The DENR-CENRO Calauag, Quezon, headed by CENR Officer Joselito D. Barros, has paid a courtesy call to the newly elected mayors of Alabat Island on July 18 to 19, 2022.

On the first day of visit to Alabat Island, CENRO Barros opted to meet Hon. Charizze Marie E. Escalona, the new municipal mayor of Perez, Quezon. He discussed issues pertaining to programs and projects of the DENR such as the National Greening Program (NGP), and the campaign to protect the graduated NGP plantations in the municipality.

CENRO Barros also brought up some of the important concerns of CENRO Calauag in the management of solid wastes, monitoring of forest conservation areas (FCAs), processing of patents, promotion of healthy coastal areas, responsible mining, and others. He also emphasized the significant role of the LGU as the primary partner of the DENR in implementing such programs and activities in Perez, Quezon.

Mayor Escalona afterwards has raised concerns on LGU real properties acquired during the previous administration. Relatively, Hon. Amelia O. Ramilo, the Municipal Councilor for Environmental Concerns, presented on-hand documents relevant to the said properties. Councilor Ramilo then asked the possible solutions to the latter for the LGU to proceed for the planned projects therein.

The LGU were asked to send a letter to CENRO Calauag subjecting the concern for an inspection and investigation. Afterwards, the LGU headed by Mayor Escalona affirmed to send the request as soon as possible. 

The following day, the team moved to the scheduled meetings in the municipalities of Quezon and Alabat. CENRO Barros had the privilege to discuss some environmental concerns to Hon. Juan F. Escolano, new mayor of Quezon, Quezon. Mayor Escolano on the other hand expressed his support for the planned activities on conservation and protection of the environment.

CENRO Barros introduced the programs, projects, and activities of the department. As well, he has given the LGU an opportunity to raise some of their concerns during the meeting, to determine actions to address them.

The issue on the proposed sanitary landfill (SLF) was raised by Mayor Escolano. He stressed that the Municipal Government of Quezon is planning to have a meeting with the barangay chairpersons regarding the matter.  However, Mayor Escolano was informed by one of the personnel of CENRO Calauag that the subject area was already inspected several years ago. Upon the said undertaking, it was found that the site is not suitable for the establishment of a sanitary landfill, for the area is low-lying, has an existing river, and located adjacent to the residential area.

Hence, the LGU was advised to search for a suitable area for the establishment of the proposed SLF. CENRO Barros likewise recommended that the LGU could ask for technical assistance from CENRO Calauag for the identification of an area for establishment of the aforesaid SLF.

Another concern that has been tackled during the visit was about the legality of the tree cutting activities in Quezon, Quezon. Mayor Escolano has been informed regarding the requirements that have to be secured by an individual or a business entity before the issuance of permits from the DENR. Included here are the requirements prior to the issuance of Tree Cutting Permit; Chainsaw Permit; Private Tree Plantation Registration (PTPR); and Certificate of Tree Plantation Ownership (CTPO).

CENRO Barros reminded the Quezon LGU that CENRO Calauag has assigned municipal coordinators in their municipality for a smooth access on the services of CENRO Calauag and speedy relay of their concerns to the office.

CENRO Barros and his party proceeded to meet Hon. Jose Ramil Arquiza, the new municipal mayor of Alabat, Quezon. Wherein during the meeting, the highlights were mostly regarding the policies on mining and illegal cutting activities. The attendees also include barangay chairpersons, who have been oriented during the meeting ―regarding the requirements in securing permits preceding the extraction of sand and gravel along the coasts and rivers.

Same as in Quezon, Quezon, the attendees of the meeting in Alabat queried on how to utilize trees located within their private lots. The CENRO personnel answered that the concerned individual should secure relevant permits from the DENR prior to the cutting, including the trees that had been assessed as threats to safety. All were also encouraged to register their plantations for an easy harvesting in the future.

The said courtesy visit of CENRO Calauag headed by CENR Officer Joselito D. Barros is part of the exercise on the control and general supervision over the implementation of laws, policies, regulations, and programs of the DENR. The undertaking is consistent with the priority programs of the department and will ensure to promote the environmental campaigns of the DENR.

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Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Photo Releases
Published: 17 August 2022