Saturday, April 13, 2024

Tag: Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Locally-developed drones mimic birds, drop seeds for reforestation

Posted on by cmn

Biomimicry uses drone technology to drop seeds just like what birds do to restore denuded forests

The drone is called the galansiyang, named after the Asian Glossy Starling, a bird that drops seeds everywhere. Just like the bird, the drone also goes to places that are hard to reach.

It was developed in the Computer Applications Department of the College of Computer Studies at the Iligan Institute of Technology (IIT), Mindanao State University.

It morphed into the Galinsayang, a startup company incubated by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Northern Mindanao. It now leads a reforestation project at the Kalatungan mountain ranges in Pangantucan, Bukidnon.

The P5.5-million reforestation project will cover four hectares out of 21,000 has., according to Ritchie Guno, DOST provincial director for Bukidnon. The project is a collaboration between Galansiyang, the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, DOST, and the local government.

Using drones, Galansiyang has a 90 percent success rate in reforesting land areas in Mindanao, Guno said.

It uses the seeds of balansihan, talingtingan, bagalug and ulayan, all endemic tree species. The seeds are coated with charcoal, manure, compost, clay, and a microbial inoculant, a slow-release fertilizer that supports plant growth. The mix is then shaped into balls.

Using 3-D printing, the drones are modified to carry and then drop the seed balls in reforestation areas.

The seed balls are prepared by students at the Bukidnon Community College, members of the Manubo and Kalatungan Mandum indigenous communities which collects the seeds in the mountains, and PAMB which approves the seeds used. The selection is based on the recommendation of the Central Mindanao University which has the data on Mt. Kalatungan’s endemic plants.

Mt. Kalatungan is the country’s fifth-tallest peak and home to at least 129 animal species and 342 plant species.

“Our methodology is founded on one of the natural ways of plant propagation with birds as seed dispersers,” said Jay Gajudo, chief executive officer of Galansiyang.

“Using drones, we can plant trees faster compared to manual tree-planting. One person can plant 480 seedlings in eight hours, while one drone can plant 8,366 seed balls in one hour.”

Galinsayang displays data on its digital platform, for easy monitoring, transparency, and to make data-driven decisions. (Malaya)

DENR, folks celebrate 17th Aldaw ta Kalatungan

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), delegates from Indigenous People Communities, and constituents of the 21 villages within the Mt. Kalatungan Mountain Range have gathered to commemorate the 17th Aldaw ta Kalatungan

On October 18-19, 2023, all participants have gathered in Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon. The theme was “Kagsabuwa para hu buhay ha Kinaiyahan daw Kultura para hu sumosunod ha kaliwatan” (Building Alliance for Sustainable Ecosystem and Culture for Future Generations).

Forester Ner A. Doydoy, Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) of Mt. Kalatungan, and his team led the yearly celebration.

Mr. Vergilino P. Alima, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of DENR Bukidnon, graced the event.


Cong. Jose Manuel F. Alba of the first legislative district of Bukidnon was among the distinguished guests in attendance.


Datu Johnny B. Guina, Chairperson of the Council of Elders of Mt. Kalatungan headed the IP participants.

Talakag Mayor Vergito O. Factura has dispatched his town Administrator as the celebration’s host.

The event marks the recognition of Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park (MKaRNP) as a Protected Area.

The event is centered on an intensive Education and Information Campaign. Beyond this, the event serves as a unique chance to create a stronger sense of collaboration and teamwork among the diverse stakeholders of the park, with particular emphasis on strengthening ties with the Indigenous Community residing within its borders.

Furthermore, the celebration seeks to convey sincere gratitude and genuine admiration for the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication demonstrated by all those involved in the preservation of MKaRNP.

Datu Joel Alahay, Barangay Tikalaan IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR), and the Council of Elders led the ritual.

A tree-planting activity at the schoolyard of Tikalaan National High School was organized. The Dole KASILAK Foundation and MENRO of LGU Talakag have donated tree seedlings.

The LGU Talakag has sponsored the feeding program activity held at Tikalaan Central Elementary School, serving approximately 700 participating students.

Tikalaan National High School served as the venue for both Hatod Serbisyo and the Medical and Dental Mission. The Del Monte Medical Team and the Municipal Health Office of LGU Talakag, supported by the Health Workers of Barangay Tikalaan, sponsored the event.

In the Indigenous Sports Competition, IP groups displayed their skills. The annual event was highlighted by the Laga ta Kalatungan pageant competition, Pasundayag (a cultural dance presentation), and a Jingle Contest.

The following day, the 223 devoted MKaRNP Bantay Lasang Volunteers convened. This essential meeting provided a crucial platform for the volunteers to deliberate and address emerging challenges within their designated area of responsibility.

The event also garnered the participation of eminent members of the Protected Area Management Board of MKaRNP. The convergence of these notable figures not only highlighted the significance of the celebration but also emphasized the collective determination to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation in the locality.

The 18th Aldaw ta Kalatungan will be hosted by LGU Pangantucan, as per the agreement.

Standing at a remarkable 2,824 meters above sea level, Mt. Kalatungan dominates the central part of the province with its impressive height. Stretching across Valencia City and the neighboring towns of Maramag, Pangantucan, and Talakag, it’s a significant portion of the province. (melbmadera)

4 Mindanao bishops to Marcos Jr.: void FTAA of Tampakan project

Posted on by cmn

GENERAL SANTOS CITY—Four Catholic bishops in Mindanao have asked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to void the Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) granted to Sagittarius Mines, Inc., developer of the controversial Tampakan project, the largest untapped copper-gold minefield in Southeast Asia

Set to expire on March 21, 2020, the 25-year FTAA awarded to the Tampakan project had been extended for 12 years—or until March 21, 2032—in an order issued June 8, 2016.

MindaNews reported about this development in January 2020.

FTAA No. 002-95-XI was originally granted to Australian Firm Western Mining Corp. (WMC) on March 22, 1995. SMI acquired the FTAA from WMC in 2001 with the approval of Environment Secretary Heherson Alvarez.

The FTAA is subject to renewal for another 25 years, but long before its expiry, SMI sought and was granted a 12-year extension of the original FTAA, citing “force majeure,” a copy of the order obtained by MindaNews then showed.

Leo Jasareno, then national director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), an agency under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), approved the extension on June 8, 2016, “by authority of the secretary.” The environment secretary at the time was Ramon Paje.

A copy of the bishops’ petition to declare illegal SMI’s FTAA extension was filed with Malacañang on Wednesday. It was signed by Bishop Cerilo Casicas, Diocese of Marbel; Archbishop Angelito Lampon, Archdiocese of Cotabato; Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Diocese of Kidapawan; and Bishop Guillermo Afable, Diocese of Digos.

The prelates represent the communities that will be affected by the Tampakan project, which the company earlier estimated to cost an investment of at least $5.9 billion.

Their petition was subsequently submitted to the DENR, headed by Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.

Together with their legal counsels from the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC), the church leaders argued that the extension of the FTAA by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in 2020 was unconstitutional.

“We respectfully reiterate our demand to cancel the illegal extension of FTAA – 002 in favor of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. We respectfully believe that the extension of the FTAA (is) beyond the powers of the MGB, and the same must be declared void, especially as the mining operations will impact critical environmental areas,” Casicas said in a statement.

Atty. Rolly Peoro, Direct Legal Services Coordinator of LRC, said the Tampakan FTAA “has definitively lapsed, and SMI should have thus undergone consultations, environmental impact assessment, and other regulatory compliances for renewal.”

 

“These safeguards are there to ensure that the utilization of our natural resources is held accountable to the highest office and therefore highest regulatory scrutiny,” Peoro said.

The petitioners elaborated that SMI’s claim of force majeure as the basis for requiring extension was unfounded.

The acts cited as constituting force majeure, such as legal and tenurial conflicts, the open pit mine ban, and civil disturbances, among others, are all forms of assertions of rights that can be duly exercised vis-a-vis the course of the project, the petition said.

Addressing Marcos, Casicas said, “This constitutional power was exclusively lodged to your office, as the President, being the father of the nation, is entrusted to represent the best interests of the Filipino people. May your guidance and leadership of our country be blessed upon by our shared faith to protect the environment.”

MindaNews sought an SMI official for comments but have yet to respond as of posting.

On its website, SMI reposted a BusinessWorld report that it targets to go full-swing operations in 2026. Several other national media outlets came out with a similar report.

In an SMI study, the mining company noted that the most viable method to extract the shallow mineral deposits is through open-pit mining, which has been banned by the South Cotabato provincial government since 2010.

SMI revealed that the Tampakan project has the potential to yield an average of 375,000 metric tons of copper and 360,000 ounces of gold per annum in the expected 17-year life of the mine.

Once developed, it has the potential to be a key driver of national and regional growth as well as socio-economic development for its host communities, the firm said on its website.

In a mining forum at the Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City in September 2019, Casicas urged the national government to refrain from renewing the FTAA of SMI for another 25 years.

In that forum, Casicas pledged to sustain the opposition spearheaded by his predecessor, the late Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, against SMI.

Casicas deplored the Tampakan project, a venture which, according to him, “even God will not approve,” considering its impact on the environment, Indigenous Peoples, and other residents who will be affected.

Vowing to sustain the local Catholic church’s resistance against open-pit mining, Casicas stressed: “God created humans to protect the environment.” (Bong S. Sarmiento/MindaNews)

DA-NorMin holds annual R4D review

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Research Division, spearheaded the agency’s Research for Development (R4D) Review on October 2-3 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan

Evaluators from the Northern Mindanao Research Development and Extension Network (NOMIRDEN) member agencies reviewed the 12 presented research studies/projects, comprising 10 completed and two ongoing.

The annual R4D review mainly aims to evaluate the methodology used in research projects, the attainment of objectives, and the generation of comments and suggestions to the identified challenges affecting research project adoption.

The proposed research projects include crops, developmental research, integrated farming systems, pest and nutrient management, value-added products development, adaptability yield trials, technology adoption, and other fields of studies concerning the agriculture sector.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado extended his gratitude to the evaluators for their time and effort in helping the agency’s research initiative be approved until submission to the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) based on the evaluations.

“DA management is fully supportive of our research initiatives, and hopefully, all of these proposals will contribute to an empowered research and development system, which will lead to expanded economic opportunities for those who engage in agriculture and fisheries, particularly small and subsistence farmers and fisherfolk,” he said.

Dir. Collado challenged the researchers to transfer the products of technology down to the farmers’ level and hoped that the personnel could identify success stories from their studies.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga shared the significance of generating scientific findings and their relevance to the mandates and thrust of DA, which is food security.

“As One DA, we will invite other Regional Management Committee (RMC) members to present for the next research review so that we can really have that One DA system,” she conveyed.

Closing the activity is the awarding of the best research papers, of which Maridith A. Flores, Senior Science Research Specialist of DA-10 Research division, won first place for her study, “Market-driven Varietal Testing and Validation for Effective Positioning of Varieties in Target Rice Ecosystems and Seed Chains in Region 10.”

Placing second and third were Berly F. Tatoy, PhD, Research Center for Hilly Land Development chief for her study, “Surveillance, Monitoring and Management of Arthropods and Diseases of Corn in Mindanao,” and Carmelito R. Lapoot, NMACLRC chief for the “Soil Health Management for Sustained Yield of Cassava”, respectively.

The three best research paper awardees will advance for presentation and competition to this year’s regional research symposium annually conducted by the Northern Mindanao Consortium on Agriculture, Aquaculture Research and Development (NOMCAARD).

The panel of Evaluators were Elmer E. Enicola of the Institute of Plant Breeding – University of the Philippines – Los Baños (IPB-UPLB); Floro V. Dalapag of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC); Mercedita G. Barbarona and Lydia E. Tiongco of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Maria Estella B. Detalla, PhD and Lowella R. Angcos, PhD of the Central Mindanao University (CMU); and Ma. Estrella Luz Penaloza of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

DA-10 RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca supported the activity with the Research Division and its research stations. (DA RFO-10)

DA-10 leads final review for Muleta Convergence Area Dev’t Plan

Posted on by cmn

PANGANTUCAN, BUKIDNON — In its concerted efforts to advance a clean and sustainable water resource for agriculture, industry, and economy, the Regional Convergence Initiative – Technical Working Group (RCI-TWG) spearheaded the final review and critiquing of the Muleta Watershed Convergence Area Development Plan (CADP) on August 24, 2023

The meeting follows the CADP writeshop conducted by the National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City last May 16 to 19, 2023.

Members of the RCI-TWG in attendance include the Department of Agriculture – 10 (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado as lead convener, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR-10), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-10), and officials of the local government unit (LGU) of Pangantucan.

Discussed during the meeting were salient points of the Muleta CADP, presented by Pangantucan Municipal Agriculturist Teodoro B. Quirante III, including the watershed profile, major goals and strategies of the CADP, and the budgetary requirements for implementation from 2023 until 2027.

DA-10 Executive Assistant III Joel S. Rudinas enjoined the RCI-TWG to continuously offer their inputs to improve the plan and underscored the potential benefits of the CADP for the community of Pangantucan when approved.

“Through this CADP, we hope to convey that this kind of investment is urgent, very important, and very necessary because we have a vision and an end in mind. We are more excited about this project on account of the fact that there is an opportunity where we can work together [to] build up development in these areas,” Rudinas said.

Pangantucan Municipal Administrator Ian Boy A. Garcenila thanked the support of the RCI-TWG in developing the said plan toward progress and the development of their community.

Comments and suggestions from members of the RCI-TWG will be incorporated into the final document before the final presentation to the National Steering Committee for review and approval in October this year. (DA RFO-10)

SP Malaybalay passes MMT Ordinance

Posted on by cmn

The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved Ordinance No. 1021 Series of 2023 – An ordinance institutionalizing the creation of the City Government of Malaybalay Environmental Multi-partite Monitoring Team (CITY MMT)

During the 45th regular session on May 30, 2023, Hon. Alan Ryann O. Legaspi presented the proposed ordinance for the creation of CITY MMT, defining its powers, duties, and responsibilities, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties, allocating funds for the purpose therefor, and other purposes.

The Local Government Units are mandated to ensure the implementation of reasonable and practicable measures to protect, restore, and enhance the quality of the environment in line with the principles of ecologically sustainable development.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued an Administrative Order No. 2003-30 acknowledging the role and participation of the Local Government Units, including the community, People’s Organizations, and Non-Government Organizations, in the implementation of the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System. This system was established under Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1586, Presidential Proclamation No. 2146, defining the scope of the EIS System and pursuant to Administrative Order No. 42 issued by the Office of the President on November 2, 2002.

The City Government of Malaybalay is committed to promoting the preservation, protection, and revival of the ecosystem through prevention, control, and abatement of air, water, and land pollution and aims to minimize environmental damage while fostering the sustained development of the city.

The creation of a Multi-partite Monitoring Team is mandated to monitor persons and entities compliance with the Certificate (ECC) granted to them and ensure a rational balance between socio-economic development and environmental protection for the benefit of present and future generations.

After thorough deliberation during the 54th regular sessions of the 9th Sangguniang Panlungsod on August 1, 2023, the said ordinance passed and was approved on the third reading. Hon. City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran also expressed his support and commitment to implementing the ordinance. (LGU Malaybalay)

41 awarded, recognized by DENR-10

Posted on by cmn

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Region 10 recognizes various stakeholders and partners during the Culmination Program of the Environment Month Celebration on June 30, 2023, held at DENR 10 covered court Puntod, Cagayan de Oro City

DENR officials, employees, and partner stakeholders are welcomed by the Regional Executive Director (RED) Henry A. Adornado. Hon. Rufus B. Rodriquez the 2nd district Representative of Cagayan de Oro City, shared his accomplishments and encouraged the DENR 10 to continue the efforts in protecting the environment and natural resources of the region.

As partners in the protection and conservation of the environment and implementation of various DENR programs, projects, and activities, a total of 41 stakeholders and partners including several national government agencies, civil society organizations/non-governmental organizations, academe, and other individuals were awarded and recognized by the DENR 10, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 10 and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 10, led by RED Henry A. Adornado, Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Management Services Ma. Theresa J. Allen, Regional Director (RD) Reynaldo S. Digamo, and RD Felizardo A. Gacad Jr.

A signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DENR 10 and Central Mindanao University (CMU), Mindanao State University(MSU) Nawaan, MSU-Marawi, and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan for internship programs was also conducted. Interns from these Universities are allowed to perform their on-the-job training/practicum related to their respective courses to prepare them and expose them for employment. (DENR NorMin)

Seed-dropping drones plant 18K trees in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – At least 18,389 “seed balls” of native trees were dispersed via drone technology as part of the reforestation project in Bukidnon, a provincial official said on June 30

Ritchie Mae Guno, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provincial director, said the project partnered with the Pangantucan town government and its Indigenous People (IP) community to exhibit the innovative drone reforestation technology.

The seed balls were dispersed in batches from May to this month within the four-hectare patch in the Mt. Kalatungan range, an ancestral domain of the Manobo-Talaandig group headed by Datu Erio Inahan.

Guno said the next step would be the quarterly aerial monitoring by “Galansiyang” for an inventory of the germinated seed balls.

Galansiyang is a startup company partnered with DOST and operates the drone technology used for reforestation.

As a counterpart, the DOST, the Protected Area Management Board–Mt. Kalatungan Range Nature Park, the IP community, and community stakeholders will conduct ground monitoring.

The seed balls contain seeds from endemic trees coated with soil and organic manures to support their germination and growth.

The seeds came from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau and the IPs of Mt. Kalatungan. (PNA)

Valencia mipahigayon og clean-up drive activity

Posted on by Diego M. Hidalgo

Isa ka clean-up drive activity ang gipahigayon sa Panlibatuhan Creek sa dakbayan sa Valencia niadtong Hunyo 8, 2023

Gipangunahan sa Valencia City Environment and Natural Resources Office ang maong aktibidad. Kini base sa pahibalo sa City Government of Valencia.

Ang clean-up drive gipahigayon subay sa pagsaulog sa World Environment Day.

Sa kalihokan adunay tema nga “No to Waste: Advancing Circular Economy to #beatplasticpollution”.

Aktibo nga gipartisiparan kini sa mga miyembro sa Panlibatuhan Creek Rehabilitation and Management Council ug mga volunteers gikan sa Department of Education – Valencia City Division, Panlibatuhan Eagles Club, Valencia City Water District, City Nursery, City Public Information and Assistance Division, SUMIFRU, Phi Omega Sigma, mga personahe ni 4th District Representative Laarni Roque, ingon man sa mga residente ug purok leaders sa Purok 20, 16A, 12 ug 13.

Katuyoan sa maong aktibidad nga mapadayon ang pagmentinar sa kalimpyo sa maong sapa nga naila usab isip National Champion sa gipahigayon nga Recognizing Individuals/ Institutions towards Vibrant and Enhanced Rivers (R.I.V.E.Rs) for life Award sa Department of Environment and Natural Resources sa milabay nga tuig. (Diego M. Hidalgo)

SP approves the formulation, preparation and implementation of Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP)

Posted on by cmn

The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved Resolution No. 2023-0297 – A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City Government of Malaybalay (CGM) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regarding the joint formulation, preparation, and implementation of the Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP)

On March 7, 2023, Hon. City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran endorsed to the Sangguniang Panlungsod requesting a resolution authorizing him to enter into and sign the said Memorandum of Agreement.

Under Executive Order No. 192 (1987), the DENR is the primary government agency responsible for the sustainable development and management of the country’s environment and natural resources.

Pursuant to the national policies, the Local Government Units (LGUs) are mandated to share with the national government the responsibility for maintaining the ecological balance with their territorial jurisdictions.

This MOA shall serve as a vital system paramount to a collective, objective, and appropriate delivery of technical assistance and support services to the beneficiaries of LGU-Malaybalay to improve the governance of natural resources in forest and forestlands within their jurisdiction.

Both parties agreed to the terms and conditions stated in the said MOA.

After thorough deliberation during the 36th regular session on March 28, 2023, Hon. Alan Ryann O. Legaspi recommended and duly seconded to pass a resolution authorizing Hon. City Mayor to enter into and sign the said Memorandum of Agreement.

Through this, the city government ensures the effective use of our natural resources, especially in the forest and forestlands. (PR)