The DENR Caraga, Local Government Unit of Carmen in Surigao del Sur, and Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation (MMDC) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on February 21, 2024, for the implementation of the Agroforestry and Reforestation Project through the LGU Carmen, Surigao del Sur Carmen Sustainable Agroforestry and Agro-Industrial Development Program (LGU Carmen CaSAAD) for which the MMDC allocated a budget of Php 2,038,795.00.

Signing for DENR Caraga was Regional Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo while Hon. Mayor Jane V. Plaza and General Mine Operations Head Engineer Eduardo M. Francisco signed on behalf of the LGU-Carmen, Surigao del Sur, and the MMDC, respectively.

MMDC is a mining company operating within Surigao del Sur, with its office located at Sitio Ban-ban, Brgy. Panikian, Carrascal.

The Agreement covers activities from Survey, Mapping, and Planning (SMP), seedling production, area development and maintenance, and protection of grafted fruit trees and indigenous tree species within the 50-hectare area to be identified for the project within the municipality of Carmen.

The project shall cover a maximum of 55,550 seedlings with a minimum planting distance of 3 meters by 3 meters and a survival rate of at least 85%. Every fruit tree to be planted will be equivalent to 3 seedlings credited to MMDC-STCEP compliance.

Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Forester Maritess M. Ocampo, Cantilan OIC-CENRO Gay P. Resullar, and Carmen Sangguniang Bayan member Hon. Rencio P. Valerio witnessed the MOA signing between the three (3) parties.

The MOA outlined the duties and responsibilities of the involved parties. The DENR shall: Conduct Survey, Mapping, and Planning and come up with a GIS map; Conduct periodic assessment/validation of accomplishment of LGU-Carmen CaSAAD and/or on the submitted report as support to LGU’s progress billing; Provide technical advice and assistance to LGU-Carmen CaSAAD and/or the Co-operators at all stages in the implementation of the Agreement and in all forms of the Project’s activities; Participate in the conduct of periodic monitoring and assessment of the Project implementation based on the approved WFP.

The LGU-Carmen CaSAAD shall: Select agro-forestry co-operator/s who are also the project beneficiaries, from Brgys. Cancavan, Esperanza, Hinapuyan, San Vicente, Poblacion and Puyat; Distribute high-quality fruit tree seedlings as detailed in the WFP; Be the lead implementor of the CaSAAD agro-forestry and reforestation project from seedling production, area development up to the three-year maintenance and protection and is jointly responsible with the Co-operator/s until the completion of the project; Spearhead the distribution/release of budget allocated by the MMDC for the selected Co-operator/s; Ensure that the selected Co-operator/s will be responsible for the area development, hauling and actual planting of seedlings, which shall be in accord with the approved WFP and the Planting Plan; Submit a duly authenticated progress or accomplishment reports to MMDC and shall ensure that the selected Co-operator/s timely accomplish the activities within the timelines as specified in the WFP for which authentication shall be made by the designated LGU-Carmen CaSAAD representative; Create a Technical Working Group (TWG) with the Municipal Environmental and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) as the Chair with representatives from DENR, LGU Carmen CaSAAD, and MMDC as members; The TWG will validate the accomplishment for each release and will submit a report which will be the basis for the next financial release; and Designate a Project Manager to oversee and ensure the smooth and orderly implementation of the Project in close coordination with MMDC.

Meanwhile, the MMDC shall: Allocate an amount to fund the planting of some Fifty-five Thousand Five Hundred Fifty (55,550.00) seedlings for the agro-forestry and reforestation project through a progress billing per the approved WFP; Assign technical personnel as members of the TWG that could recommend an appropriate method for the project implementation; Cover the expenses including the per diem of the DENR technical personnel involved during the conduct of periodic monitoring and assessment of the project implementation, chargeable against the allocated 10% Project Monitoring and Supervision Fund; and Allocate a budget for the DENR personnel in the conduct of Survey, Mapping, and Planning (SMP) based on Technical Bulletin No.1-B.

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Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Press Releases

Published: 22 February 2024

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Caraga Regional Executive Director (RED) Nonito M. Tamayo warmly welcomed Chief Administrative Officer Forester Adelfo R. Luengas Jr., as the newly designated In-charge of the (DENR) PENRO Surigao del Sur as OIC-PENR Officer Victor B. Sabornido retires from government service in a simple ceremony held on January 26, 2024 in Tandag City.

RED Tamayo officiated the turnover between the two officers in the presence of Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Technical Services Maritess M. Ocampo, officials, staff and personnel of PENRO Surigao del Sur.

In his acceptance speech, OIC-PENRO Luengas expressed his willingness and enthusiasm to embrace the challenges that come with being in charge of the PENR Officer's office in the province. "With a willing and enthusiastic heart, I do humbly accept the challenge of being designated as In-Charge of the Office of the PENR Officer of this Province," said Luengas.

Outgoing PENRO Sabornido took the opportunity to acknowledge and commend the personnel and staff of PENRO Tandag for their remarkable effectiveness, unwavering dedication, and exceptional performance in delivering Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Services. He also pledged to continue his service to the ENR even after his retirement.

In his message, RED Tamayo applauded the outstanding work performance of outgoing PENRO Sabornido and offered valuable advice to the incoming PENRO Luengas. RED Tamayo likewise encouraged Luengas to design initiatives that align with Tandag City and the province of Surigao del Sur’s local development goals that are in line with DENR's mission.

Outgoing PENRO Sabornido retired from service after serving two years as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of PENRO Surigao del Sur, and an impressive 41 years of dedicated service in DENR.

According to Regional Special Order No. 44, Series of 2024, issued by the Regional Executive Director, PENRO Adelfo R. Luengas Jr. will now officially assume his duties in the province, continuing the legacy of environmental stewardship in the region.

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Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Press Releases

Published: 01 February 2024

The DENR-13 Regional Executive Director (RED) Nonito M. Tamayo challenged the 213 newly registered foresters who took their oath on December 18, 2023, at Big Daddy’s Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City, during the First Caraga Mass Oath-Taking Ceremony of the New Foresters organized by the PRC Caraga in coordination with the Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc. (SFFI) Caraga Chapter. 

Those who took their oath before the Chairperson of the Board of Foresters and the event keynote speaker, Hon. Neria A. Andin, were newly registered foresters from Bohol Island State University, Caraga State University, Central Mindanao State University, Mindanao State University-Naawan Campus, Mindanao State University-Main Campus, Misamis University, North Eastern Mindanao State University-Bislig, North Eastern Mindanao State University-San Miguel, University of Eastern Philippines, University of Mindanao, University of Southern Philippines-Bislig Campus, and University of Southern Philippines-Tagum-Mabini Campus.

“I challenge you: be the catalysts for change, pioneers in sustainable practices, and pillars of community engagement. Be the best version of yourselves, not just as foresters, but as architects of a brighter future”, RED Tamayo said in his message during the event. 

“Together, let’s embark on this journey to redefine our wood industry and, in doing so, reshape our nation,” he added.

Instrumental to this first-ever Oath Taking of newly registered Foresters in Caraga is the support of the Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc. (SFFI) Caraga Regional Council Officers, headed by their President, DENR-Caraga Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Technical Services, Forester Maritess M. Ocampo.

Some notable guests present during the event were the Regional Director of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Cheryll P. Elicano, and the SFFI National Council, led by their Senior Manager, Bresilda A. Gervacio.

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Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Press Releases

Published: 29 December 2023

DENR Caraga GAD Focal Point System Chairperson Regional Executive Director (RED) Nonito M. Tamayo graces the DENR-13 Children’s Fellowship held at the agency’s Covered Court in Barangay Ambago, Butuan City on December 15, 2023.

The fellowship which was part of the Year-end Assessment for the Gender and Development (GAD) Day Care and Drop-in Center, was facilitated by Regional GAD Focal Person Elsalyn J. Evangelio along with other members of the Regional GAD Focal Point System.

Thirty-five (35) enrolled learners/children of the Center participated in the activity.  Sixty (60) other kids of DENR employees also joined the event, which included a series of games and children's presentations. The children likewise received gifts from their peers and RED Tamayo.

The DENR GAD Drop-in and Day Care Center serves as a facility to cater to its employees' (especially females) need to fulfill their responsibilities to their children while working in the office.

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Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Press Releases

Published: 29 December 2023

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Resiliency Council (NRC) facilitated the conduct of the Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) Workshop for the four TRANSFORM municipalities within the province of Surigao del Norte (SDN) on November 29-December 1, 2023 at Retreat Hotel, Siargao Islands.

The DENR launched Project TRANSFORM (Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilient and Sustainable Communities) in the four (4) municipalities of (SDN), namely, Del Carmen, Burgos, San Francisco, and Malimono on June 23, 2023. The project supports the DENR’s new Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Resiliency Framework to convey environmental, social, and economic advances for local government units (LGUs) nationwide.

As part of Project TRANSFORM, the DENR and NRC piloted the CDRA Workshop in Surigao del Norte. It is the objective of the event to understand and assess the potential impacts of hazards to lives, properties, and other elements at risk by utilizing GeoRisk PH and Hazard Hunter tools using available data from the partner LGUs that will produce an Integrated Risk Assessment to contextualize risks and mainstream the LGU’s local development plans and identify strategic platforms for partnership among stakeholders. 

The activities were enthusiastically participated by the Municipal Officers from the offices of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction, Environment and Natural Resources, Municipal Planning and Development, and Social Worker Development of Del Carmen, Burgos, and San Francisco.

The Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Technical Services, Maritess M. Ocampo, personally graced the event and delivered the message of Regional Executive Director (RED) Nonito M. Tamayo. In his message, he emphasized that integrating climate and disaster risks into assessments will shape a comprehensive approach to risk management that goes beyond conventional methods. 

“I am confident that through our united efforts, we can develop a comprehensive understanding of the potential climate threats and work towards implementing effective measures to protect and sustain our precious earth for the next generations,” RED Tamayo said in his message during the activity. 

Meanwhile, ARD Ocampo expressed her gratitude to all the guests and participants whose efforts and commitments are undeniably remarkable.  

Some of the notable personalities who showed full support for the event were Director Angelique C. Go, Director for DENR-Special Projects and Priority Programs; Agapito T. Patubo, PENR Officer of SDN; and PAMO-SIPLAS PASu DMO IV Samuel L. Malayao. 

NRC’s well-versed resource speakers such as Dr. Emma E. Porio, Science Resilience Fellow discussed on the topic Designing Risk to Resilience Journey in Siargao: Hazards, Exposures, Vulnerability and Capacity to Bounce Forward Together, Amidst Climate and Disaster Risks; Physical Scientist and Technical Consultant of CCARPH-ADMU Ms. Joy Rocamora presented the topic on the Introduction to Risk Assessment Tools: Hazard Hunter and GeoAnalytics; Ms. Rocamora together with Technical Consultant of CCARPH-ADMU Dr. Michael Armand Canilao, and NRC Senior Program Officer Mr. Brian Joseph Bango, facilitated the workshops for the CDRA. They also served as panelists during the presentation of outputs by the representatives of each participating municipality. 

The Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) Workshop signifies the DENR’s commitment to combat the increasing risks of climate challenges in the present and future generations.

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Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Press Releases

Published: 29 December 2023