Improving environment is key to achieving social justice –Sec. Lopez

By: Herzon F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY – The dialogue which was attended by the environment and health leaders of the Asia Pacific Region in Manila early this month (The Asia-Pacific Regional Forum and the 4^th Ministerial Meeting at the World Health Organization) has brought positive outcomes to the Philippines and hopefully would improve the quality of environment and public health of the people.

            DENR Secretary Regina Lopez said in that forum that “sustaining and improving the quality of the environment to promote and enhance public health is the key to achieving social justice”.

            “The only way forward to realize this is for these member states to adopt appropriate measure and work to attain the global targets of the Agenda 2030 or the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and engage and ensure the participation of the private sector, non-government organizations, academe, civil society organizations, and the media in the implementation of good practices on SDG-related programs” Sec. Lopez said.

The Manila Declaration on Health and Environment in reference to Agenda 2030 had propose to enhance and ensure access to safely managed water and adequate sanitation at home and in health care facilities; prioritize climate change preparedness and resilience, and invest in the proper management of chemicals and waste.

The leaders who attended the forum have encouraged their fellow members to address the environmental determinants of health in their respective regions.

“By effectively addressing environmental health risks, all of us here have the opportunity to save lives and mitigate unnecessary illness” says Dr. Proonam Khetrapal Singh, the World Health Organization Director for South-East Asia.

The Asia Pacific Ministers of Health and Environment have expressed confidence during the forum that through the dialogue, sharing of information and collaboration of both national and regional levels, they can transform the lives and health of the people and ensure the well-being of present and future generations.

The forum is an initiative of 14 countries (ASEAN +4) to strengthen the cooperation of environment and health authorities within and among the countries. 

DENR Retirees undergo counseling

By: Herzon F. Gallego

 Butuan City – At least 46 personnel shall undergo a two-day pre-retirement counseling seminar to be given by the DENR Administrative Division Office at the DENR Regional Learning Center in Barangay Ambago, Butuan City on October 26, 2016.

Administrative Division Chief Evangeline M. Astillo said the participants whose age range from 55 years and above will be given the needed information and awareness about the benefits of a government retiree. They shall be informed of their rights, privileges and benefits, and financial benefits that they can get from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the PAGIBIG Funds so that they can move progressive retirement years.

Of the whole participants, 20 are females mostly from the field offices.

Among the topics to be discussed are Life After Retirement, Senior Citizens Privileges,  Financial Wellness, Skin and Body Care Tips for the Elderly, Importance of Healthy Living, GSIS Insurance Retirement Plan and Benefits, Crop Industry, MOWEL, PhilHealth, PAG-IBIG, and 3 Mile Walk.

Among the resource persons are Department of Health, GSIS, Department of Agriculture, and the DSWD. Also invited are Ms. Ratzel P. Dargantes and Reynaldo E. Porras-El Manre for financial topic. The DENR’s Human Resource Development Section under Ms. Johanna Aguilar will facilitate the counseling seminar.

The candidate retirees are Nilda Ebron, Marlyn B. De Los Arcos, Joseph Leo E. Oconer, Brenda A. Llames, Eric Herson F. Gallego, Corazon L. Alejaga, Luzminda A. Magos, Myrnalin R. Medrano, Prisca O. Rosacena, Felix P. Lor, Rodeo L. Bonjoc. Marlito N. Ecuacion, Virginia G. Lausa, Corazon B. Esclamado, Barlou M. Aparte, Leonito A. Ramos, Marilou B. Gayona, Teresita B. Sol, Connie B. Ariola , Danilo R. Lastimosa, Ruth G. Abalos, Edgar M. Hisoler, Elecito G. Asis, Eduardo A. Salugsugan, Nancilito L. Cabadonga, Ike L. Egalina, Adber L. Taboclaon, Carmelito A. Dalumay, Merlinda A. Luengas, Fortunato D. Reyes, Jr., Marlito C. Tan, Joselina L. Casanova, Joselyn H. Maceren, Marco Roy D. Alejaga, Godefredo C. Logrono, Ruth D. Bute, Eufracio D. Subayno, Enecita S. Liscano, Elizabeth P. Lozada, Benjamin P. Montenegro, Floro G. Ortega, Norman C. Arana, Rolando A. Paigalan, Charlie U. Rio, Nestor G. Piala and Alfredo G. Layson.

DENR tells quarry operators to just follow the ECC regulations

Butuan City – The DENR has reminded all quarry operations including sand and gravel quarrying in the Caraga Region to strictly follow the provisions in their Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC). “They must follow the law otherwise they may be closed down for the violation” DENR Secretary Regina Lopez said in a recent meeting with the media.

            “ECC is a tool for social justice” Sec. Lopez said. “Which means that Filipinos can access and benefit from the natural resources,” she added.

            The reminder followed the closing down of several quarrying operation in Saiaya, Quezon for violating environmental laws.

            According to DENR Undersecretary Art Valdez who led a special task force composed of the police, military, coast guard, and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), there were actually 27 firms holding quarrying permits in Sariaya which were found to have violated their ECC. The task force also arrested 15 people and impounded nine dump trucks and two backhoes.

            DENR Regional Officials said this wake-up call would serve as a warning to operators of quarrying in the region to toe the line and follow what is specified in the ECC to avoid being closed down.

            According to Secretary Lopez, the DENR will review and evaluate some 800 other ECCs in the country and identify which of these have public impact so that the DENR can act accordingly.  (DENR SCIS 13)