CY 2007 ANNUAL REPORT

PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

SPECIAL EVENTS

a.  Secretary Atienza at the Opening of the ASOEN Meeting

DENR Secretary Jose L. Atienza visited Boracay Island, Malay Aklan to join the 18^th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Senior Officers on Environment Meeting (ASOEN) and 4^th ASEAN +3 Senior Officials Meeting on Environment conducted at the Boracay Regency Hotel on August 5-10, 2007.  The meeting was attended by the delegates of the member-countries to the ASEAN to discuss, among others, the pressing problems of global warming, and accomplishing environmental goals in the ASEAN region.              

The Honorable Secretary lauded our partners in its co-management efforts in the rehabilitation, maintenance and protection of the reforestation projects in the region. He underscored the need for private sector’s involvement in our quest for environmental management and protection. They are our best allies for they have the purest of intentions to really protect our environment.              

Secretary Atienza welcomed and congratulated all member countries of the ASEAN Region. He commended the Ministers on Environment who are considered as work forces and who shall tackle genuine concerns and shall guide their respective heads of states into one common direction. The fruit of their labor, he added, shall serve as basis of the Heads of State for crafting various programs and actions in line with environmental management and protection in the ASEAN Region.

b.   The Boracay Stakeholders’ Meeting

On August 6, 2007, the Honorable Secretary had a dialogue with the Boracay stakeholders regarding issues and concerns related to land claims and conflicts, emigration, environmental degradation and the carrying capacity of the island.  He declared a moratorium on the construction of new buildings within the island until such time that the Boracay Environmental Master Plan shall be put into proper perspective.

In the afternoon of the same day, the Secretary paid a visit at the Buswang Mangrove Reforestation Project in Kalibo, Aklan. He was briefed by former Congressman Allen Quimpo about the history of the project and the activities currently being done in the area.

c.  The Boracay Environmental Master Plan

A Regional Special Order No. 2007-263 was issued creating the Steering Committee as well as the Regional and Provincial Technical Working Groups for the preparation of the Boracay Environment Master Plan.

A meeting was held on September 3, 2007 for tasking of each sector to work on their respective areas of concern pursuant to Regional Special Order No. 2007-262 issued on August 31, 2007.  From thereon, the Regional Technical Working Groups started working for the gathering and analysis of data to be used as inputs in the crafting of the plan.

On the otherhand,  the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay, Aklan already conducted three (3) sessions to deliberate the DENR proposal regarding the moratorium on the processing and issuance of permits for any development project.  Likewise, last  September 26, 2007,  the Sangguniang Bayan conducted a meeting with the Zoning Officer, Municipal Engineer and the Mayor to come up with the possible solutions on the raised issues and concerns.

A writeshop was conducted last October 2-6, 2007 to review all secondary and primary data and to formulate the draft plan.  The conduct of ground truthing and data validation was agreed upon by the Regional Technical Working Group to end on October 28, 2007 with the report to be submitted to the chair of the RTWG.  The RCTWG decided to do the ground truthing and validation of data and did  consultations with other stakeholders as inputs for the preparation of the final draft of the plan.  The group spent the last two (2) weeks of December 2007 to have a draft of the plan.  RTD Alice Lustica led the group.

A fund support of P530,000 was released by the DENR Central Office to realize the preparation of the Boracay Environmental Master Plan.  Expectedly, the stakeholders’ meeting will be held on January 16-17, 2008 at Boracay Island.

d.  Earth Day Celebration

The DENR Regional Office spearheaded the conduct of the various activities in observance of the Earth Day Celebration.  A MOA signing with the Central Philippine University on the installation of telemetric equipment for ambient air quality monitoring was conducted last April 11, 2007. A TV interview of RED Lormelyn Caludio, RD Lipayon and RTD Arlene Dalawis was conducted on April 17, 2007 at Central Philippine University (CPU) during its Eco-Forum.  On April 23, 2007, a clean–up was done by all employees after the Monday Morning Program. Sorting of documents which were no longer needed and filing the same on the archives of the office was done. Another MOA signing was done with  the Philippine Coast Guard, MARINA, Philippine Ports Authority and Shipping Industries on the proper water quality and solid waste management on April 30, 2007.

e.   Commemoration of the International Day for Biodiversity and Month of the Ocean Celebration

In celebration of the International Day for Biodiversity on May 22, 2007 with the theme: “Biodiversity and Climate Change” and the Month of the Ocean with the theme: “Saving Ocean Saves Life”, the Region conducted various activities to promote awareness among the observing public.

The Region through the PAWCZMS conducted a lecture and film showing to the local residents of Brgy. Igang, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras last May 22, 2007 in commemoration of the Ocean Month Celebration. The activity was participated by 131 participants where a community interaction was conducted later. 

The DENR in the province of Capiz jointly observed the said event through a Lecture-Forum and Community Interaction (“Pulong-Pulong”) at Brgy. Balaring, Ivisan, Capiz.  Topics presented include the importance, protection and conservation of our natural resources, protection and conservation of the biodiversity on both upland and coastal areas in preparation for the climate change, and the laws, rules and regulations on foreshore activities.  After the lecture, an open forum followed.  Questions raised by the residents were answered by all the concerned DENR personnel.  A total of 47 participants (17 males; 30 females) joined in the said activity.  In the afternoon of the same day, the DENR personnel participated in the trekking along the mangrove stands of  Brgy. Balaring,  Ivisan,  Capiz.  The activity afforded the participants the appreciation of the valuable resources that the coastal areas can offer.  

In the province of Negros Occidental, CENRO Bacolod City conducted an eco-tour in the Province of Guimaras last May 17, 2007, the objective of which was to observe the efforts undertaken by the government especially the DENR in rehabilitating the oil-spill affected foreshore and mangrove areas.  Another place visited was the Lombija Farm and Wildlife Sanctuary at Napandong, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.  CENRO Sipalay on the other hand, conducted a planting activity along the shoreline of Brgy.1, Sipalay City on May 22, 2007. A total of 1,500 seedlings of Balok-Balok was planted during the day.  On the next day,  the DENR personnel conducted a clean-up drive within the office premises.  The Office in Cadiz City conducted an IEC campaign at Brgy. II –A last May 25, 2007.  They lectured on the topics global warming,  biodiversity and climate change.  A total of 67 coastal residents joined in this activity.     

In the province of Iloilo, the celebration was observed through a program conducted at Brgy. Punta Carles, Iloilo.  The celebration was conducted in Carles, Iloilo as this one of the municipalities where the mangrove protection activity is being conducted.

Meanwhile, the PENRO Guimaras staff joined in the Ocean Month Celebration held inside the protected area in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. The office also participated in the parade during the Manggahan Celebration of the said province,  an eco-tourism activity promoting the mango production and business industry of Guimaras.

f.  Environment Month Celebration

The Region commemorated this year’s Environment Month with the theme “Beat the Heat. Let Us Work Towards a Safer Climate.”  The region office started the celebration with the kick-off activity coined as “Coastal Environmental Cruise” last June 5, 2007.  The activity started from Parola, Iloilo City to the shoreline of Punta Villa, Arevalo, Iloilo City. This was participated by all DENR personnel employed in all Iloilo City-based offices, other national government agencies, local government units, academic institutions, private sectors and media outlets and practitioners among others. From Punta Villa where the cruise ended, the participants proceeded to school ground of John B. Lacson Maritime University where the launching program of the month-long celebration was conducted. The program was graced by heads of the different agencies where they gave their messages of support to the DENR in its quest for a healthier and safer environment. On June 8^th, a spelunking activity was conducted at Bulabog Puti-an National Park in Dingle, Iloilo. Exhibits showcasing the different DENR programs and projects was displayed at Philippine Ports Authority Lobby and at Gaisano City Mall on June 11-16, 2007.  A Technology Forum on Mangrove Management was conducted at Panay Power Corporation on June 13^th.  The DENR Family Day was conducted at the Regional Office on June 15^th.  The Office through the ERDS conducted a Training on Eco-Park Development and Vermicomposting at Brgy. Alegre, Oton, Iloilo on June 16^th.  A Seminar-Workshop on Standard Protocols for the Establishment of Pilot Demonstration for Mined-Out Areas in Region 6 was conducted on June 19^th,  Baklay Bukid sa Maasin Watershed on June 22-24,  Grand Do Day by the DENR personnel at the Barotac Eco-Technology Center in Barotac Nuevo on June 28^th, Patukad (mountaineering) at Bulabg Putian National Park on June 27-28, and the Waste Market Fair at SM City Mall on June 30^th.  The Field Offices also conducted several activities in line with the aforesaid celebration.

g.    Conduct of Grand Do Day at the Regional Eco-Technology

       Center in Barotac Nuevo

A Grand Do Day at the Regional Eco-Technology Center in Barotac Nuevo was conducted on June 28, 2007. This activity was participated by the DENR personnel of the Regional Office, PENRO Iloilo and CENRO Barotac Nuevo. Almost all personnel donated plants for the center.  Those who participated took time to do the remaining unfinished tasks for their respective areas of assignment.  The center is expected to open for public viewing after all the technologies have been put in place and appropriate mechanism has been established on how the center should be operationalized.   The establishment of the Regional Eco-Technology Center is one of the projects entrusted to the Regional GAD Focal Point for management supervision

h.  DENR Employees Holds DEMCO General Assembly and Employees

     Union Day

Two hundred seventy-five (275) DENR employees joined in the 10^th DEMCO General Assembly on April 20, 2007 at Punta Villa, Arevalo, Iloilo City. That assembly served as a venue for the members to be updated on the different projects of the DEMCO and at the same time to lay down its financial status as of to date.  A new set of officers was also elected during that activity.

The employees of DENR-6 conducted its Union Day last November 29, 2007 at the Regional Office Compound, Iloilo City. The day’s activity kicked off with a Eucharistic Celebration in the morning attended by the employees. There was also a free medical laboratory services (ECG, FBS), medical and dental consultations, and reflexo-foot therapy for the employees.  Lectures related to unionism, rights and benefits of the employees and the DENR Union Updates were presented by the Union President Lucia Jardenico.

i.  Tree Planting at Maasin Watershed

A massive tree planting was conducted at Brgy. Daja, Maasin, Iloilo, one of the barangays covered by the Maasin Watershed as a tribute to the birthday of the Honorable Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr. on August 10, 2007. This activity was participated by DENR personnel in the regional office and the PENRO and CENROs of Iloilo Province as well as the people’s organization within the said protected area. The activity kicked off with a motorcade which commenced from Jaro Plaza, Iloilo City at 6:00 AM and ended in the aforesaid venue followed by a short program led by Regional Executive Director Lormelyn E. Claudio.

j.   Observance of the International Coastal Clean-Up Month

The DENR in Region 6 celebrated the National Clean-Up Month with the theme: “Buhayin at Ipaglaban ! Malinis na Katubigan ng Bayan” through a coastal clean-up activity conducted on September 15, 2007 along the following areas: Muelle Loney passing through Forbes Bridge, La Paz Gaisano City area, Port passing through Parola and Aduana Streets and Punta Villa Arevalo. The coastal clean-up activity was participated by personnel from other government and private agencies and students from different high schools, colleges and universities within Iloilo City.  The office also participated the Maritime Week Celebration and joined in the bowling tournament,  exhibit, and coastal clean-up activities.

In the province of Capiz, a clean-up activity was conducted at Brgys. Baybay, and Culasi, Roxas City.  This event was participated by personnel from Petron, Filipinas Shell,  Rotary Club of Roxas City, Capiz Cycling Club, Save Olotayan Foundation,  Philippine National Police, Philippine Coastguard, Capiz Bowling Club, ROTC Cadets and Cadettes of Capiz State University, Marine Engineering students of Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion,  volunteers of National red Cross-Capiz Chapter, City Government represented by Mayor Vicente Bermejo and his staff, Barangay Councils of Baybay and Culasi and also the residents of the aforesaid barangays. There were 534 volunteers who actively participated in this activity. 

In the province of Iloilo, CENRO Sara personnel conducted a coastal clean-up along the coastal areas of Brgys. Embarcadero, Banban, Alinsolong, and Binon-an, Batad, Iloilo.  This activity was conducted in collaboration with Batad-LGU headed by Honorable Mayor Elvira Alarcon, Vice Mayor Harnie Esteval, and the SB members of the said municipality.  

In the province of Antique, the DENR CENRO San Jose likewise conducted a coastal clean-up along the coastal barangays of Salvacion, Poblacion, Boroc-boroc, Ipil, Delima and Maradiona of the municipality of Belison.  This event was conducted in collaboration with the local government unit of Belison, Antique.

k. Holding of 107th Land Management Bureau Day 

A Medical Mission was conducted last September 22, 2007 at the Regional LMS Office  for all DENR personnel and their beneficiaries in celebration of the 107^th Land Management Bureau Day.

l.  “Piyesta Sa Kakahuyan”

The DENR personnel participated in the 8^th Piyesta sa Kakahuyan Celebration, a provincial government initiated activity on September 29, 2007 held along the mangrove areas of Brgy. Pedada, Ajuy, Iloilo.  This year’s theme is: Katunggan Amligan Para sa Kinabukasan”.  Lectures on the importance of mangroves in the protection of our coastal zone were conducted.

m. DENR 6 Joins 18^TH National Statistics Month

In observance of the 18^th National Statistics Month, the agency conducted various activities in coordination with other agencies.  On October 1^st,  a regional and sectoral statistical exhibit was displayed at the office compound for the information of the employees and office clientele.  On October 5^th,  the regional office conducted the Regional ENR Statistical Quiz Contest.  Nine (9) representatives from other sectors and field offices joined in the said contest. Regional Executive Director Lormelyn E. Claudio graced the said contest by challenging the participants in her inspirational message.  The top three winners were Forester Gregoria D. Alenaje of FMS,  Ronald Limua of EMB and Renee Mesada of PENRO Capiz;  1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd placers respectively.

In coordination with the National Statistical Coordination Board and other participating agencies, the DENR also joined the opening program held at the Central Philippine University, Jaro, Iloilo City on October 8, 2007. 

On October 15, 2007,  the agency also participated in the 18^th NMS interagency Statistical Exhibit at Robinsons Plaza, Iloilo City. It was participated by 28 agencies coming from other national government agencies, academe and LGUs.  The closing ceremonies of the month-long celebration was held at Four Seasons Hotel, Iloilo City on October 26, 2007. 

The National Statistics Month Celebration in DENR Region 6 was spearheaded by the Planning and Management Division.

n.   Regional Management Conferences

The DENR Region 6 management conducted the Regional Management Conference last July 26-27, 2007 at Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City. The management conference was headed by Regional Executive Director Lormelyn E. Claudio, the Regional Technical Directors and PENROs/CENROs of the region.  Matters discussed during the conference were the following : latest ENR programs and instructions from the Central Office presented by RED Claudio, status of accomplishments as of June 2007 with corresponding justifications on activities not accomplished as scheduled presented by the RTDs/PENROs/CENROs, and presentation of the initiatives and innovations. Corresponding strategies were laid out and commitment plans were prepared on how to undertake the region’s backlogs and the remaining activities for the second semester.  A strategic planning workshop was also conducted for the implementation of the Green Philippines Program in the region.                      

A year-end Regional Management Conference (RMC) was conducted last December 3-4, 2007 at Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City. The RMC served as venue to assess the performance of the region in terms of its accomplishments vis-à-vis the targeted activities and the significance of these accomplishments to the lives of the beneficiaries. The conference was headed by Regional Executive Director Lormelyn E. Claudio. She gave updates on the latest development related to DENR operations and the thrusts that each sector will be doing next year. She commended the efforts of the officials who headed the implementation of special projects such as the Green Philippines Program (GPP), Rationalization Program, Boracay Environmental Master Plan and Devolution of Functions to LGUs.  During the conference, strategies were also laid down by the PENROs/CENROs and Division Chiefs on how to accomplish the remaining targets before the year ends.

The Land Management Service conducted the LMS DENR-CARP Conference and Mid-year assessment on July 25, 2007 at Centennial Resort and Convention Center, Jaro, Iloilo City. This was attended by Division Chiefs of LMS, PENR and CENR Officers, LMS Specialists and Planning Officers of the region field offices.  All matters regarding CARP activities were thoroughly discussed, evaluated and given solutions. Action plans and commitments were made to fast track the completion of targets.

G.   INITIATIVES AND INNOVATIONS

      a. Forging of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) 

The DENR in Region 6 forged a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Provincial Government of Antique for the latter to extend financial assistance in the implementation of the following activities in the province:  P50,000 for strengthening the Barangay Bantay Gubat; P125,000 for the support to natural parks and P50,000 for agroforestry development.

Two (2) Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) were forged by the DENR with partner agencies in connection with the roadside tree planting in the province of Negros Occicental. The first agreement was entered with the Aboitiz Shipping Company and the municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto, Re: Adopt a Roadside Tree Planting  along the trans link eco-highway at Brgy. Bunga on July 19, 2007. The other pact was entered on August 6, 2007 with the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), Lion’s Club Officers, Negros Occidental Chapter, LGU-Brgy.  Hagimit, La Carlota City, 11^th Infantry Battalion (Lapu-lapu Camp), DPWH and La Carlota City Water District.

Showcasing DENR’s strategies in partnering with agencies in the protection of the environment, the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was forged between DENR Secretary Jose “Lito” Atienza, Jr.,  Provincial Director Benigno Durana in the planting, maintenance and protection of the 2.008 hectares of forestland in Barangay Naba-oy, Malay, Aklan.  Another MOA was also signed between the DENR Secretary and Mr. Armando Davila, President of the Island Green Foundation, Inc. in the rehabilitation of the forestland area in Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.

b. Opening of New Monitoring Station at BREDCO and Creation of ALEOSAN Field Office of CENRO Iloilo City

To further enhance its capability to deter illegal transport of forest products and wildlife, CENRO Bacolod City opened its monitoring station at Bacolod Real Estate Development Corporation (BREDCO) RORO Port located in the reclamation area of Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.  The station will serve as the clearing office of all transported forest products and wildlife resources passing through the PGMAs Nautical Highway.  Four (4) regular personnel will alternately man the office to monitor the transport of forest products and wildlife. The said monitoring station was inaugurated on October 19, 2007 and graced by Regional Executive Director Lormelyn E. Claudio.  During the occasion, two Memoranda of Agreement were signed. One (1) was between the BREDCO and the DENR and another between the DENR and BRGY. 13 to utilize its area for nursery purposes. 

To reach more people located in far flung areas the ALEOSAN Field Office under CENRO Iloilo City was also created which will cater to clients in the municipalities of Leon, Alimodian and San Miguel.

c.  Basic Para Legal Trainings

As a continuing effort to bring DENR programs and projects closer to the citizens as well as to familiarize them on the provisions of environmental protection and conservation aspects of ENR activities four (4) Basic Paralegal Trainings were conducted in Kabankalan and Himamaylan and participated by Bantay-Gubat members of Ilog-Hilabangan Watershed Forest Reserve, coastal communities and people’s organizations.

d. Preparation of Various Plans for Bulabog Puti-an National Park

1.  Proposal on Eco-tourism Services

In Bulabog Puti-an National Park (BPNP), PENRO-Iloilo, in cooperation with Brgy. Moroboro Rural Improvement Club (BMRIC) submitted a proposal on Eco-tourism Services to the Department of Tourism under the Grassroots Entrepreneurs Eco-Tourism (GREET). The proposal aims to improve the protected area’s visitors management, solid waste management, revenue generation through the collection of entrance fees and user’s fees for the protected area facilities, and involvement of the local communities on the protection activities.

2.   Livelihood Training Program

 The Bulabog Putian Natural Park Office also conducted the ground working and finalization of the plan for the proposed continuation of Livelihood Training Program together with the Central Philippine University (CPU) Outreach Program Coordinators. This plan shall be presented to the LGU to provide support to indigent communities who are target beneficiaries preferably to those who are directly dependent to the protected area for their livelihood. The final consideration of the program shall be the organization of Bantay Kalikasan Groups and establishment of school centers as venue for the training activities to ensure management and protection of the BPNP.

3.  User’s Fee for BPNP

The Bulabog Putian Natural Park (BPNP) also initiated the collection of entrance fees and issuance of visitors’ permit through the PENR Office with the issuance of corresponding receipts following the procedures and guidelines on the establishment and management of the Integrated Protected Area System pursuant to DAO 96-22 and DAO 47, Series of 1992 for the revised rates of entrance fees of the protected area. Other activities conducted for the period are the following:  production of ornamental plants and endemic tree species for the landscaping of Botanical and Butterfly Gardens within the protected area.

c.  Linkages and Networking

Strengthening existing linkages and establishing new ones will be a continuing mandate of the ERDS. This reaches out to stakeholders for their technology needs, to be updated with the R & D developments and agenda at the national, regional, and even in the international  levels and to continuously link with other research institutions for resource complementation and support.

1.  WESVARDDEC and PCAMRRD

The continued membership of the ERDS-DENR in the two working groups the Western Visayas Agricultural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) and the Philippine Council on Marine Resources Research and Development (CAMRRD) was a major activity under linkages. The ERDS starting next year will also represent the ERDB in the WESVARRDEC due to the temporary suspension of its membership to all regional consortia. OIC-RTD for Research, Dr. Alicia L. Lustica was also designated by the Regional Executive Director as the DENR Representative to the Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council of the WESVARRDEC.

2.  Balay Kabuhi Development Center and the Barangay Council of Cabilauan, New Lucena

The DENR through ERDS established linkage with Balay Kabuhi Development Center, Inc. in New Lucena, Iloilo and the Barangay Council of Cabilauan, Iloilo. The ERDS staff also assisted in the conceptualization of Eko-Turismo sa Barangay.  Hands-on Training on Bamboo Rehabilitation, Deformation Technologies, Botanical Garden and Tarog Enhancement for Cabilauan, New Lucena was conducted  on March 17, 2007 at the Barangay Hall of Cabilauan, New Lucena, Iloilo.

3.  Local Government Unit of Banga,  Aklan thru the Office of the Municipal Agricultural Officer

The office continues to build its linkage with  Banga, Aklan through the conduct of trainings on Vermicomposting in Barangays Tabayon and Daguitan, Banga, Aklan since the second quarter.

4.  Young Women Christian Association –Iloilo Chapter

The ERDS technical services and partnership were tapped by the YWCA for the development of their proposed Ecological Park in Oton, Iloilo. 

f.   Regional Eco-Technology Center

A meeting on the updates of the Regional Eco-Technology Center was conducted on September 28, 2007 at the Office of the Ecosystems Research and Development Service (ERDS), Iloilo City. The meeting was presided by RTD Alicia L. Lustica, designated Office-In-Charge, Office of the Regional Executive Director. Each sector/office presented their accomplishments and plan of activities for the center.  It was emphasized that this meeting is timely to evaluate what has been done for the eco-technology center this year. The presiding chair underscored the need for each sector to dedicate its effort in accomplishing their tasks as what we are doing is a replica of what we actually campaign for the people to adopt.  In closing, RTD Alicia L. Lustica, extended her appreciation to everyone for the support they extended for the establishment of the eco-technology center. She challenged all the sectors to really try to finish the tasks assigned to their respective offices to finally launch the project for demonstration to the public.

g.  Dialogue with the GSIS Management

The office initiated the conduct of a dialogue with the GSIS Iloilo Branch staff regarding the reconciliation/submission of actual premium contributions to GSIS from Fiscal Years 1997-2005.  The realization of this effort will finally reconcile the employees’ records with that of the GSIS.  Moreover, this endeavor will further encourage those who are qualified to separate/retire from the service to grab the opportunity offered under the Rationalization Program. 

The Region also created a team to attend to GSIS premium arrears reconciliation. So far, one (1) of the eight(8) years to be reconciled was already submitted. This is to facilitate the smooth retirements/separation of personnel in the implementation of the RAT Plan.      

h. Institutionalization of Reforms in the DEMCO

The DENR Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (DEMCO) new set of officers institutionalized some reforms in the cooperative specifically on financial records management, and separation of operational accounts specifically on catering, loans, rice loans and canteen loans.  They also introduced and implemented the availment of consolidated/restructured loan package which has a lower interest rate for a span of three (3) years to maximize collection efforts, increased the number of loan beneficiaries, updated the cooperator’s passbook and instituted rational procedures on the availment of loans.

i. Availment of Fund Assistance for the Repair of the Regional Training Center at Jawili, Tangalan, Aklan. 

The region was able to avail financial assistance in the amount of P620,000 from the office of the Secretary for the repair of damaged multi-purpose hall and cottages due to typhoons that visited the area in the latter part of CY 2006.  Expectedly, the center will accommodate more trainings and conferences this coming CY 2008.

j. Inauguration and Blessing of New CENRO, Bacolod City Office

The inauguration and blessing of the new CENRO Bacolod City Office was held last January 19, 2007. There was a mass at 3:00 p.m., after which a short program was conducted. Highlights of the program included the blessing and ceremonial ribbon cutting, presentation regarding the history on how the office was acquired free of charge and the awarding of Certificate of Appreciation to the person who helped in the free acquisition of the CENRO Bacolod City Office.

k. DA-DAR-DENR Convergence Initiative Towards Rural Development

The Regional Convergence Technical Working Group of the DA-DAR-DENR Convergence Initiative Towards Rural Development conducted a series of planning sessions in the pilot municipalities of Dingle, Iloilo; Dumarao, Capiz; and Libacao, Aklan on April 24-26, 2007. The planning sessions were conducted to finalize the Municipal Agribusiness Investment Plan in the identified pilot areas. The LGUs and the three (3) agencies consolidated the programs/projects for implemention for CY 2007 and the corresponding budgetary allocation to realize the said projects and activities.

H.   POLICY REFORMS

a. Assessment of the ENR Management Devolved  Functions to LGUs

The Regional Office through ERDS in partnership with the Planning and Management Division spearheaded the conduct of the assessment of the ENR management devolved functions to the LGUs using a questionnaire prepared by the Central Office.  Data tabulation using EXCEL was already completed and data are now being transposed into Statistical Packaging for Social Sciences (SPSS) for analysis. Initial result of the assessment revealed that among the eight (8) devolved functions, majority of the municipalities implemented the following : RA 9003,  regulation of fishing in municipal waters,  small scale mining, green belt, tree parks and PA establishment,  ISF and communal forest and watershed.  In terms of nuisance pollution, the municipalities passed a local ordinance limiting the operation of videoke bars; while for smoke belching, most of the municipalities passed a local ordinance banning smoking in public offices and places. 

b. Planning and Management Division Conducted Validation of Accomplishments

The Planning and Management Division of the Regional Office conducted a validation of reported accomplishments of the field offices last October 15-27, 2007. All the reported accomplishments of the PENROs and CENROs regionwide were validated and the supporting documents were gathered to make sure that they are in conformity with the prescribed standards and in accordance with the approved work and financial plans. Feedbacking was undertaken after the validation of activities in each office for them to be aware as to how they fare in the implementation of their accomplishments for the year.  Corresponding recommendations were provided to the PENROs and CENROs for their consideration and possible inclusion in their reports and other supporting documents before the year ends.      

c.   Updates on the Rationalization Efforts

    1.    Rationalization Plan and Competency-Based System Integration

Subsequently, on October 9 to 11, 2007, a workshop on the Competency-Based Selection and Placement System was once again conducted at Camelot Hotel, Quezon City where  techniques on how to determine or gauge competencies were discussed.

A re-echo of the CBS Workshop was conducted on October 23, 2007 for the regional office-based Support Services personnel at the Amigo Terrace Hotel, Iloilo City pursuant to Special Order No. 2007-700 issued last October 11, 2007 by USEC Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering. The participants to the said workshop were later tapped as members of the assessor’s panel.  On October 24 to 25, 2007, another re-echo was held for the field offices in the same venue. On October 30, 2007, the field offices conducted their respective assessments. Meanwhile, the regional office-based personnel were subjected to same on October 31, 2007.

To conclude, the Region has successfully implemented the different priority programs, projects and activities and instituted policy reforms to make sure that the planned activities have been fully completed.  Thus, the Region takes its hat off to those officials and personnel who  really worked hard,  who volunteered and  took extra miles, and who instituted out of the box solutions just to make sure that every commitment  was fulfilled, every resource was properly used,  time was efficiently spent  and  corresponding duties and responsibilities were delivered fully without any reservation.

Back to Table of Contents

______________________________________________

HOME

___________________________________________

Email : [email protected]

Updated : May 14, 2008