8
ERDB Newsletter Vol. 4 No. 2 April - June 2010 DENR Director’s Engagements Ü page 2 Ü page 2 INSIDE: n 3 ERDB-GAD conducts 3-Day Training-Workshops n 4 YES Camp held in Baguio City n 5 UPLBCFNR’s 100th Year n 6 ERDB GADFPS conducts “Seminar on the Rights and Benefits of Women n 7 ERDB’s CARCAP Team conducts GAD survey of Laguna de Bay households n 7 For. Greg Reyes, a mirror of success in government service n 8 ERDB, FMB team up on grazing lands project Dir. Amaro signs commitment to DENR Green Multiplier Program UPLBCFNR commemorates 100th year April 2010 5 - DENR Oath-taking as CESO III 10 - Centennial Tree Program, 9 AM, San Sebastian Cathedral, Lipa City 28 - PCARRD Governing Council Meeting, 10 AM, CB Perez Hall, PCARRD 29-30 - Regional Executive Directors’ Meeting, Legazpi City 30 - Executive Meeting on National Security, 8-6 PM, Diamond Hotel May 2010 8 - DOST-BC Meeting, 9:30 AM, DOST, Taguig, Metro Manila 19-30 - Ministerial Workshop on Bamboo and Rattan Sector, Beijing, China June 2010 2 - Meeting re: Budget 2011, Forestry Regional Consultation, Davao City 3-4 - RED’s Meeting, Pryce Plaza Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City 5 - DOST-BC, 9:30-12 noon, NAST Conference Room, DOST, Bicutan 29 - PCAMRD Stakeholders’ Meeting 2011-2016, 8-4 PM, PCAMRD E RDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. participated in the launching of the “DENR Green Multiplier Program (DGMP)” at the DENR’s Social Hall in Quezon City on March 31, 2010. The DGMP launching was led by Secretary Horacio C. Ramos and his senior officials and the rank-and-file employees. ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr., with other DENR officials, “sign in” their commitment to the Green Multiplier Program through the internet. Unveiling of the UPLBCFNR Centennial Marker and the new CFNR logo with UPLB Chancellor Dr. Luis Rey Velasco and UPLBCFNRAA Pres. Roberto Oliva and the Heads of participating agencies. T he UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) celebrated its 100th year Anniversary this CY 2010. Preceded by various preparatory activities starting January 2010, a week- long celebration (April 18 to April 23, 2010) took place to mark a new milestone in the history of the College. The celebration commenced with the Inter-Faith Thanksgiving service at the CFNR Quadrangle followed by the re-opening of the refurbished CFNR Alumni Guest House, and an Alumni Fellowship event. On the second day (April 19), alumni from the different offices which include ERDB, FMB (Forest Management Bureau), DENR Region 4A and 4B, CFNR, ACB (ASEAN Center for Biodiversity), FPRDI (Forest Products Research and Development Institute), and MNH (Museum of Natural History) assembled at the CFNR Centennial Marker ECO-HOUSE and unveiled the Centennial Marker and new CFNR logo. The Green Parade followed at the CFNR quadrangle. The main event was the street dancing competition participated in by ERDB, CFNR, FPRDI, DENR Region 4, and FMB. Students belonging to Zeta Beta Rho Honor Fraternity, Mussaenda Honor Sorority and UP Varrons Limited also took part. The competition filled the forestry campus with excitement not only because it was the first ever street dancing competition held at the College but also due to the effort exerted by the participating organizations and their stunning and colorful costumes. Among all

ERDB Newsletter - erdb.denr.gov.ph

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    2

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: ERDB Newsletter - erdb.denr.gov.ph

ERDB NewsletterVol. 4 No. 2 April - June 2010

DENR

Director’s Engagements

Ü page 2

Ü page 2

INSIDE: n 3 ERDB-GAD conducts 3-Day Training-Workshops n 4 YES Camp held in Baguio City n 5 UPLBCFNR’s 100th Year n 6 ERDB GADFPS conducts “Seminar on the Rights and Benefits of Women n 7 ERDB’s CARCAP Team conducts GAD survey of Laguna de Bay households n 7 For. Greg Reyes, a mirror of success in government service n 8 ERDB, FMB team up on grazing lands project

Dir. Amaro signs commitment to DENR Green Multiplier Program

UPLBCFNR commemorates 100th year

April 20105 - DENR Oath-taking as CESO III10 - Centennial Tree Program, 9 AM, San Sebastian Cathedral, Lipa City28 - PCARRD Governing Council Meeting, 10 AM, CB Perez Hall, PCARRD29-30 - Regional Executive Directors’ Meeting, Legazpi City30 - Executive Meeting on National Security, 8-6 PM, Diamond HotelMay 20108 - DOST-BC Meeting, 9:30 AM, DOST, Taguig, Metro Manila19-30 - Ministerial Workshop on Bamboo and Rattan Sector, Beijing, ChinaJune 20102 - Meeting re: Budget 2011, Forestry Regional Consultation, Davao City3-4 - RED’s Meeting, Pryce Plaza Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City5 - DOST-BC, 9:30-12 noon, NAST Conference Room, DOST, Bicutan29 - PCAMRD Stakeholders’ Meeting 2011-2016, 8-4 PM, PCAMRD

ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. participated in the launching of the “DENR Green Multiplier

Program (DGMP)” at the DENR’s Social Hall in Quezon City on March 31, 2010. The DGMP launching was led by Secretary Horacio C. Ramos and his senior officials and the rank-and-file employees.

ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr., with other DENR officials, “sign in” their commitment to the Green Multiplier Program through the internet.

Unveiling of the UPLBCFNR Centennial Marker and the new CFNR logo with UPLB Chancellor Dr. Luis Rey Velasco and UPLBCFNRAA Pres. Roberto Oliva and the Heads of participating agencies.

The UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) celebrated its 100th year

Anniversary this CY 2010. Preceded by various preparatory activities starting January 2010, a week-long celebration (April 18 to April 23, 2010) took place to mark a new milestone in the history of the College.The celebration commenced with the Inter-Faith Thanksgiving service at the CFNR Quadrangle followed by the re-opening of the refurbished CFNR Alumni Guest House, and an Alumni Fellowship event.

On the second day (April 19), alumni from the different offices which include ERDB, FMB (Forest Management Bureau), DENR Region 4A and 4B, CFNR, ACB

(ASEAN Center for Biodiversity), FPRDI (Forest Products Research and Development Institute), and MNH (Museum of Natural History) assembled at the CFNR Centennial Marker ECO-HOUSE and unveiled the Centennial Marker and new CFNR logo. The Green Parade followed at the CFNR quadrangle.

The main event was the street dancing competition participated in by ERDB, CFNR, FPRDI, DENR Region 4, and FMB. Students belonging to Zeta Beta Rho Honor Fraternity, Mussaenda Honor Sorority and UP Varrons Limited also took part.

The competition filled the forestry campus with excitement not only because it was the first ever street dancing competition held at the College but also due to the effort exerted by the participating organizations and their stunning and colorful costumes. Among all

Page 2: ERDB Newsletter - erdb.denr.gov.ph

2

ERDB News

Vol. 4 No. 2

Dir. Amaro signs ... from page 1

The DGMP is a packaged banner program of various sectors (forestry, land, mines and geosciences, environment, and research, development and extension on environment and natural resources) that represents the Department. It aims to invigorate the environmental consciousness of the DENR personnel, transform their lifestyles and habits towards environmentalism, and equip them with knowledge and skills necessary to make an effective and credible multiplier of environmentalism at workplace, homes and communities. The program’s strategies and approaches are to encompass policy framework of the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act”; “Clean Air Act”; “Clean Water Act”; “Climate Change Act”; “Environment Code”; “Environmental Awareness and Education Act”; and the “Medium Term Environment Plan”.

Under the DENR Memorandum Order No. 2010-02, the DENR Green Multiplier Program was organized in support of the environment performance of the Department. In the said memorandum, all DENR personnel at the central and regional/field offices, bureaus and attached agencies are encouraged to get involved in the program and commit themselves to support environmental advocacies in their respective workplaces, homes and communities. This Order also instructed all DENR employees to adopt ten (10) environmental management practices and register at their respective workplaces, i.e., green energy and air quality management, solid waste management, water conservation and pollution prevention.

Under this Order, the Secretary and his senior executive staff pledged and registered their respective commitments. The Human Resources Development of the DENR pledged to develop training modules on environmental management practices among the DENR employees. Secondly, the involvement and adoption of at least five (5) environmental management practices at home based on the advocacies of the Department. The last pledge is the commitment and adoption of at least three (3) environmental management practices at the community level. At the community level, community volunteers will be entitled to five-day official leave credits for community service, subject to Civil Service Commission rules and regulations.

the performances, FMB emerged as the Grand Winner and bagged all the awards – best in choreography, best in execution, and best in costume. The Zeta Beta Rho and Mussaenda Honor Sorority won the student category. The celebration coincided with the Foundation Day Convocation Program of the College. The day ended with the Welcome Night for all the CFNR alumni where an audio-visual presentation of the CFNR history was shown; release of the special Centennial issue of “Raniag”, a UPLB publication; and mini concert of the students, faculty, staff and alumni with the centennial salu-salo/potluck merienda cena.

One of the centennial celebration highlights was the conduct of the Centennial Forum on April 21 which was organized by the CFNR, ACB, and SFF (Society of Filipino Foresters), Inc. The theme of the forum was “Mga Pananaw ng mga Kabalikat sa Kalikasan at Kagubatan”. The panelists were Ms. Gina Lopez, Mr. Howie Severino, Atty. Ipat Luna together with the former DENR Secretary Elisea “Bebet” Gozun with Mr. Tonton Contreras as the emcee.

At the end of the forum, former Secretary Gozun reiterated that foresters should not only participate in the environmental plans and programs but should be at the center of Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD). She added that the DENR should continue to strengthen partnership with other stakeholders and promote science-based sustainable forest management and environmental governance.

The other activities during this week-long celebration included the nurturing of the CFNR Alumni Nature Park on April 20 wherein the alumni planted trees inside the nature park with their name tag on the seedling planted. The Centennial Ball and Awards Night were also held at the Ricarte Hall, Philippine Army Clubhouse at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. A Special Recognition Program was also accorded to the Pillars of Forestry in the Philippines. There was a re-enactment of the lighting of the CFNR Lucent Panel with 100 Torch Bearers which was then followed by a Centennial Jubilarians’ Night at the CFNR Alumni Guest House.

The finale was the Grand Alumni celebration on April 23. UPLBCFNR Alumni of the different regions from the public and private sectors came to attend. The day started with a wreath laying at the Cenotaph by the CFNRAA Board of Trustees, Alumni and guests which was then followed by the Grand Centennial Alumni Homecoming program. Hon. Victor O. Ramos, the former Secretary of the DENR and the Chair of CFNR External Review Panel gave the keynote address. For. Eufrocina Boado, an alumna of the College based in the USA served as the guest speaker. Centennial Scholarship Program was also launched. The program also recognized the Jubilarians from Class 1950, 1960, 1970, 1980, and 1985. After the program, the alumni enjoyed the Grand Centennial Lunch at the CFNR

Quadrangle. A CFNRAA business meeting was held in the afternoon followed by a Farewell fellowship at the Alumni guesthouse. A centennial raffle bonanza was also held. Marita W. Briz and Florita E. Siapno, GDAERD

(The authors who are Alumni of the College, congratulate the organizers, the UPLBCFNR Alumni and guests who made the UPCFNR Centennial Alumni Homecoming Grand Celebration memorable and successful.)

UPLBCFNR commemorates... from page 1

Ü page 6

Page 3: ERDB Newsletter - erdb.denr.gov.ph

3

ERDB News

Vol. 4 No. 2

ERDB-GAD conducts 3-Day Training-

Workshops

Ms. Monette S. Santos, ERDB GAD Focal Point, acted as resource person of the 3-day

Training Workshop on Guidelines for the Preparation of Annual GAD Plans and Budget and Annual GAD Accomplishment Report cum Seminars on “Magna Carta of Women” and “Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act” on April 27-30, 2010 at the Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City. The activity was participated in mostly by the GAD Focal Points of the DENR Regional offices in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Sibugay. These Focal Points are mostly Administrative Officers, Planning Officers, Researchers and Project leaders which composed the 23 participants.

On the lecture proper, Ms. Santos presented first the “Magna Carta of Women (MCW)”. Highlights of the presentation include the following: a) background about Magna Carta of Women; b) concept of discrimination against women; c) rights of women; d) concept of marginalized sectors and who are the women in the marginalized sectors and what are their rights under the MCW; e) rights of Filipino women abroad; f) responsibilities of government offices as the primary duty bearers and what are the roles of NCRFW, CHR, COA and LGUs; g) penalties of violators; and h) GAD funds in the implementation of the Magna Carta of Women.

In between the lectures, several issues and concerns were raised by the participants particularly on why the law explicitly addressed only the women; to what extent women can participate in work requiring physical exertion; to what extent can women equal with men

The workshop participants, Ms. Monette Santos (resource person) and members of the DENR R9 GAD Focal Point System during the closing program of the 3-Day Training-Workshops.

considering the traditional concept of the church that women must be submissive to their husband, father and brother. Overall, the participants expressed their appreciation for what they have learned from the new law specifically on the rights of women.

The second part of the Training-Workshop was the presentation of the “Guidelines for the Preparation of the Annual GAD Plans and Budget and Annual GAD Accomplishment Report”. It was followed by the workshop proper wherein the participants were grouped per province to prepare their respective DENR Region 9 GAD Plans and Budget for CY 2011 and Annual GAD Accomplishment Report for 2009 following the NCRFW format. Presentation of the workshop output per province and plenary session followed after the 2-day workshop.

Each group was able to develop and present their respective plans and budget in accordance with the mandate of their office. The EMB group presented their plans which cater more on environmental awareness and on how women can relate to different IEC programs/activities.

The last part of the Training-Workshop was the presentation of “Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act. The lecture started by discussing the rationale behind the said Act or known as RA 9262 which was approved on Women’s Day, March 8, 2004 and took effect on March 27, 2004. The Act is a special law that penalizes acts of violence against women and their children, and abuses on women and their children by their intimate partners. It further classifies violence against women and their children as a public offense.

As further discussed by Ms. Santos, the examples of punishable acts of violence are: a) economic abuse such as not giving adequate financial support to the wife and minor children; controlling the conjugal business, conjugal or community property, or the woman ‘s own money; and destroying household property; b) psychological violence such as marital infidelity; repeated verbal abuse; public humiliation; threatening the woman that she will lose custody of

Ms. Monette S. Santos, ERDB GAD Focal Point discusses the salient features of “Magna Carta of Women.

Ü page 6

Page 4: ERDB Newsletter - erdb.denr.gov.ph

4

ERDB News

Vol. 4 No. 2

Ü page 8

YES Camp held in Baguio City

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources through its Special Concerns Office

and Sectoral/Regional Youth Desk Officers joined the “8th Youth Environmental Summer (YES) Camp” in coordination with the Department of Education-Maglingkod (KASAMA), Inc. The YES camp was held at the Teacher’s Village, Baguio City on April 19-24, 2010. It aimed to expand our base of young environmental leaders, enhance their skills, and deepen or broaden their ecological awareness. As an outcome, the participants gained productive and memorable experiences that empowered them to make dynamic differences in spreading good environmental practices back in their respective schools and communities.

This year’s YES Camp focused on disaster management through environmental protection. It revolved around the theme “Sagip Kalikasan, Sagip Buhay” in the wake of the recent natural and man-made disasters which brought tragedies of immeasurable proportions, causing the death of many and the destruction of our livelihood and communities. More than 2,800 elementary pupils, high school and college students, teachers, principals, supervisors, educator officials, college instructors and Sangguniang Kabataan members nationwide participated in the annual summer event. Five (5) major activities were undertaken, namely: (1) plenary session topics; (2) DENR environmental camp courses; (3) environmental games; (4) environmental contest; and (5) action planning workshop of educators and students. The Plenary Session topics were:

(1) The Road from Copenhagen to Mexico: Seeking Global Agreement to Address the Impacts of Climate Change. This topic educated the participants on the recent conferences held by countries worldwide and what they have come up with for the security and conservation of the environment.

(2) Disaster Risk Preparedness. This session talked about the “dos and donts” during man-made and natural disasters. This also evaluated the recent events that captured the dreadful wrath of nature and assessed our preparations during these calamities.

(3) Good Practices in Environmental Planning. This topic discussed existing and effective practices in environmental planning and the importance of a sustainable and prudent use of nature and its resources.

(4) Going Green: Having a Green and Low-Carbon Lifestyle. In this session, some effective and sustainable ways on how to live a green or greener life and the benefits from it were discussed.

(5) Smoke-free Lifestyle for Green Living. This topic highlighted the importance of having a smoke-free lifestyle and its contributions to the battle against climate change and global warming.

(6) Best Practices in Environmental Governance and other Environmental Ordinances. It discussed the existing environmental ordinances of the Local Government Units and their best practices in the implementation of environmental laws.

(7) Green Wave: International Year of Biodiversity. It discussed this year’s celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity wherein countries from different parts of the world unite to celebrate biodiversity and strengthen the shared advocacy to protect and preserve what remains of our environment. It emphasized the importance of having a rich and well-maintained biodiversity in our country.

(8) Stewardship and the Generation G. This topic discussed that we are in the generation where the environment has become our utmost concern. It is necessary to educate the people to learn the importance of safeguarding our environment and the proper actions to take. This being so, this generation is appropriately referred by some as ‘Generation G” or ‘Generation Green”.

(9) Youth Response to Climate Change. This session highlighted the need for our youth to do something for the environment. The reflection of the youth participants concerns what she/he does to contribute change, whether big or small, that will determine their success in preserving the planet Earth.

(10) Environmental Leadership to the Next Level. This topic inspired the participants to go a notch higher insofar as our environmental leadership and action

Participants of the 8th Youth Environmental Summer (YES) Camp held at Teacher’s Village, Baguio City on April 19-24, 2010.

Page 5: ERDB Newsletter - erdb.denr.gov.ph

5

ERDB News

Vol. 4 No. 2

UPLBCFNR’s 100th Year

The Winning Team, FMB

ERDB employees and alumni of UPLBCFNR get ready for the Green Parade.

Street Dancing competition

Grand Prize Winner, Forest

Management Bureau

(FMB).

ERDB performers gracefully execute their dance number during the street dancing competition.

Page 6: ERDB Newsletter - erdb.denr.gov.ph

6

ERDB News

Vol. 4 No. 2

ERDB GADFPS conducts “Seminar on the Rights and Benefits of Women”

As part of the continuing efforts on pursuing gender advocacy and promotion in the Bureau, the

ERDB Gender and Development Focal Point System conducted a Seminar on “A Look on the Rights and Benefits of Women Under the Philippine GAD Laws” last June 4, 2010 at the ERDB Auditorium. The objectives of the said seminar are for the ERDB employees and guest participants from the DENR Region 4A to become aware on the rights and benefits of women in all aspects of life, particularly in work-related environment, as stipulated in some GAD laws like Solo-Parent Act, Magna Carta of Women, Anti-Violence Act, Anti-Sexual Harassment Act.

The activity was composed of two parts, wherein Part 1 was the conduct of the diagnostic test on gender and development. As facilitated by Ms. Romana Mauricio, the said test was done to assess the level of awareness of the ERDB employees and guest participants on the concepts and principles of GAD as well as on the recent development on laws and situation of women and men in the country. Generally, the results of the said test revealed that the level of awareness of the participants is below average. This means that majority of the ERDB participants were not as well-versed as before

or have little knowledge on GAD, its concepts and principles and other GAD related development. Hence, it is recommended that a gender sensitivity training be conducted in the next quarter.

Part II of the program was the lecture proper by the GAD Focal Point, Ms. Monette S. Santos. Ms. Santos started her presentation by giving a brief scenario on the present status of men and women that geared towards the five elements such as population, labor and employment, overseas employment politics, and governance, health, education; and violence.

Upon completion of the commitment, the DENR personnel will be given reward points and entitlement for an Eco-Family Summer Camp. Furthermore, this Order stipulates that the DENR personnel will be recognized for their Outstanding DGMP performance in their communities and will be rewarded with free trips abroad for a study visit and serve as resource persons at the DGMP.

An assessment of the performance and accomplishments of the volunteers will be done by the Green Multiplier Team (GMT). Aurora S. Jose, FERD

Dir. Amaro signs ... from page 2

Then, she discussed the basic rights of women, to wit: a) legal equality; b) ownership of property; c) quality of education; d) equal employment; e) greater political participation; f) adequate social health; and g) freedom from violence. She likewise defined the measures in protecting and promoting women’s rights and benefits under some Philippine GAD laws. Some of these laws which Ms. Santos discussed extensively are: “Solo-Parent Act or RA 8972”; “Anti- Sexual Harassment Act or RA 787”; “Anti Violence Against Women and their Children Act or RA 9262” and the new law on “Magna Carta of Women or RA 9270. Monette S. Santos, UFERD

Ms. Monette S. Santos, GAD Focal Point explaining the new development on GAD particularly the new GAD laws that strengthen the rights and benefits of women in work environment.

Participants from DENR R4A and ERDB employees answering the diagnostic test on GAD.

her children; and stalking or following the woman in her workplace, school, or any public or private place without justification; c) physical abuse such as physical injuries; frustrated parricide ( i.e. woman was shot by her husband but survived) and d) sexual violence such as causing or attempting to make her child perform sexual acts by use of force, threats or intimidation directed against the woman, her child or her immediate family; or prostituting the woman or her child. Monette S. Santos, UFERD

ERDB-GAD conducts ... from page 3

Page 7: ERDB Newsletter - erdb.denr.gov.ph

7

ERDB News

Vol. 4 No. 2

ERDB’s CARCAP team of Laguna de Bay headed by Dr. Aurora S. Jose conducted gender and

development survey interviews with household lakeshore dwellers in Zone A (Muntinlupa) and Zone B (San Pedro, Biňan, Sta. Rosa, and Cabuyao) on 07-11. Ninety-one (91) randomly selected individual respondents were interviewed.

Among the barangays, only Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa had alternative livelihood sources from slippers/shoes made of water hyacinth. However, only 13 women and two (2) men were engaged in the production. It was also observed that only few women are engaged in fish catch vending in both zones. Majority of them are housekeepers.

Of the 91 respondents, 68 are male and 23 are female. Their ages range from 23 to 79 years old with an average age of 47, which belongs to the economically productive age.

ERDB’s CARCAP Team conducts GAD survey of Laguna de Bay households

Respondents were asked regarding their access to the uses and benefits of lake resources. Ninety percent (90%) of the respondents said that the Laguna de Bay is at a declining state because of the following factors: limited areas for open fishing of small fishermen for their subsistence; areas to navigate are limited; rapid and overcrowded construction of fish pens and cages; ownership of medium and large-scale fish pens and cages are only for well-off people; heavy pollution due to waste water coming from the industries and households; eroded plastic bags and other non-biodegradable wastes from the rivers and canals to the lake; increasing population in communities near the lakeshores; and conversion of foreshore land to subdivisions and other developments (roads and industries).

Furthermore, the respondents said that the beauty of the environs of the lake is destroyed. They also mentioned that the indigenous fish such as biya, kanduli, shrimps and ayungin are already close to extinction. Majority of the fishes that were introduced are tilapia, big head and bangus.

The major problems identified in fishing activities are the use of electricity in fishing among small fishermen and destruction of fish pen and cages. Aurora S. Jose, FERD

Forester Gregorio D. Reyes, Chief of the Upland Farm Ecosystems Research Division (UFERD) retired

after 41 years of government service. The program was held at the ERDB Auditorium on April 27, 2010. A plaque of recognition was given by the ERDB to For. Reyes for his utmost dedication to public service and for his innumerable contributions to ENR research, management and collaboration. The short tribute titled “Salamin ng Tagumpay “ (Mirror of Success) recalled his humble beginnings in Taal, Bocaue, Bulacan, towards his journey to the ladder of success as a Forester, and his professional and personal achievements since he graduated from the University of the Philippines at Los Baños in 1969. ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. and Assistant Director Forester Levi Florido imparted a message of appreciation, admiration and good wishes to a friend, colleague and fellow forester from the same alma mater. The occasion was shared with the ERDB employees, retiree’s family members and relatives. The emcees of the program were Dr. Rafael Cadiz and Dr. Aleli Luna.

For. Greg Reyes, a mirror of success in government service

For. Greg Reyes receives the plaque of recognition from ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. during the program for For. Reyes’ retirement held on April 27, 2010 at the ERDB Auditorium.

“Boss Greg” or “Manong Greg”, as they call him, will always be remembered not only as a dedicated and active forester and ENR manager, but also as a health buff, sportsman and ballroom dancer. Truly, balance between work and wellness made him enjoy what he does best. Our retiree’s perseverance and passion for work made him succeed. Carmelita G. Reyes, TDD

Page 8: ERDB Newsletter - erdb.denr.gov.ph

8

ERDB News

Vol. 4 No. 2

Contributions from all employees are welcome as per guidelines set in ERDB Memo. dated Aug. 31, 2007. This Newsletter is produced quarterly in coordination with all Offices, Divisions and Units of the ERDB.

Executive Adviser : Marcial C. Amaro, Jr.

Editorial Adviser : Eliseo M. Baltazar

Managing Editor : Marla V. Cambay

Assistant Editor : Carmelita G. Reyes

Layout : Liberato A. Bacod

Proofreading/ : Flora B. PalicpicCirculation Eduardo M. Tolentino

Printing : Celso A. Luna

Photography : Gino S. Laforteza

ERDB NewsletterApril - June 2010

DENR

Vol. 4 No. 2

are concerned. There is a need to level up to the expectations of Mother Earth as the threats of climate change and global warming increase daily.

The camp courses on environmental concerns were handled by the youth desk representatives from the ERDB, FMB, EMB, MGB, PAWB, LMB, NAMRIA, and selected regional field offices (CAR, R-4B, R-10 & R-XI) of the DENR. Another activity conducted by the team of Regional/Sectoral Youth Desk Officers was the environmental games. These e-games include: (1) 101 Ways of Preserving, Protecting and Saving the Environment; (2) Environmental Charades; (3) Who Am I? (Pinoy Henyo Style); (4) Scramble; (5) Environmental Issue: Lights, Camera, Action!!! and (6) Getting To Know You “ZIP ZAP Zoom”. Lastly, the DENR team facilitated the action planning workshop of educators and students with the following objectives: (1) to discuss and identify the various environmental programs and activities of their school and (2) to prepare an environment action plan for SY 2010 to 2011. Aurora S. Jose, FERD

YES Camp ... from page 4

ERDB, FMB team up on grazing lands project

A collaborative project of ERDB and FMB entitled “Rationalization on the Disposition of Pasture and

Grazing Lands in the Philippines” was conceptualized with the main objective of determining the current status of the pasture leases and provide measures to improve the productivity and environmental soundness of pasture lands and grazing areas.

The project has five (5) main specific objectives which include the following: to determine the suitability of grazing and pasture areas to its current land use; to determine criteria and indicators for continuation and/or renewal, cancellation, and rehabilitation of pasture and grazing lease areas; to identify possible alternative land uses or tenurial instruments for cancelled leases; to determine specific measures to ensure the viability of pasture and evaluating grazing areas and pasture leases based on both Grazing Land Resources/Environment and the Performance Evaluation of the grazing leasee. This developed instrument is more objective having a point scoring system which takes into consideration the level of importance of the different biophysical and human intervention parameters affecting the grazing areas. Such scheme hopes to develop an improved basis in: (1) determining the suitability of the area for grazing purposes; and (2) deciding the cancellation and/or non-renewal of the grazing agreements of leasees who have committed violations on the terms and conditions of the agreement.

Considering the abovementioned objectives of the project and in consultation with the concerned field offices, coupled with experiences in the field, the project team made a thorough review of the old Assessment Tool and finally developed a Unified DENR Grazing Assessment Tool to be used for assessing and evaluating grazing areas and pasture leases based on both Grazing Land Resources/Environment and the Performance Evaluation of the grazing leasee. This developed instrument is more objective having a point scoring system which takes into consideration the level of importance of the different biophysical and human intervention parameters affecting the grazing areas.

Last May 27, 2010, the team conducted a meeting and presented the draft DENR Assessment Tool for pasture and grazing lands.The Assessment Tool was further reviewed and refined with recommendation on the preparation of the Manual of Procedures for this DENR Assessment Tool.

A writeshop on the Manual of Procedures for the Developed DENR Assessment Tool for Grazing Lands was then conducted at the Marcelino’s Private Pool, Miramonte Subd. Pansol, Calamba, Laguna on June 8-11, 2010. It was actively participated in by the ERDB-FMB Project team composed of Dr. Wellington Z. Rosacia (Project Leader), For. Elpidio M. Molinyawe (Co-Project Leader), Ma. Lourdes C. Wagan (Co-Project Coordinator), Dr. Aida B. Lapis, Dr. Evangeline T. Castillo, For. Florita E. Siapno, For. Juliet Tolentino, For. Eva J. Guzman, Ms. Marilou B. Avanzado and For. Marita W. Briz. During the writeshop, the Guidelines in Using the Unified DENR Assessment Tool for Pasture and Grazing Lands have been prepared. The output of this activity is a major input to the writing of the terminal project report. Marita W. Briz and Marilou Avanzado, GDAERD