Press Releases

Forty-two DENR CALABARZON Youth Desk Officers (YDO) and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation Presidents in CALABARZON convened through a virtual meeting to align their environmental initiatives for the year 2024.

During the meeting, DENR CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria underscored the importance of the active involvement of SKs in environmental efforts. He said “Higit sa amin, kayo ang tunay na nakakaalam ng sitwasyon sa inyong mga komunidad. Upang maging tugma, angkop, at tama ang mga aktibidad at programa na ating ipatutupad, hiling namin na maging bahagi kayo hindi lamang sa pagpaplano bagkus hanggang sa implementasyon nito.

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In November 2023, an action plan was developed by the DENR CALABARZON Youth Desk Officers together with some SK representatives in the Region during the 4th Camp-Hike-Plant in Dolores, Quezon. To actualize and consult the plans, these were presented during the recent meeting to the SK Federation Presidents.

Discussed during the meeting were the proposed 2024 activities of DENR with SKs and the potential assistance the DENR can provide in their environmental initiatives including tree planting, clean-ups, and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns.

For the year, DENR CALABARZON eyes to formalize a partnership with the Provincial SK Federation Presidents through a memorandum of agreement, designating them as ENR Ambassadors of CALABARZON. These ambassadors play a crucial role in influencing youth’s behavior towards environmental stewardship.

Addressing the young leaders, Tamoria said “Bilang mga kabataang lider, ang mas malaking hamon ay kung paano natin mahihikayat ang inyong kapwa kabataan na maging parte ng mga aktibidad na tumutugon sa iba’t-ibang social issues”. He emphasized the escalating impact of climate change and urged the SKs to take action.

Meanwhile, Chief of the DENR CALABARZON Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group For. Judaline A. Fabro further challenged the YDOs and partner SKs to implement their 2024 action plans. She emphasized the importance of collaboration to foster a sense of belongingness in environmental protection and conservation.

The said meeting was presided by the DENR CALABARZON Regional Youth Desk Officer Dionelyn E. Servañez and was attended by the Youth Desk Officers of Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Presidents, and Provincial Youth Desk Offices in CALABARZON. ###

The personnel of DENR-Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) Calaca, Batangas took a break from their busy schedule for fun nature trips and tranquil communion with nature through tree hugging activities in celebration of Valentine's Day and in active participation to the Tree Hugging Campaign spearheaded by the DENR-Forest Management Bureau. 

The activity aims to promote the importance of protecting and conserving the forests, as well as the social and health benefits that can be derived from hugging trees, including reduction of stress levels, improvement of mood, and enhancement of the overall mental well-being.

CENR Officer Rommel S. Baybayon led the rest of the CENRO workforce in taking ample time to hug trees during fieldwork activities. The team found different species of native and endemic trees to hug such as Katmon (Dillenia philippinensis), Bani (Millettia pinnata), Talisay (Terminalia catappa), Botong (Barringtonia asiatica), and Molave (Vitex parviflora).

Each tree tells a story, per interview, the tree species identified and hugged were planted in the 1960s and 1970s. It is fascinating to know that these native and endemic trees within a developed area were significantly valued, preserved, and protected despite the developments in the area in the past decades. The presence of such tree species within a developed area clearly shows that balance between nature’s quality and economic development is possible.

The activity ended with the sharing of insights and a reminder to look at what a complex and fascinating form of life they are, the way they adapt to their environment and the connection between humans and trees. The CENRO continuously supports and participates in the departments’ efforts to conserve and protect the remaining forests and natural resources. 

The Tree Hugging Movement is a passionate action towards the protection and conservation of forests. The movement, also known as the “Chipko Movement”, originated in the 1970s in Northern India that helped save the forests in the area by emphasizing the interdependence of humans and the environment. ###

A joint operation of the DENR-Community Environment and Natural Resource Office (CENRO) Tayabas City-Mauban Patrol Sector and 59th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army resulted in the apprehension of one unit MB 100 Van loaded with 29 pieces of undocumented sawn lumber of Narra with a total volume of  350.66 board feet, in Sitio Badjao, Brgy. Cagsiay II, Mauban, Quezon.

The apprehension was in line with the anti-illegal logging campaign of the DENR and in response to the information provided by a confidential informant relative to the transport of illegally cut forest products.

Compliant with the DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 97-32 or the “1997 Rules for the Administrative Adjudication of Illegal Forest Products and the Machinery, Equipment, Tools and Conveyances Used in Connection Therewith”, the administrative confiscation proceedings are being carried out. At present, the conveyance and its load of undocumented forest products are temporarily lodged in the DENR Forest Products Monitoring Station in Brgy. Calumpang, Tayabas City, Quezon for safekeeping.

CENRO Tayabas expresses its stark reminder to the public not to engage in similar illegal activities in light of these incidents.###

This February, DENR-CENRO Lipa joined the nation in celebrating environmental events that highlighted the interdependence of humans and the environment.
 
Last February 2, 2024, the said office celebrated World Wetlands Day in coordination with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of San Juan, Batangas. With the theme “𝘞𝘦𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘭-𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨”, this year’s celebration highlighted the vital role of wetlands in sustaining humanity and nature.
 
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The activity started with a boat ride along Malaking Tubig River in Brgys. Tipas and Poctol, San Juan, Batangas, followed by a planting activity. A total of 150 mangrove propagules of Busain (𝘉𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘢 𝘤𝘺𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢) and Nipa Palm (𝘕𝘺𝘱𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘴) were planted along the estuary of the river. Afterwards, MENR Officer Noelito Pasco led a quick tour to promote the oyster seafood production to augment livelihood of the marginal fisherfolk in Brgy. Poctol. Said activities were participated in by a total of 50 individuals, 34 male and 16 females, composed of the key officials and LGU functionaries of San Juan, Batangas, and representatives from the Coastguard Marine Environment Protection Group-Batangas, Philippine National Police, Batangas State University- Malvar Campus, Landco Pacific Corporation, DENR-CENRO Lipa City and DENR-PENRO Batangas.
 
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CENRO Lipa also joined the tree hugging campaign initiated by the Forest Management Bureau for the period of February 12-16, 2024. The personnel of the said office took a quick moment during their fieldwork to participate in the activity, expressing love and care in the environment through tree hugging.
 
The Tree Hugging Movement is a passionate action towards the protection and conservation of forests which originated in the 1970s in Northern India known as the “Chipko Movement”. Specifically, the activity aims to promote the social/health benefits that we can derive from nurturing trees/forests.
 
Also, the CENRO through the Conservation and Development Section distributed fruit bearing seedlings in an activity called “𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘛𝘙𝘌𝘌: 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦” in celebration of Valentine’s Day. A total of 100 seedlings of calamansi, avocado, and mango were distributed to interested individuals, clientele, and employees of the different government and private offices within the vicinity of the office.###
On February 6, 2024, the DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Rizal held a crucial consultation meeting with the planning officers and environment officers from the Local Government Units (LGUs) within the province to collaboratively formulate strategic programs and targets for 2025-2027.
 
The workshop-style gathering aimed to harness the expertise and perspectives of stakeholders to develop comprehensive plans that address pressing environmental concerns while promoting sustainable development across Rizal Province. Through an inclusive and participatory approach, attendees engaged in fruitful discussions, shared insights, and exchanged ideas to craft initiatives tailored to the unique needs and challenges of their respective areas.
 
Furthermore, the consultation meeting served as a platform to cascade the programs and activities slated for implementation in 2024.
 
As Rizal Province continues its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, the outcomes of the consultation meeting are poised to serve as a cornerstone for informed decision-making and transformative action in the years ahead. ###