We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Rare beetle discovered in Mt. Hamiguitan sanctuary
In a recent discovery, a rare long-horned beetle, Paraskeletodes hamiguitanensis, was found in the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) in Davao Oriental. The beetle was unearthed during a scientific expedition led by the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental and conducted by a team from Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU). Dr. Milton Medina, a Filipino coleopterist, confirmed the uniqueness of P. hamiguitanensis through careful morphological examination, highlighting distinct differences from its closely related counterpart found in Sulawesi, Indonesia. The discovery sheds light on the limited knowledge of beetle taxonomy in the Philippines and underscores the need for increased scientific and conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots like the Philippines and Sulawesi. Concerns were raised about the global trade of beetle species and the rapid loss of forest cover in the Philippines, emphasizing the vital role of protected areas like Mt. Hamiguitan as essential sanctuaries for biodiversity. The researchers emphasized the need for cooperation with DENR-Davao in promoting biodiversity conservation and encouraged young scholars to explore beetle taxonomy. The discovery of P. hamiguitanensis and several other beetle species in the area underscores the rich biodiversity of Mt. Hamiguitan, with ongoing research aiming to describe more species and uncover many undiscovered ones in the region......»»
Councilor urges social media influencers to observe local laws
The Davao City councilor, Temujin “Tek” Ocampo, has urged social media influencers to familiarize themselves with local ordinances before promoting areas to their followers. Ocampo, who heads the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, appreciates the promotion of Davao City by social media influencers but emphasizes the importance of understanding local laws before attracting crowds to specific areas. He expressed gratitude for the promotion but highlighted the challenge of controlling the influx of people once a location is featured. Ocampo plans to collaborate with Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, Chair of the Committee on Tourism and Beautification, to accredit social media vloggers through the local government unit. He underscored the need for accredited vloggers, recognizing their contributions to the city and addressing any mistakes they might make. This initiative aims to balance recognition for positive actions with corrective measures for any missteps. The concerns arose in November 2023 when a Davao City-based environment group criticized a travel vlogger for promoting recreational activities in a river within the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed. Following a waste dumping incident on January 11, 2024, the group urged Dabawenyos, especially vloggers and influencers, to refrain from visiting protected areas for leisure. They emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting rules and regulations before endorsing specific parts of the city......»»
Chocolate Hills furor prompts Bohol bishop’s call to preserve national treasures
MANILA, Philippines — The public has been urged by the Catholic bishop of Bohol to preserve national treasures amid an outcry over the construction and operation of a resort in the middle of the picturesque Chocolate Hills’ protected area. The need to “recognize and cherish” Bohol’s natural wonders, specifically its Chocolate Hills and beaches was.....»»
DENR stops operation of Chocolate Hills resort
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued a cease and desist order (CDO) against the controversial Chocolate Hills resort operating in a protected area in Bohol province. DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Juan Miguel Cuna said the CDO was issued on March 14, putting Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort under close monitoring.....»»
Mindoro MPAs still exceed grease limits nearly a year after oil spill — study
Residents and environmental advocates renewed their call for accountability and legal protection for the Verde Island Passage as oil and grease levels remained high in several protected areas a year after the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro......»»
Senator wants Chocolate Hills resort demolished
To prevent more people and businesses from building structures in protected areas, Sen. Nancy Binay reiterated her proposal to have the Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort in Bohol demolished......»»
Media should check construction in protected areas
THE BUILDING of a resort in the midst of the fabled Chocolate Hills of Bohol was first revealed by a social media post to advertise the place, oblivious to the serious concerns it raised. Netizens quickly reacted and triggered widespread criticism that urged the Senate to hold an investigation.Captain's Peak Resort stands amid the expanse of hills stretching into the horizon, a seemingly endless field of mounds,.....»»
DTI Capiz intensifies watch on ‘noche buena’ goods sales
ROXAS CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry has been intensifying its monitoring activities during the holidays ensure that consumers are well-protected......»»
Unique love storyline brings ‘Asawa ng Asawa Ko’ close to viewers
‘There was a farfetched but intriguing circumstance that would give the story a richer context, namely, the kidnapping and the four-year experience that would transform the protagonist from a protected, middle-class bride to a toughened survivor when she returns. That was the thing that was different in this project,’ says director Laurice Guillen of the ‘Asawa ng Asawa Ko’ storyline......»»
‘Policy on 20 percent use of Chocolate Hills illegal’
As the controversy over the Chocolate Hills continues to rage, an environmental watchdog has joined the fray, describing as unlawful the policy of the Department on Environment and Natural Resources-Protected Area Management Board that allows the use of 20 percent of the hills for development......»»
DENR looking into other structures at Chocolate Hills
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will look into other establishments operating at the Chocolate Hills in Bohol amid reports that there are other such structures within the protected area......»»
Pamunuan ng resort sa Chocolate Hills, nagsalita na sa isyu
NAGLABAS na ng official statement ang pamunuan ng kontrobersyal na resort sa Chocolate Hills na Captain’s Peak Resort matapos itong mag-trending sa pambabatikos ng netizens. Marami kasi ang hindi nagustuhan ang pagpapatayo ng resort sa paanan ng isa sa mga kinikilalang tourist attraction sa Pilipinas at idineklara rin na National Geological Monument and Protected Area.....»»
Palawan’s Siete Pecados bags Blue Park award
A marine protected area in northern Palawan has received the Blue Park Award for ”exceptional marine biodiversity conservation.”.....»»
Some developers cut through Chocolate Hills – DENR
Some project developers cut through the Chocolate Hills in Bohol during the construction of their structures, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said, reiterating that this is prohibited under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) law......»»
Creation of EDCA site at Philippine Rise proposed
The country’s eastern seaboard where the mineral-rich Philippine Rise is located should also be protected from potential intruders, just like the West Philippine Sea where China has been making repeated incursions, a senior lawmaker said yesterday......»»
EDITORIAL - Under lock and key
The Civil Service Commission has reminded all government officials and employees of the April 30 deadline to submit their sworn Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth for 2023......»»
EDITORIAL — Love scammers
With the approach of the day of hearts, government agencies led by the Philippine National Police, the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center are warning the public against love scams......»»
EDITORIAL Shooting itself in the foot
As the lead organization in maintaining peace and order, the Philippine National Police must know what it is doing in authorizing civilians to own semi-automatic rifles and 7.62mm-caliber firearms......»»
EDITORIAL — Trigger for conflict
Owners of real estate have deeds or land titles to prove ownership. In the global neighborhood, there are international rules for setting national borders, delineating land and maritime territories or defining sovereign rights and economic entitlements......»»
EDITORIAL Stuck in the gray list
While moving heaven and Earth to amend the Constitution ostensibly to attract more foreign investments, the government is taking its sweet time getting out of the so-called gray list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring for money laundering and counterterrorist financing......»»