Press Releases

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources XIII, XI, and X have strengthened their partnership to protect the forests within the boundaries of the three regions in a meeting hosted by the DENR Caraga on March 18, 2024, at Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City.

Dubbed the Inter-Regional Forest Protection Meeting, the event was participated by DENR top officials in Mindanao headed by Assistant Secretary for Field Operations- Eastern Mindanao, Ruth M. Tawantawan; the Regional Executive Directors (REDs) and Assistant Regional Directors (ARDs) for Technical Services of the three regions; concerned PENROs, CENROs, and their forest protection and law enforcement officers who demonstrated their unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.

Asec. Tawantawan in her message, emphasized the instruction of the DENR Secretary, Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, to "use the power of collaboration in daily endeavors.”

Meanwhile, the DENR Caraga Regional Executive Director (RED), Nonito M. Tamayo stressed the importance of the partnership between the three regions in protecting the forest within the tri-boundary. “We aim to harmonize our campaign, as it is crucial in maximizing human and financial resources to address the situation effectively,” he said.

"The existence of this tri-boundary meeting itself is a testament to our resolve that we can do better in curbing illegal logging when we stand united," Tamayo added.

Highlighting the event was the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DENR Region XIII, XI, and X, for the “Reconstitution of the Inter-Regional Task Force, its Technical Working Group and Committees.”

Signing the MOA were Director Ruel N. Sorilla, ELEPS and Ground Commander, Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach in Concurrent Capacity; RED Nonito M. Tamayo of DENR-XIII, RED Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan of DENR-XI, RED Henry A. Adornado of DENR-X, ARDs Maritess M. Ocampo and Victor T. Billones, of DENR-XIII and XI, respectively.

The MOA intends to strengthen the Anti-Illegal Logging Tri-Boundary efforts in Region XIII, XI, and X being the Timber Corridor of the Philippines.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga led by the Chairperson of Regional Gender and Development (GAD) Executive Committee, Nonito M. Tamayo, initiated KALANDRAKAS activities in celebration of the National Women’s Month for CY 2024 on March 15 at DENR Caraga Region’s Covered Court, Ambago, Butuan City.

The KALANDRAKAS activities aim to honor the achievements of women in the DENR Caraga, recognize their potential, and empower them to aspire to a more inclusive and equitable society in celebration of the 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) with a theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!”, which echoes the target outcomes of Chapter 15 in the Updated Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Plan 2019-2025 towards transforming gender norms and culture.

The one-day-long event includes various complimentary activities for all the DENR employees in the region. A Health and Wellness Consultation was conducted to monitor the Blood Pressure, Uric Acid, and Cholesterol of the interested personnel. A Zumba and One Billion Rising Advocacy Dance was also organized wherein some staff eagerly participated. A series of discussions and free consultations were also served, which included Cancer Awareness shared by Ms. Romelyn Esther T. Santos, Nurse V from the Department of Health-Caraga Region, and the Anti Bastos Law by Atty. Dahlia L. Bernal, the Chairperson of the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI). Other complimentary services include haircuts, nail care, body and facial massage, snacks and raffle draws for all the employees.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)- Caraga personnel headed by its Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System chairperson, Chief Administrative Officer Elsalyn J. Evangelio, participated in the 2024 Women’s Summit in celebration of International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month on March 8, 2024 at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City. 

The 2024 International Day for Women has “Inspire Inclusion” as a theme, which seeks to encourage others to understand and value the inclusion of women to forge a better world and to inspire women themselves when they are included, which creates a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. 

The 2024 Philippine National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) was grounded on the objective of transforming culture toward a more equal and inclusive future, bearing the sub-theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!” It echoes the target outcomes of Chapter 15 in the Updated Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Plan 2019-2025 towards transforming gender norms and culture. 

Agusan del Norte Governor Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, in her message delivered by Provincial Administrator Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, emphasized the importance of amplifying equal opportunities for women in taking part to shine in their aspirations. 

She also inspired all women to have the courage to pursue their respective visions, as she believes all women are limitless. She further expressed her insight that every day is a commitment to how we can let every woman live with dignity, freedom, and purpose.

The celebration highlighted the recognition of some successful women in the Caraga region. There were also other inspirational messages on women's empowerment and gender equality delivered by some advocates of GAD in the region. 

Moreover, the participants enjoyed the services offered through the government services booths installed within the venue such as the Family Wellness Clinic of the Commission on Population and Development, Medical Services Booth of the Department of Health, Beauty Care and Massage Services of the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Loyalty Plus Card Booth of PAG-IBIG, PhilSys Registration and CRVS Booth of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Advocacy Booth of the RIACAT-VAWC, Services booths of the Department of Science and Technology, PhilSci, Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and other government agencies services. There was also the Ukay-ukay and Trade Fair and raffle draws for the participants. 

The women’s summit has been a yearly activity of the Caraga Regional GAD Committee (RGADC)designed to inspire and encourage women to celebrate and embrace their relevance in society. ##

DENR Caraga, in partnership with the Municipal LGU of Buenavista and Barangay LGU of Sacol, conducted a clean-up drive along the coastal areas of Brgy. Sacol, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on March 1, 2024, in celebration of the World Seagrass Day.

A total of 70 volunteers (34 males and 36 females) comprising the officials and residents from BLGU-Sacol and MLGU-Buenavista, together with personnel from the DENR Caraga Regional Office, PENR Office of Agusan del Norte, and CENR Office of Nasipit, participated in the activity.

The participants gathered 20 sacks of residual and hazardous wastes weighing about 159.3 kilograms from the 100-meter-long coastline, which was collected by the municipal garbage truck of Buenavista after the event for proper disposal. The residents who participated in the activity were given advocacy items including foldable fans, mugs, pouches, and eco-bags.

Based on the seagrass assessment of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) last April 12, 2023, four (4) species of seagrasses within the marine waters of Buenavista were noted, which include Cymodocea rotundata, Halodule pinifolia, Siringodium isoetifolium, and Thalassia hemprichii. There have also been sightings of marine turtle nesting sites within Barangay Sacol, making it a critical area to raise awareness of the importance of seagrasses and marine turtles.

As part of the program, CDO II Maria Catherine G. Yu briefly discussed the importance of the National Women’s Month celebration as activities are being undertaken nationwide, simultaneous to the celebration of World Seagrass Day. Ms. Yu emphasized to the participants the important role women play in society. She also highlighted that the recurring theme of the celebration for 2023-2028 is “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society” while its sub-theme for 2024 is “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!”

#EnvironmentForLife

#WorldSeagrassDay2024

The DENR-Caraga along with the DENR PENRO Agusan del Norte, CENRO Nasipit and various National Government Agencies, the Local Government of Agusan del Norte, the Caraga State University, and Non-Government Organizations and other groups, joins the kick-off Motorcade and Opening Program for the 2024 Women’s Month Celebration under the theme “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!” on March 1, 2024.

The motorcade started at Guingona Park and headed to the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Caraga in Tiniwisan, Butuan City where the opening program was held.

Spearheading the event was the Commission of Population and Development (CPD)-13 under the leadership of Director Alexander A. Makinano, the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) Chairperson.

Gracing the activity as the guest speaker was CPD’s Executive Director Lisa Grace S. Bersales who congratulated the RGADC for coming up with the event that celebrates women’s achievements and gives them opportunities to air and address other issues that most women are facing in pursuit of gender equality in the Philippine society through sharing of experiences.

#WEcanbeEquALL

#NWM2024