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NIA, DENR to promote advanced water security in Phl
The National Irrigation Administration and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources agreed to strengthen the water rights of NIA and further promote water security in the Philippines, Malacañang said on Thursday. In a statement released by the Palace, Environment Undersecretary Carlos Primo David underscored that the government will ensure water security through various government agencies. "(This) is a convergence between several government agencies with water-related functions … we are able to plan and coordinate our efforts together and I'm referring to the DENR, which I represent, the National Water Resources Board, and everyone here in Malacañang," David said. This means that NIA's irrigation water will not only be used for the agricultural sector but will also be utilized for power production, bulk water supply, aquaculture, recreation, tourism, and other purposes. DENR has been given the directive to protect the country's water resources to meet its needs, as mandated by the law. In connection with this, the Office of the Executive Secretary has encouraged the NIA, the National Water Resources Board, and the Water Resources Management Office to be more responsive to the country's needs in the use and development of water resources. The DENR, through the National Water Resources Board and the Water Resources Management Office, will have the responsibility of safeguarding and preserving water resources to meet the evolving requirements as outlined in the existing laws governing water management and utilization. In a similar vein, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevarra encouraged the NIA, NWRB, and the WRMO to be more adaptable to the changing needs of the nation in how they use and develop water resources, aligning their actions with the fundamental principles of the water code and the President's objective of achieving water security. This memorandum of agreement aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Executive Order No. 22, which established the WRMO under the DENR, tasked with coordinating and harmonizing all government initiatives and regulatory activities to ensure the sustainable management and availability of water resources throughout the entire country. Also in attendance at the event were Assistant Secretary Jason Alba from the Office of the Senior Deputy Executive Secretary, Department of Finance Undersecretary Catherine Fong, and NIA Acting Civil Works Design Section Chief Engr. Roald Marck Revellame. The post NIA, DENR to promote advanced water security in Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR to formally recognize small-scale mining in Phl
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Tuesday said it is undertaking a series of initiatives to formalize small-scale mining operations, recognizing their vital role in the industry. These initiatives are to be undertaken as the department undertakes a review of laws that cover small-scale mining, with the goal of modernizing industry standards and increasing protection for small-scale miners. DENR Undersecretary Carlos Primo David emphasized that these initiatives underscore the agency's dedication to responsible, inclusive, and globally competitive mining practices, all while ensuring the welfare and protection of small-scale miners. He stressed the importance of a progressive, step-by-step approach to formalization, with the ultimate goal of integrating small-scale miners into the broader mining sector. “The small-scale miners are there. We have to bring them into the fold of the mining sector. The core of DENR's strategy lies in individually registering these small-scale miners, serving as the basis for a more organized structure," David said. “We’re looking to register small-scale miners, individually, at first, followed by the establishment of a loose organization as the foundation for a more formal association. Sort of like a cooperative towards a Minahang Bayan registration,” he added. Legal recognition of small miners, according to David, will help ensure they get adequate support to operate within established standards and safety protocols. “A properly regulated small-scale mining industry will benefit the community in terms of job creation and livelihood, and the country in terms of mining assets and taxes. More importantly, it will address the violation of environmental laws and mining regulations, and minimize environmental risks and promote mine safety,” David said. He added that the department’s newly-created Geospatial Database Office under his helm employs satellite imagery and Geographic Information System or GIS which can potentially monitor mining operations in the country and identify those that are illegally operating. The DENR is looking to Republic Act No. 7076, also known as the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991, to provide social assistance, labor protection, and government-backed assistance programs for the benefit of small-scale miners. The DENR is also a staunch advocate of support for small miners, through a “big brother, small brother approach”—encouraging larger companies to help capacitate them to contribute to social and environmental protection efforts, protect small miners, and enhance the resilience of the mining community. On top of capacity-building for small-scale mining ventures, the DENR is committed to modernizing standards for the mining industry—harnessing capabilities of cutting-edge technologies such as remote sensing and artificial intelligence to enhance industry regulation and law enforcement. In a meeting with DENR officials last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued directives to legalize small-scale mining operations. Many of these operations currently operate outside the legal framework, leaving miners without proper protection. The post DENR to formally recognize small-scale mining in Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
COA junks money claim of Discovery Shores vs DOT
The Commission on Audit has advised a five-star luxury resort in Boracay to directly recover from former tourism secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo, former undersecretary Katherine De Castro and three other former officials of the Department of Tourism (DOT) their unpaid accommodations and meals in 2018 amounting to P456,716.50......»»
Sans budget, DENR uses other technology
Despite the lack of budget, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, or DENR, is maximizing available technology to advance its digitization efforts to help simplify, if not fast-track, the processing of mining permits. During his speech at the opening day of the Mining Philippines International Conference and Exhibition on Tuesday, DENR Undersecretary for Environment and Integrated Science Carlos Primo David admitted that securing documentary requirements in the mining industry remains tedious and acknowledged that the situation needs to be immediately addressed. “Honestly, our digitalization has zero budget for this year but we have invested in DENR over the last few years since 2013 in utilizing a particular software called GIS or geographic information systems. It can easily identify mining sites and it would not require that much budget,” David said. Papers processing slow “For the industry, we hope that digitalization will fast-track and hasten the processing. The processing of papers right now is admittedly still quite slow. Digitization should address making our procedures more efficient, leading to shorter and more transparent processing permits and applications,” he added. David noted that all DENR bureaus, except for the Mining and Geosciences Bureau or MGB, currently use GIS. He thus committed to delivering a more efficient and transparent system in MGB next year as an integral part of the government’s mining governance efforts. According to David, the DENR commissioned PwC Philippines to reassess the agency’s process to eliminate bottlenecks that often delay the approval and release of mining permits. The post Sans budget, DENR uses other technology appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR hopes P60M enough as mining driver
Backed by P60 million in funding, the government is set to launch a more focused mineral exploration regime next year to complement the private sector’s drive to ramp up local production of minerals. Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary for Environment and Integrated Science Carlos Primo David said the planned exploration will particularly target the unveiling of critical minerals that would support the country’s renewable energy transition. These critical mineral resources, such as nickel and chromium, are used in manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles. “The government has a budget of P60 million for mineral exploration. What we want to do is to focus on certain areas,” David told reporters in an interview with reporters at the sidelines of the Mining Philippines International Conference and Exhibition on Tuesday. Not enough fund David, however, noted that the budget would not suffice for a full-blown mineral exploration as it will be equally divided among the 16 regions of the country. “We wanted to focus on that small budget and revive exploration by the government. Hopefully, when we do the initial exploration, there is enough information for the private sector to get interested and continue the exploration,” David said. For David, mining exploration should be initiated by the government either through a Department Administrative Order or Memorandum Circular. Relatedly, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau or MGB was tasked to follow up on previously explored areas that were left or discontinued. In his keynote speech, David pointed out that while the minerals development sector grows, global studies have shown that responsible mining that marries financial viability with environmental sustainability and social development can ensure a longer life of mine, greater acceptability, and license to operate and sectoral stability. “A responsive and responsible mining industry that delivers both corporate and national dividends and abides by the guidelines of the Task Forces of Climate and Nature-related financial disclosures is what we envision for the country,” he said. The post DENR hopes P60M enough as mining driver appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
17K volunteers, 15 SM malls nationwide join Int’l Coastal Cleanup Day
More than 17,000 volunteers nationwide across 15 SM malls in 12 locations helped create waves of positive change with the biggest haul of trash during the 38th International Coastal Cleanup Day on 16 September 2023. [caption id="attachment_184759" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Geronimo Reyes, International Coastal Cleanup Philippines project head; Orliber D. Paule, SM Estates SAVP; Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls SVP Marketing; Atty. Michael Drake P. Matias, DENR-NCR OIC, Regional Executive Director; Jessica Bianca T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. project director AVP; Emi Rubiano-Calixto, Mayor of Pasay City; Atty. Ignatius Loyola Rodriguez, DENR Undersecretary for Special Concerns and Legislative Affairs; Perkin Bentley So, SM Supermalls SAVP-Mall Operations[/caption] More pictures: The post 17K volunteers, 15 SM malls nationwide join Int’l Coastal Cleanup Day appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR begins crackdown on illegal lead smelters
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported Thursday that it has started its crackdown on illegal recyclers of used lead acid batteries as directed by Malacanang, following reports of harmful and unregulated smelting of lead in several provinces. DENR Assistant Secretary for Field Operations Gilbert C. Gonzales said his office has already coordinated with the regional offices concerning operations of illegal lead smelters that are treating ULABs, while the Environmental Management Bureau has also directed its regional offices to conduct surveillance and monitoring in their respective areas of responsibility. Gonzales said this was in response to the order of the Office of the President to the agency to look into the report of Federation of Philippine Industries Chairman Jesus L. Arranza that illegal lead smelters are now operating without the necessary government permits in Valenzuela, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Cavite, Cebu, Bacolod, and Davao. Gonzales added that ULAB recyclers and lead smelters need to secure the “necessary environmental permits such as an environmental compliance certificate, discharge permit, permit to operate, and registration certificate as a treatment, storage, and disposal facility.” With this, the EMB has vowed to immediately conduct: Field verification of ULAB processing facilities to validate compliance, as well as saturation drives to identify individuals and establishments engaged in the illegal processing of ULABs; Enhanced information education campaign to encourage the public to report illegal ULAB processing activities; Intensified monitoring of junk shop operations engaged in the trade of ULABs in coordination with local government units; and exploration of potential collaboration with accredited ULAB treaters for the establishment of an incentives program for the general public who will be able to provide credible information that will lead to the successful identification of individuals and establishments engaging in illegal processing of ULABs. Arranza commended lawyer Rodolfo John Robert C. Palattao IV, Undersecretary for Legal and Monitoring at the Office of the President, and the DENR’s EMB and Field Operations for their immediate action in addressing the problem. “We at the FPI are confident that with the directive from Malacanang and swift action from the DENR, we will start seeing in the coming days successful raids and closures of these illegal ULAB recyclers and lead smelters, as well as the prosecution of their operators. We will now coordinate with them so we can provide any assistance that they will necessary,” Arranza said. He disclosed that the FPI was provided with photos and videos showing how these illegal lead smelters are operating facilities that are shabby and ill-equipped to be able to handle the hazardous materials where they are deriving their secondary lead. Arranza said these lead smelters do not have adequate anti-pollution systems and proper disposal facilities for the acids and other chemicals. The post DENR begins crackdown on illegal lead smelters appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Makati City scores anew
Six days after taking over the management and supervision of the 14 schools affected by the dragging boundary dispute between Makati and Taguig City, the Department of Education gave Makati City the go-signal to distribute school supplies to the affected students in 10 EMBO barangays the Supreme Court had ordered transferred to Taguig City. In a letter to Makati City Mayor Abby Binay dated 22 August, DepEd Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Michael Wesley Poa said Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte had approved the former’s request to distribute the school supplies, including the use of the school facilities. Binay earlier wrote to Vice President Duterte seeking permission to distribute school supplies in the 14 public schools to alleviate the financial burden on parents who would otherwise have to purchase new school supplies. “On behalf of the city government and all the intended beneficiaries in the 14 public schools, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte. We are thankful that she has the best interest of the students at heart in making a prudent and just decision,” Binay said, adding that the distribution would go on until 29 August when classes start. The 14 public schools are Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, Cembo Elementary School, South Cembo Elementary School, Pitogo Elementary School, East Rembo Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Comembo Elementary School, West Rembo Elementary School, Pembo Elementary School, Makati Science High School, Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino High School, Tibagan High School, Fort Bonifacio High School and Pitogo High School. Parents, school kids cheer Mayor Binay, accompanied by her husband, Makati 2nd District Rep. Luis Campos, distributed school supplies at Pembo Elementary School and Pitogo High School yesterday. School supplies will be given to all 45,000 students in the 14 public schools in 10 former barangays within Fort Bonifacio — Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo, Pitogo, Rizal, Northside and Southside. Upon arriving at the Pembo Elementary School, Binay and her entourage were cheered by the parents and students who had been waiting for her since 10 a.m. Her arrival at 2 p.m. elicited applause and shouts of “Abby, Abby” from the crowd, many of whom were crying, including the children who rushed to hug the mayor. The parents were particularly ecstatic because they said the school supplies they received from Taguig were not comparable to what they received from Makati. Package contents Under the expanded Project FREE (Free Relevant and Excellent Education) of Makati, public school students from kindergarten to senior high school, including Special Education students in elementary and high school, receive school uniforms and supplies. Students in all levels each receive school uniforms, PE T-shirts and jogging pants. School bags, caps and anti-dengue kits are also given to kindergarten pupils. Elementary students each receive a pair of black leather shoes, three pairs of white socks, Randoseru bags (Grades 1 and 4), dengue kits, and school supplies consisting of 10 notebooks, five intermediate pads, and five ballpoint pens and pencils. Junior and senior high school students receive black shoes and socks, and the same school supplies package given to elementary students, with a Math graphing notebook added. Grades 11 and 12 students also get a jacket with hoodie. For SPED students in elementary and high school, the city provides a school supplies package, uniforms, leather shoes and three pairs of socks, and anti-dengue kits for elementary SPED. Schools to be rented out Asked what would happen to the 14 schools formerly under Makati City, Binay said they would be rented out to Taguig as the former held the titles to them. In a Facebook post, Binay said there was a “last-minute attempt” by the Taguig City government to halt the distribution even if Makati had written authorization to carry it out. Taguig City has also started distributing school packages to the students of the city, including those at the EMBO schools. Duterte issued DepEd Order No. 023 last week, titled “Assumption of authority of the Department of Education over the 14 public schools affected by the Supreme Court decision in G.R. No. 235316.” According to the order, DepEd is mandated to promote every Filipino’s right to accessible, equitable, and quality education which is consistent with its mandate to provide a safe and enabling environment for learners, teachers, and personnel. Duterte, in her order, said that relative to the SC’s final and executory decision in the case titled Municipality of Makati vs Municipality of Taguig (G.R. No. 235316), the Department of is cognizant of the increasing tension present in the 14 schools affected by the ruling, that caused uncertainty as to the peaceful and orderly reopening of schools on 29 August 2023. It further stated that in the pursuit of protecting the best interest and welfare of the learners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel, “the Office of the Secretary shall directly supervise the management and administration of all 14 schools, pending a transition plan, effective immediately.” Duterte created a transition committee composed of the regional director (assigned outside of the National Capital Region); DepEd Schools Division Superintendent of Taguig-Pateros; the DepEd Schools Superintendent of Makati City; City Legal Officer of Makati and City Legal Officer of Taguig. Binay has since stood her ground that all 14 public schools are titled to Makati City and therefore Taguig City has no jurisdiction over it, though Mayor Lani Cayetano refuted the claim saying it was included in the SC order that is final and executory. The post Makati City scores anew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Villar offers LRT-1extension project
Businessman Manuel B. Villar, hailed the richest Filipino by Forbes, is proposing to expand the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project all the way to Dasmarinas, Cavite at no cost to the government. The entire LRT-1 extension project of the Light Rail Manila Corp. or LRMC covers major cities such as Quezon City, Caloocan, Manila, Pasay and Parañaque. It is designed to cater to up to 800,000 passengers daily. Villar’s proposal, which he said had already been on the table for quite some time, will extend the project further from Las Pinas City to Dasmarinas, Cavite with seven new stations. “We are negotiating now because I think they will stop there because it has been expensive since the land is not theirs,” Villar told reporters in an interview on Monday night. Sought for comment regarding the proposal, Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez said: “(I) haven’t heard whether Villar Group has indeed submitted a proposal to LRMC for takeover of the Cavite segment of LRT1 Cavite Extension.” No cost estimate Villar, nonetheless, did not disclose how much the project would cost but he said “it will be big.” Notably, Villar said it was the Ayala and the Pangilinan Groups who reached out to him to start a partnership to take on the railway project. Likewise, he added that it will be easier for him because the alignment that his group proposed will pass through his vast land bank in Southern Metro Manila. Hence, he will not have issues with the right of way, or RoW. The post Villar offers LRT-1extension project appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OCD honors disaster resilience champions
In celebration of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) last July, the Department of National Defense (DND) - Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) concluded the NDRM with a culminating activity themed “Pagpupugay sa Bidang Pilipino”. DND-OCD and its partners, NDRRMC, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Resilience Council (NRC), and ARISE PH co-presented the “Dangal Bantayog ng Katatagan” awards, which recognize national decision-makers, local actors, and changemakers on the ground. The four awardees include SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI) Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr., and Center for Disaster Preparedness President Zenaida Delica-Willison. In his welcome remarks, OCD Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said, “The impeccable performance [of our awardees] over the years inspires the Bayanihan spirit and contributes to a safe, secured, and resilient way of life for every Filipino. They exemplify the value that no one is left behind amid managing disaster risks.” Meanwhile, DND Undersecretary Irineo Espino, on behalf of DND Secretary and NDRRMC Chairperson Gilberto Teodoro Jr., extended his congratulations to the awardees and urged stakeholders to continue working together, coming up with new ideas, and advocating for policies that increase the resilience of the country. The Dangal Bantayog ng Katatagan awardees DENR Secretary Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga was conferred with “Dangal ng Pilipino sa Pagtataguyod ng Pampublikong Katatagan” for her exemplary service as the incumbent Secretary of the DENR and Chairperson on Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation, and Disaster Risk Reduction of the Cabinet Cluster. DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. on the other hand, received the “Dangal ng Pilipino sa Pagpapaunlad ng Kagalingan at Katatagan” award, recognizing his decades of public service in the field of DRR management and his fundamental contributions in research and development as a scientist. Another staunch advocate of DRRM is Zenaida Delica-Willison who received the “Dangal ng Pilipino sa Bayanihan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan” for pioneering the advancement and promotion of community-based DRRM at the national, regional, and international levels. Hans Sy was awarded the “Dangal ng Pilipino sa Pag-Agapay sa Ligtas na Sambayanan,” the first-ever awardee from the private sector. “I stand here today as a believer in the whole-of-society approach as well as the use of science and technology. This and the public-private collaboration are pivotal in addressing systemic risk and reducing disaster losses,” he said. “Let us all bounce forward and embrace the spirit of resilience in everything we do. Together, we can create a world not only that endures but thrives in the face of challenges.” Sy is the Chairman of the Executive Committee of SPHI, Co-Chair of the United Nations DRR Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies or ARISE Philippines, and Co-Chair of the National Resilience Council for the Private Sector. Under his dedicated guidance, SMPHI has continuously promoted environmental sustainability and disaster resilience, giving the next generations hope for progress and prosperity. Expanding DRRM partnerships A summit with a number of seminars was held during the morning session before the awards presentation. The summit's talks were put in motion by one of the keynote speakers, Senate President Pro-Tempore, Senator Loren Legarda. She underlined in her message that improving the nation's resilience to climate change and natural disasters requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation strategy. Sen. Legarda also highlighted the need to effectively apply all pertinent legislation in order to achieve the objective of creating communities that are more secure and resilient. See more photos here: The post OCD honors disaster resilience champions appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR: Manila Bay SC mandamus ruling is most important in reclamation projects
Environment Secretary Antonia Loyzaga on Tuesday said the Supreme Court mandamus ruling on Manila Bay must be taken into account in all reclamation projects within the historic water body. Loyzaga also emphasized this during the recent Multistakeholder Experts Dialogue on Reclamation (July 17) organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. In her opening remarks, Loyzaga said the legal and regulatory context of reclamation activities “must also be paramount in consideration” aside from the environmental aspects. “The most important and relevant (legal and regulatory context) to the dialogue is the Manila Bay Mandamus Ruling,” Loyzaga said. The environment chief referenced the 2008 high court decision directing 13 government agencies led by the DENR to clean up, rehabilitate and preserve Manila Bay; and restore and maintain its waters to a level fit for commercial propagation of shellfish and milkfish, as well as for swimming, skin diving and other forms of recreation. Apart from DENR, other agencies with specific roles to play in implementing the order are the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Health, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Department of Education, the Department of Agriculture, Department of Budget and Management, Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, and Philippine Ports Authority. The areas covered by the mandamus encompass local government units from Metro Manila, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga and Bataan. Meanwhile, Loyzaga underscored the need to come up with cumulative impact assessments of all reclamation activities, “and not an evaluation of individual projects as they present themselves and stand singly and alone.” “Reclamation is an environmental issue that must be addressed from a lens that considers the intersectionality between ecological dynamics, socioeconomic and builds environments and the costs and benefits of these activities,” Loyzaga explained. “Reclamation decisions must consider interactions between land, air, and sea—and the multitude of environmental factors from physics and chemistry of water, biodiversity, and the demand for sources of food, power and water,” she added. At the same time, Loyzaga said the compounded risks due to hazards must also be factored into the cumulative impact assessments and resilience analytics. These hazards include liquefaction and tsunami from the movements in the Manila Trench; the West Valley Fault and other fault systems affecting the region; and the impacts of climate change such as rising sea surface temperatures, sea level rise, the projected increase in the intensity of tropical cyclones, extreme rainfall events, and exposure to storm surge and flooding. Loyzaga nonetheless said reclamation could serve a beneficial purpose, citing as successful examples much of the city of Rotterdam, new land for transportation infrastructure and urban expansion in Boston, and other reclamation projects across the globe. She also noted that areas of Intramuros, Luneta and the CCP Complex in the cities of Manila and Pasay are also reclaimed. “In each of these areas, however, the level of investment in terms of time, scientific knowledge, planning, evaluation and management was achieved through critical and extensive collaboration between the public and private sectors, and it was maintained through strong science-informed leadership and risk governance,” Loyzaga stressed. On the other hand, DENR Undersecretary Jonas R. Leones said reclamation drives economic activities and generates revenues for the government. "However, reclamation should not only be confined within the economic parameters, but also on the context of environmental protection and conservation, disaster risk and climate change mitigation that are science- and evidence-based," he added. The reclamation forum featured the sharing of global best practices on reclamation from technical experts from the United States, Japan, United Arab Emirates, and Singapore, and processes and issues on reclamation in the Philippines from academicians, government officials and private sector representatives. It is a means for the DENR to look deeper and accelerate the review of both policy and practice of environmentally critical issues, such as reclamation. The post DENR: Manila Bay SC mandamus ruling is most important in reclamation projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go calls on consumers, service providers to conserve water
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the importance of strengthening water conservation efforts in the country and implementing sustainable practices in light of growing concerns about water scarcity and the potential for future water supply shortages. “Kailangan rin po natin sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno, sa mga LGUs, lalo na sa mga barangay level, mas paigtingin po natin ‘yung kampanya sa water conservation. Kung hindi naman po kailangan, ‘wag n’yong gamitin ‘yung tubig, i-check n’yo (kung may) mga leakage (para) walang masayang. Gamitin lang natin nang tama para hindi tayo magkaroon ng water shortage,” Go said in an interview after his visit to Carcar City on Wednesday, 12 July . The senator also stressed the obligation of water service providers to deliver consistent and uninterrupted services to the public, saying, “Bilisan natin itong mga pipeline rehabilitation. Katulad sa Maynila, na-privatize na po ito para sana magkaroon ng maayos na serbisyo. Willing naman po ang taumbayan na magbayad nang tama, sapat basta maayos lang po ‘yung serbisyo.” On Monday, 10 July, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Carlos David stated that the country currently has an adequate water supply; however, he emphasized the importance of proper management to avert a potential water crisis by year-end. To avoid a recurrence of the 2019 incident, wherein numerous households in Metro Manila and parts of Rizal experienced prolonged water interruptions, David highlighted the necessity of effectively managing the existing water resources. The Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) of the DENR has previously issued Bulletin No. 1, which outlines guidelines for government building administrators to implement appropriate water management practices. Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Go urged the government to raise awareness about water conservation and instill a sense of environmental responsibility among Filipinos. He also proposed an intensified greening program as a long-term solution, adding that such a program should be a collaborative effort involving the government and local communities. “Ang long term solution naman po nito itong greening program, kailangan na mas maraming punongkahoy na itatanim natin sa ating mga watershed. When I say greening program, hindi lang magtanim ng seedlings, tapos iwanan na. Kailangan po mayro’ng follow-up. Kaya po tayo mayroong DENR din po na pwedeng mamahala dito,” Go said. Go emphasized that conserving water resources is not only the responsibility of the government but also of every individual, saying, “Pwede rin po nating i-observe itong (water conservation.) Ipatupad natin itong water conservation at para po maka-save naman tayo ng tubig at para po hindi tayo magkaroon ng water shortage.” He urged the public to practice efficient water management techniques, such as reducing water consumption, fixing leaks, and utilizing water-saving technologies, to ensure the sustainability of this vital resource. The post Bong Go calls on consumers, service providers to conserve water appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Keeping Siargao’s waters clean and safe
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is helping Siargao Island protect its water resources by helping local residents follow proper waste disposal protocols. Siargao is a declared protected area pursuant to Republic Act 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992 as amended by Republic Act 11038 or the Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018. But it is prone to generating a high volume of waste from its tourism activities. Educating residents and visitors on proper waste disposal will prevent the contamination of the island’s waters with the E. coli bacteria that had blighted Boracay in 2018. Unlike Boracay which consist only of three barangays, Siargao Island is composed of nine municipalities. Gina Barquilla, Del Carmen Municipal Environment and Natural Resources officer, said the DENR helped them put up a two-hectare land to serve as the materials recovery facility for the municipality, funded by an Asian Development Bank grant. "We are now able to segregate our solid waste, which are then recycled and pulverized for other uses. Glass bottles may be used as bricks while plastic can be made as “sagwan” (banca paddle)," Barquilla said. Mayor Alfredo Corro II, she added, has also entered into a public-private partnership with the JCA 1221 Group of Companies, whose subsidiary FLOV2VS (Faith Lived Out Vision to Ventures), has put up a septage treatment plant that converts waste water into recyclable water. Inaugurated in 31 May this year, the treatment plant can clean up waste water from septic tanks, kitchen sinks and showers and distribute the recycled water for firefighters' water tanks and other uses. DENR Protected Area Superintendent Sam Malayao said they have teamed up with the island's municipalities to implement environmental laws, teaching commercial establishments how to dispose of waste property as well as manage their sewage system. All tourism-related establishments are encouraged to avail themselves of Del Carmen's waste water treatment under the Siargao Sewage Program, added Malayao. So far, of the more or less 2,000 commercial establishments around Siargao Island, 30 already make use of the service, with more expected to join by the end of the year. "STP is an ecology-driven investment. It's just one modality for our waste management. Pag sinabi kasing septic, parang ayaw pag-usapan, pero kailangan natin gawin (Nobody wants to talk about septic needs, but we need to act on it)," Del Carmen Municipal Mayor Alfredo Corro II told the Daily Tribune. The post Keeping Siargao’s waters clean and safe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR eyes integrating ‘kalakal’ sector into circular economy plan
Environment Secretary Antonia Loyzaga said on Monday she is pushing for the integration of the kalakal or informal waste sector into the expanded producer responsibility system for plastic packaging waste, to ensure that no one is left behind as the country transitions toward a circular economy. “A more holistic overall integration of the informal sector to the EPR system needs to be targeted. Economic incentives and social incentives may be established,” Loyzaga said. The informal waste sector in the Philippines includes waste pickers in dumpsites and communal waste collection points. Loyzaga underscored the significant role of the sector in waste collection and management, and the potential contribution they could bring being the “backbone of the currently limited collection services and partly of recycling” in the country. “Collection and sorting facilities from the informal sector may be transformed into formal activities and establishments. These can be duly registered and supported by the EPR system,” Loyzaga pointed out. “The informal sector can also be integrated as business partners, such as NGO-supported microenterprises, franchises of formal waste management companies, operating local collection centers, and forming cooperatives and collectives. This social inclusion can be improved to develop alternative livelihoods and diversified livelihoods for our informal community,” she added. Loyzaga said the DENR has put focus on upcycling, envisioning that this will enable public and private investments in waste recovery, reuse, recycling as well as manufacturing and production using secondary raw materials. Supporting the informal sector and establishing the right infrastructure were among the critical factors identified as needed to accelerate the country’s transition to a circular economy and implement a successful EPR policy. Republic Act 11898 or the EPR Act of 2022 serves as the environmental policy approach and practice that requires producers to be environmentally responsible throughout the life cycle of a product, especially its post-consumer or end-of-life stage, to address the mismanagement of plastic waste. In order to achieve circularity through EPR in the long term, DENR Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change Analiza Rebuelta-Teh said the government should establish metrics to verify accomplishments versus targets in accordance with the law, give financial support to the informal waste sector and put in place resources to establish the infrastructure for circularity. In addition, Teh reiterated the significance of continuing to implement RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which establishes segregation, collection, sorting and recycling in local government units as well as transparency and accountability in waste management. “It is important to have the voices of all sectors be well-represented, because the sustained collaboration among stakeholders and those impacted by these activities and the cooperation and compliance of companies from the private sector are key to the successful implementation of the EPR Act,” Loyzaga concluded. The post DENR eyes integrating ‘kalakal’ sector into circular economy plan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Singaporean trader gunned down
A Singaporean businessman was killed in a gun attack in Lian, Batangas on Monday night......»»
DENR taps private audit firm to review MGB, EMB processes
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources announced Friday that it has partnered with Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines to review the systems and processes in the two line bureaus of the DENR: the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the Environmental Management Bureau. The partnership was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the DENR, represented by Secretary Antonia Loyzaga, and Alex Cabrera, chairman emeritus of Isla Lipana & Co., at the DENR Central Office in Quezon City. PwC Philippines is a professional services firm engaged in delivering audit and assurance, and tax and advisory services within and outside the Philippines. Loyzaga said the recent DENR Field Operations Management Conference has shown areas in the agency where there are gaps in their processes and have the potential for synergy. “This will be an opportunity to actually address those gaps and to build value on the efforts done by everyone in the department,” Loyzaga said. Loyzaga added that the DENR recognized the need for organizational transformation through governance and risk management as it evolves and adapts to the changing environment and social landscape. This involves critically evaluating the DENR’s existing processes and compliance, and identifying opportunities for improvement. In support of the DENR’s transformation initiatives, the project with PwC aims to review the existing policies of the MGB and EMB to identify the major gaps in their processes and functions. MGB is mandated to formulate and implement policies and programs pertaining to geology and the exploration, development, conservation, and utilization of mineral resources; while EMB is the primary line bureau responsible for the formulation, supervision, and implementation of policies and programs in relation to the prevention and control of pollution, as well as waste management, and environmental impact assessments. The project shall conduct a comprehensive assessment using appropriate governance, risk management, and compliance tools to review and assess risks in the existing systems and processes of MGB and EMB. It shall also develop a five-year transformation roadmap with corresponding action plans and recommendations for improvement to strengthen the DENR towards better organizational performance. Through the MoU, PwC shall provide technical partnership and assistance to deliver the DENR’s desired outcomes of strengthening the agency and its bureaus, particularly the existing systems and processes in the MGB and EMB. At the end of the project, PwC shall submit a Completion Report with the results of organizational/process diagnosis and assessment; observations and areas for improvement, and an indicative five-year transformation roadmap. Cabrera said that PwC Philippines, as a company that believes in integrity and sustainability, is impressed with the DENR’s plan, which focuses not only on top-level strategic initiatives but also includes sampling a few critical departments referred to as “the center of gravity.” “If we are able to solve these important issues at the most difficult spots of the agency, then it will be no problem solving the rest of the issues,” Cabrera said. Also present during the MoU signing were DENR Undersecretary for Organizational Transformation and Human Resources Augusto dela Peña, Chief of Staff and Supervising Undersecretary for Strategic Communications Marilou Erni, and DENR Legal Affairs Services Director Norlito Eneran; and PwC representatives Geraldine Apostol, Alvin Dave Pusing and Aaron Manalete. Loyzaga had previously said that under her leadership, there will be a comprehensive review of the DENR’s people, processes, products, and services to ensure that the agency will “respond to all stakeholder needs in relation to the directives of the President” and the preservation of the environment and the country’s natural resources. The post DENR taps private audit firm to review MGB, EMB processes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mañalac defends involvement in ‘unconstitutional’ exploration deal
Former Energy Undersecretary Eduardo Mañalac — a staunch critic of the current Malampaya consortium — admitted that he took part in a tripartite agreement, which was supposed to open the country’s natural resources to other countries, without government supervision. Speaking at a forum organized by the National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea over the weekend, Mañalac said that the decision, which was opposed by no less than the Supreme Court, only followed government orders and directives related to a policy of energy independence. Mañalac had brokered the Joint Maritime Seismic Understanding with China National Offshore Oil Corp. and Vietnam Oil and Gas Corp., allowing seismic work on a 142,886-square-kilometer area in the West Philippine Sea. Mañalac signed the agreements in his capacity as then Philippine National Oil Company president and chief executive officer. “The tripartite agreement for the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking or JMSU is a three-year cooperative agreement between CNOOC, Vietnam and PNOC to jointly gather seismic data in certain areas of the South China Sea,” Mañalac said. Back then, Mañalac explained that the agenda was to develop the Philippines' indigenous petroleum resources, promote renewable power, increase the use of alternative fuels, form strategic regional alliances and strengthen energy conservation programs. “The JMSU was part of our five-point energy independence agenda to find new and indigenous petroleum reserves. It is not my idea. It is the idea of the government as part of its energy independence strategy,” he added. Last January, the Supreme Court declared the JMSU deal as unconstitutional due to its breach of Section 2, Article 12 of the 1987 Constitution. But Mañalac contended that the PNOC, under his leadership, had been “extremely careful and consistent in ensuring the constitutionality of the JSMU.” Manalac also recalled that his decision to sell 5 percent of the government’s stake in PNOC-Exploration Corp. way back in 2005, like his JMSU involvement, was also prompted by external forces. “The reason given to sell the PNOC-EC share at the time was that, if you remember, PNOC paid a hundred plus million for the 10 percent (stake). So what the government was saying was we have to pay that. We have to raise the money,” he said. Mañalac served as an Energy Undersecretary from 2003 to 2004 before he was laterally transferred to PNOC president from 2004 to 2006. Last week, Mañalac lambasted the extension of the Malampaya service contract for another 15 years due to the alleged lack of expertise of the current operator led by Prime Energy of businessman Enrique K. Razon. Razon said Mañalac’s claims against Malampaya were unsubstantiated. Based on the latest estimates of the Department of Energy, the gas field near Malampaya is estimated to have about 210 billion cubic feet of gas. The Malampaya project uses indigenous natural gas to reduce the country's oil imports. It also generates significant revenues for the local government that already amounted to $13.14 billion or over P1 trillion. Malampaya has been powering up to 20 percent of Luzon’s total electricity requirements. It supplies natural gas to power four power generation plants in Batangas with a combined capacity of 2,011 megawatts. The post Mañalac defends involvement in ‘unconstitutional’ exploration deal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR urges young Filipinos: Be active on climate change
Environment Secretary Antonia Loyzaga called on young Filipinos last Monday to take an active role in crafting solutions to the ongoing climate crisis. In a statement, Loyzaga said she also issued the call during an event held at the DENR Central Office in Quezon City last week, as part of the agency’s Earth Day celebration with the theme “Invest in our Planet, Invest in our Youth.” Over 150 high school and college students as well as teachers from Metro Manila attended the event organized by the department. “We are in the middle of an emergency, and that is the climate crisis. What we need to do with you, the youth, is to become part of the solution,” Loyzaga told the participants. “Every fraction of every degree counts and we all need to work together to prevent even that fraction of a degree of increase, in terms of our temperatures,” she added. The activity was aimed at raising awareness, understanding, commitment and action on environmental stewardship among the youth. Loyzaga underscored the importance of participation, “as we all have the ability to make a difference and influence our country’s fight against the impacts of climate change and the degradation of our environment.” DENR Chief of Staff and Supervising Undersecretary for Strategic Communications Marilou Erni said the event served as an avenue to gather insights from young people in terms of the environmental issues and challenges they face in their communities. The participating schools and organizations included the Association of Science and Mathematics Educators of Philippine Private Schools, Oscar M. Alcaraz Community Scout, Brighton Ventures, Marikina Polytechnic University, St. Clare College of Caloocan, National College of Business and Arts, STI College, University of the Philippines — Diliman, Polytechnic University of the Philipines, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Universidad de Manila, Cagayan State University, New Era University, Quirino High School, Bagong Silang High School, West Fairview High School, North Fairview High School, Mother of Perpetual Help School, Immaculate Concepcion Academy, Ramon Magsaysay High School, South East Asia Institute of Trade and Technology, and Krus na Ligas High School. Over 150 high school and college students as well as teachers from Metro Manila attended the event organized by the department. During the event, the DENR held a visual communication workshop where participants showcased their vision of a livable environment and the significant ways to achieve that vision through a poster-making contest. Teachers were also given a platform to share their hopes for DENR, so that the agency could further improve its current environmental programs and initiatives. The participants listened to young leaders from the DENR as they shared the agency’s priority programs such as Clean Water, Clean Air, National Greening Program, Biodiversity Conservation, Coastal Marine Ecosystem and Solid Waste Management. The speakers encouraged the participants to consider a career in the sciences and be part of government service in the future. Erni said the DENR plans to continue holding youth-centered programs, including collaborating with the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education, for more strategic partnerships that will go beyond awareness and lead to translating this understanding and commitment into action. Earth Day is celebrated in the Philippines every 22 April in accordance with Proclamation No. 1481 signed in 2008 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 in the United States and was globally recognized in 1990. The post DENR urges young Filipinos: Be active on climate change appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR closes illegal Misamis Oriental mine
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Friday said it raided an illegal mining operation in Misamis Oriental and arrested 18 suspects, including five Chinese nationals. DENR Secretary Antonia Loyzaga said they also seized several heavy equipment, which have caused damage to roughly 7.6 hectares of land along the Iponan River in Opol, Misamis Oriental. Loyzaga said the raid was carried out by joint operatives from DENR Region 10 led by Regional Executive Director Henry Adornado and DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations-Mindanao Joselin Marcus Fragada, as well as the Mines and Geosciences Bureau; North Eastern Mindanao Regional Office of the National Bureau of Investigation; and special forces of the Philippine Army 4th Infantry Division. Reports of the illegal activities were first received by the field team of Adornado and were then confirmed through DENR’s satellite imagery at the DENR Central Office. The satellite imagery showed massive excavations and forest destruction. “I hope that the recently conducted joint operation and the succeeding monitoring and rehabilitation efforts will bring about positive changes and bring to life again the Iponan River,” Loyzaga said in a statement. “I am calling on concerned government agencies, other stakeholders and the communities along the Iponan River and elsewhere in the country to take consistent active measures to combat illegal mining operations in their area,” she added. The suspects were brought to the detention facility of the NBI North Eastern Mindanao Regional Office at Capitol Compound, Cagayan de Oro City and are now facing charges for violation of several environmental laws, including Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act, RA 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act, and Presidential Decree 705 or the Forestry Code of the Philippines. Loyzaga said they have created a national environment and natural resources geospatial database and are using space science and technology applications across the country. Early this year, the DENR partnered with the Philippine Space Agency to develop and generate maps, systems and tools that could monitor forest areas using satellite remote sensing, artificial intelligence and geographic information system. The DENR’s satellite image have allowed different government agencies to monitor and observe mining sites and confirm and track their activities. The post DENR closes illegal Misamis Oriental mine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nestlé, DENR neutralize plastic packaging
Global food and beverage leader Nestlé Philippines, the earliest advocate of Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022, has collaborated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to increase participation and support the effective implementation of the law. The EPR law requires large-scale companies and enterprises to be environmentally responsible throughout the life cycle of their products — from manufacturing, usage, and post-consumer stage — by establishing EPR programs and mechanisms that ensure effective reduction, recovery, treatment, and recycling and/or disposal of waste, especially plastic packaging. In a roundtable discussion, DENR and Nestlé Philippines and other stakeholders share their expertise about plastic waste management and discussed EPR integration and compliance, programs, and collaborative opportunities in advancing a circular economy and addressing the country’s plastic waste problem towards a more sustainable future. “RA 11898 is a good start and a wiser approach to the waste reduction that allows environmental responsibility with the producers and improves the equity in the process of waste management all throughout. EPR is proven to address packaging collection through recycling meaningfully and through various EPR schemes that require companies to pay for the collection, sorting and recycling of their plastic packaging,” DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said. Other panel discussion was led by DENR Undersecretary Annaliza Rebuelta-Teh; Nestle Jose Uy III, SVP and Head of Corporate Affairs; Michikazu Kojima, Senior Adviser to the President on Environmental Issues, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia; and Crispian Lao, Vice Chairman, National Solid Waste Management Commission. Uy stressed the importance of collaboration for the effective implementation of the EPR Act. “Plastic waste is a global problem in which everybody has a stake. Through collaboration, we will find workable solutions. This roundtable is a collaborative effort among policymakers, business leaders, government agencies, and changemakers. We have come together to discuss how we can accelerate the transition to a waste-free, circular economy. In particular, a major challenge is the lack of waste management infrastructure in the country,” he said. The post Nestlé, DENR neutralize plastic packaging appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»