna, Incorporated, and Angat Kabataan, Angat Kalikasan.

 Prior to the trip, short lectures on the Status of Forest Cover of CALABARZON and Wildlife Conservation and Protection Efforts of the Region were delivered by the Regional National Greening Program Coordinator Yul Jose F. Malicsi and the In-Charge of the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center For. Raymund F. Mercurio, respectively. In addition, For. Mercurio together with RWRC animal keepers demonstrated the proper procedures when encountering and handling wildlife species.

In his message, DENR CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria emphasized the threats encountered by wildlife. including online illegal wildlife trade. He also shared the Agency’s response in combating these challenges and encouraged the youth to serve as force multipliers in raising awareness in the digital age.

“Alam kong ang inyong henerasyon ang may pinakamalawak na platform upang magpahayag at magsulong ng ating adbokasiya para sa kalikasan… Hamon ko sa inyo na gamitin ang inyong natutunan sa inyong pang-araw-araw na buhay, ipamahagi sa iba, at magsilbing environmental champions ng inyong mga komunidad,” RED Tamoria said.

Following the lectures and demonstrations, the exposure trip proceeded at the RWRC and the Regional Seedling Production and Training Facility. Participants were reminded of rules so as not to disturb the wildlife under rehabilitation. For. Mercurio led the tour at the RWRC and shared stories behind the rescued animals. He also mentioned ongoing proposals to enhance enclosures and renovate the rescue center.

The participants then visited the Regional Seedling Production and Training Facility, where Mr. Malicsi presented their facilities and the indigenous and fruit-bearing seedlings they produce. Participants took home some seedlings to plant.

The activity aimed to promote environmental initiatives and efforts of DENR CALABARZON to the youth through experiential learning. When asked on their takeaways during the activity, one of the youth participants said “As an aspiring wildlife conservationist, na-browse-through natin ‘yong mga laws and regulations at nakita natin ‘yong mga animals na affected ng mga violations. Dahil dito, mas na-urge ako na ipaglaban pa ‘yong mga karapatan ng mga wildlife natin at mag-contribute to better policy-making and research”.

Also present during the activity were the DENR CALABARZON Conservation and Development Division Chief For. Victor D. Ombajino, RSCIG Chief For. Judaline A. Fabro, and PENRO Laguna Conservation and Development Section Chief Mr. Melvin Lalican.###

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Category: Press Releases

Published: 13 March 2024

The DENR CALABARZON through its Enforcement Division conducted a two-day Training/Orientation for the Prospective Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs) within CALABARZON Region. The participants were consisted of selected DENR Field Office personnel, Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group, Coast Guard, Peoples Organization, Local Government Units of Tanay, Rizal, San Pablo Laguna, Pangil, Laguna, Bauan, Batangas, San Francisco; Wildlife Farm Permit holders, and Certificate of Wildlife Registration holders.

Topics discussed during the first day of said event are a) Overview of the training; b) Duties and Functions of WEOs and Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Unit (WTMU); c) Status of Philippine Biodiversity; d) Salient Features of Republic Act (RA) 9147 otherwise known as Wildlife Resources Conservation Act of 2001 and Prohibited Acts, Penalties and Fines under R.A. 9147; and e) Wildlife Law Enforcement Protocols Techniques and Wildlife Law Enforcement Manual Forms and other documents relative to apprehension/seizure and confiscation of wildlife.

On the second day,  Dr. Nielsen B. Donato discussed the topic on the “ Identification of Commonly Traded Wildlife Flora and Fauna and Basic Wildlife Handling Techniques”. The participants also experienced Hands-on training on Wildlife Handling and Restraining with the guidance of Dr. Donato. On the same day, a topic on “Wildlife Trading in the Internet Age” was also presented.

The said training aims to capacitate the prospective WEOs within the region on various Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Laws and the duties of a deputized WEOs. The deputized WEOs will act as force multipliers to strengthen the implementation of wildlife related laws, rules and regulations.

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Published: 13 March 2024

Kawit, Cavite — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) IV-A CALABARZON, represented by the Manila Bay Site Coordinating/Management Office 4 (MBSCMO4) and PENRO Cavite through the MBSCMO Cavite staff and river rangers, joined the “Kalinga at Inisyatiba Para Sa Malinis na Bayan” or KALINISAN Program in Brgy. Samala-Marquez, Kawit, Cavite on February 24, 2024.

The said program was organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IV-A CALABARZON — Manila Bay Regional Task Group (MBRTG) in support of the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ brand of governance that also aims to protect and conserve the environment through the conduct of weekly clean-up activities and participation of the barangays and community members.

It was participated by volunteers from the different government agencies such as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), non-government organizations, local government units, civil society organizations, and residents from the said municipality.

In his inspirational message, Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr., DILG secretary, emphasized that cleaning the environment is a method of attitude. “Ang malinis na tao, may malinis na bahay, may malinis na komunidad, at may malinis na bansa. ‘Yan ang bagong Pilipinas”.

The activity ended with the pledge of commitment and clean-up proper. ###

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Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Press Releases

Published: 05 March 2024