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DoF: ESG bond deals hit $3.55B
The government has funded green and social projects through the issuance of bonds amounting to $3.55 billion or P195.64 billion from March 2022 to January this year, resulting in bigger areas of replanted forestland and more flood-safe communities and benefiting agricultural entrepreneurs and students with tertiary education. The Sustainability Bond Allocation and Impact Report released Monday by the Department of Finance shows the total fund consisted of four bond transactions dedicated to environment, social and governance or ESG projects. For last year’s bond issuances, the government raised $1 billion in March, 70.1 billion Japanese yen in April, and $750 million in October. In January this year, it raised $1.25 billion. Proceeds from the bonds were used to either fully or partially finance and refinance four groups of projects by various government agencies from 2020 to 2022. DENR’s planting, marine program First, the planting and marine program by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources expanded greenery in forestland spanning 45,947.44 hectares and preserved plants in 191,081 hectares last year. Meanwhile, 244 areas covering 7.73 million hectares of terrestrial, marine, coastal, caves, and wetlands have been protected against biodiversity destruction. The P10.1-billion program provided jobs to 1,868 Filipinos this year from 1,808 in 2020 and financial aid to 68 groups from 25. Moving forward, the Marcos administration aims to boost production of bamboo and indigenous tree species on 3,565 hectares of land. Second, the flood management projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways along the country’s major rivers and river basins increased to 2,088 projects last year from 2,037 in 2020. These included floodways, dikes, water impounding structures and dredging works. The bond proceeds allocation to this program was P80.7 billion or 27 percent of the total project cost. Third, the bond proceeds enabled the Department of Labor and Employment, or DoLE, to provide business training, working capital, tools, and microinsurance to 9,112 members of the marginalized communities and displaced workers. These benefits were given under DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers or the Emergency Employment Program. Lastly, the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority were able to distribute funds for free tertiary education and subsidies to Filipino youth. Beneficiaries of free education in CHED-accredited local universities and colleges increased to 349,208 last year from 253,302 in 2020. The post DoF: ESG bond deals hit $3.55B appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CDC halts illegal diggings in Clark
A cease and desist order, or CDO, was issued by the Clark Development Corporation last week against Rolando Capiz for unauthorized digging and other earth-moving activities within the Clark Special Economic Zone, or CSEZ. According to the CDC, the order was prompted by the lack of the required environmental and construction permits by Capiz, as mandated by the CDC. CDC building facilities permits division manager Leoncio Tan issued the CDO to Capiz pursuant to the provisions of the National Building Code requiring permits for construction activities and similar works. Capiz, reportedly renting heavy equipment, received the CDO for unauthorized activities in Sitios Monicayo and Calapi, Barangay Calumpang, CADT 025-A, jointly managed by CDC, Tribong Ayta and NCIP under a valid JMA. EMB sanctions sought On 11 August, Agnes VST Devanadera, CDC president and CEO, wrote to Gilbert Gonzales, Environmental Management Bureau director, urging action on the extensive 300-hectare earth moving activities. She also requested that EMB should issue appropriate sanctions since the said activity lacks the required Environmental Compliance Certificate provided for in pertinent issuances of the Bureau. Furthermore, on 31 July, Rommel Narciso, CDC’s assistant vice president for External Affairs, inquired from NCIP RO3 regional director Roland Calde if their office has conducted the Free and Prior Informed Consent process and issued the corresponding certification precondition for the development activities being conducted in the area within CADT 025-A. Calde, in a letter dated 12 September, informed the CDC that an investigation had been conducted on 29 August, revealing alleged earth moving activities without an FPIC application. “Hence, the notice of cease-and-desist order to the concerned individuals and their partners for their permits at the DENR, LGU, endorsement of CDC, and processes of FPIC processes to the NCIP,” Calde wrote. The post CDC halts illegal diggings in Clark 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, JICA reaffirm partnership on forestland management
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced Tuesday that the agency and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have reaffirmed continued partnership to strengthen forestland management in the Philippines for improved livelihoods and economic development. In a statement, Environment Secretary Antonia Loyzaga said she received a courtesy visit from JICA Chief Representative to the Philippines Sakamoto Takema at the DENR Central Office in Quezon City on May 29. Loyzaga said she and Takema discussed the Forestland Management Project (FMP), a joint DENR-JICA undertaking that aimed to strengthen forestland management in three critical river basins in the country—Upper Magat and Cagayan, Pampanga, and Jalaur on Panay Island. A 10-year project that started in 2012, the FMP focused on rehabilitating degraded forestlands and improving the socioeconomic conditions of affected communities surrounding the three river basins. FMP employed collaborative and comprehensive community-based management strategies, such as empowering people’s organizations; securing land tenure rights; enterprise development for food security and income; and development, conservation, protection, and sustainable use of forestland resources. Loyzaga and Takema also talked about other possible areas of cooperation for environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and disaster risk reduction. At the same time, Takema introduced JICA’s other environment-related projects and activities, such as the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project, Flood Risk Management Project in various cities, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management-Capacity Enhancement Project, among others. DENR and JICA have been working closely for the protection and conservation of the environment and natural resources for six decades. Most recently, JICA sponsored DENR’s training program on Sustainable Forestry Management with Community Participation in 2019. It also provided technical assistance in establishing ecological solid waste management programs in the cities of Calbayog, Sagay, and Davao in 2022. JICA is the sole Japanese government agency that implements Official Development Assistance, providing technical cooperation, loans, and grants, to overcome challenges common in developing nations. It operates in more than 150 countries and regions worldwide. The post DENR, JICA reaffirm partnership on forestland management appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pagkakasama ng Boracay sa “50 World’s Greatest Places of 2022” ipinagmalaki ng DENR
MANILA, Philippines – Ipinagdiwang ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ang pagkakasali ng Boracay Island sa Time Magazine ‘50 World’s Greatest Places of 2022.’ Ayon kay DENR OIC Secretary Ernesto D. Adobo Jr. ang parangal mula sa award-winning publication ay patunay ng tagumpay ng pagsasaayos ng Boracay Island sa ilalim ng Duterte administration. […] The post Pagkakasama ng Boracay sa “50 World’s Greatest Places of 2022” ipinagmalaki ng DENR appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
Boracay rehab biggest environmental project under PRRD
ILOILO CITY - An official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Western Visayas said the rehabilitation of Boracay island is considered as the biggest environmental project of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte in the region.In a press conference on We.....»»
NBI arrests 10 for encroaching on forestland in Boracay Island
The National Bureau of Investigation said Saturday its agents arrested four foreign nationals and six Filipinos for encroaching on forestland in Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. .....»»
Boracay hosts PKA Tour Season 9 finale
The final leg of the ICTSI Philippine Kiteboarding Tour promises an exhilarating showcase of talent and excitement on Boracay Island beginning today at the Aqua Resort along Bulabog beach......»»
Global conference on research slated
The National Association of Public Secondary Schools of the Philippines Inc. will hold the first International Conference on Research Culture Management in Basic Education on Jan. 26 to 28 in Boracay Paradise Garden Resort and convention Center, Mangayad, Manoc-Manoc, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan......»»
Boracay welcomes 1st cruise ship this year
The M/V Resorts World One, which was carrying 1,600 passengers, arrived in Boracay on Wednesday, the first cruise ship to visit the island this year......»»
Boracay Water pipelines P240 million for service upgrade
Boracay Island Water Co. Inc. has earmarked P240 million to bankroll its capital expenditure this year to improve water and wastewater services in Boracay Island......»»
DPWH signs contract for engineering services of Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges Project in Western Visayas
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has officially signed the contract agreement for the detailed engineering design (DED) of the highly anticipated Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges Project. DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan approved on December 20, 2023 the Contract for Consultant’s Services of Yooshin Engineering Corporation in a joint venture with Kyong-Ho Engineering and […].....»»
Boracay resort holds Disney-inspired Christmas parade, lighting ceremony
Discovery Shores Boracay brought a Disney-like experience to the world-class island to celebrate the holiday season. .....»»
Wings of hope: PH eagles to be translocated to Leyte in conservation effort
The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) is undertaking a conservation effort to translocate two Philippine eagles to Leyte in collaboration with the Mohamed Bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund (MBZRCF). The aim is to reintroduce and establish a self-sustaining population of Philippine Eagles in Leyte. The decision to focus on juvenile and immature eagles for translocation is driven by the high rate of shooting and trapping of these birds in Mindanao. Leyte was chosen as the relocation site due to the commitment of the Local Government Unit (LGU), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Energy Development Corporation to protect the habitat. Pending government permits, a male and a female eagle will be released to the mountains of Leyte, with identified release sites. Over the course of three years, the foundation hopes to release a total of six eagles. Before their release, the eagles will undergo the hacking process and will be monitored using GPS trackers. Leyte was chosen as a relocation site due to the absence of Philippine Eagle sightings after Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. The loss of the eagle population on the island highlights the importance of repopulating Leyte, and the MBZRCF partnership is crucial in.....»»
Bongbong Marcos orders repair of infra damaged by flooding in Northern Samar
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to repair infrastructure that were damaged by continuous flooding in Samar Island. Marcos was set to attend a situation briefing in Catarman, Northern Samar personally, but bad weather prevented him from taking the trip, said Palace in.....»»
Igacos waterfall cementing for bulk water system preps
The Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) has cemented a waterfall in preparation for the city's bulk water system, according to Michael Anthony Homez, the information officer of the City Information Office (CIO). The controversy arose after a viral Facebook post showed the cemented part of the waterfall in Sitio Auring, Barangay Cawag near Hagimit. Homez explained that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has a project for bulk water, similar to the Tamugan River in Davao, which includes slope protection. The cementing of the river's side was intended to prevent it from deepening. The City Government of Samal is in the process of securing a loan for the bulk water system as the existing surface water in Igacos is insufficient. Homez clarified that the waterfall was closed temporarily to allow the cement to dry, and once dried, the water would continue to flow. He emphasized that the cementing has made the area safer, reducing the risk of accidents. However, Mark Penalver, executive director of Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis), expressed concerns, stating that cementing the slope area is not the appropriate intervention to protect the waterfall. Penalver believes that the.....»»
DENR chief joins Pag-asa Island research expedition
Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga has visited Pag-asa Island, coinciding with the arrival of the M/V Panata research vessel of the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute for its bi-annual research expedition to the Kalayaan Island Group and West Philippine Sea......»»
DENR joins Pag-Asa Island research expedition
A team from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources visited Pag-Asa Island on 23 October 2023, led by DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga. The visit included a site inspection of the area surrounding Pag-Asa Island, including Sandy Cay 2, and coincided with the arrival of the M/V Panata research vessel of the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute for its bi-annual research expedition to the Kalayaan Island Group and the West Philippine Sea. Loyzaga is the second Cabinet-level official to visit Pag-Asa Island in recent years, and the first DENR Secretary to do so. She was joined by other DENR officials, namely, Undersecretaries Augusto Dela Pena, Analiza Rebuelta-Teh and Juan Miguel Cuna; Assistant Secretaries Gilbert Gonzales and Marcial Amaro, Jr., the respective Directors of the Environmental Management Bureau and the Biodiversity Management Bureau; and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Executive Director Teodoro Matta. The DENR team was joined by Dr. Fernando Siringan, Dr. Jose Fernando Alcantara and Dr. Rolando Tolentino from UP-MSI. They were met on Pag-Asa Island by Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command, and Kalayaan Municipal Mayor Roberto Del Mundo. The DENR, UP-MSI, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development and Wescom teams discussed with Del Mundo and the Kalayaan government officials plans to expand research and monitoring in Pag-Asa Island and peripheral areas. Scientific studies have established that the marine ecosystem in the Kalayaan Island Group is a critical biodiversity area, and is crucial for the sustainable supply of fish and coral larvae in the Philippines and the region. “The discussion was on the environmental sustainability of the island and the research needed for understanding of marine environments and value of these ecosystems to livelihoods, food security in the Philippines and the region and the global need to ensure the ocean’s climate regulatory functions. Given the implications, we need to actually determine an ecological boundary rather than administrative lines,” Loyzaga explained. She and the DENR team visited the research station of UP-MSI on Pag-Asa Island, where the team is in the thick of field and oceanographic surveys as part of the periodic monitoring of the immediate environment around Pag-Asa Island. The research is partly funded by the Philippine Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System project of the national government. The group boarded the research vessel for a site inspection and docked at Sandy Cay 2, an islet just two miles off Pag-Asa Island, to check the crushed corals littered on the beach. Loyzaga and Del Mundo also discussed possible interventions for the priority needs of the municipality’s residents and the sustainable development of the island, such as the area's carrying capacity and need for water, sewerage and solid waste management systems. Pag-Asa Island serves as the hub of the municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan — the smallest in the Philippines with a population of 193, but the largest in terms of jurisdiction, with an area spanning almost 65,000 square miles. The post DENR joins Pag-Asa Island research expedition appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Boracay Water allots P108 million for free sewer connections
Boracay Island Water Co. has allotted P108 million to level up sanitation and sustainability in the premier island destination......»»
DigiPlus hopes to jumpstart casino project in Boracay
Listed retail gaming provider DigiPlus Interactive Corp. is hopeful it can jumpstart its $500-million casino project in Boracay Island with Macau-based Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. with a government more receptive toward casino development......»»