DENR Caraga Regional Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo led the officials and personnel of the four (4) Offices of DENR in Caraga - the Regional Office, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and the Forest and Wetland Research, Development and Extension Center (FWRDEC) the celebration of the 35th DENR Anniversary from June 13-17, 2022.
The celebration started with a parade after which, RED Tamayo, assisted by EMB Regional Director Albert G. Arcamo, Assistant Regional Directors Maritess M. Ocampo, and Atty. Claudio A. Nistal Jr. opened the “Booth Bazaar” exhibit at the DENR 13 Compound.
Other activities arranged for the celebration themed “Pistang Pamilyang DENR para sa Tuloy-tuloy na Pagkakaisa at Tagumpay”, are Laro ng Lahi featuring traditional Filipino games – Hampas Palayok, Pabitin, Kaliring, Luksong Tinik, Palo Sebo, Bingo, to name a few, Awitan sa DENR and Awarding of DENR Caraga achievers and environmental partners.
The week-long event is part of an even bigger celebration this June -- the Philippine Environment Month under the theme "Aksyon para sa Natatanging Mundo" which seeks to encourage every Filipino's participation in the protection, conservation, and development of our natural resources.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga, led by its Regional Executive Director (RED) Nonito M. Tamayo, has honored 177 environmental partners of the agency for their unwavering support in the implementation of its programs, projects, and enforcement of environmental laws and policies in a simple ceremony during the 35th DENR Anniversary and Environment Month celebration held at the DENR Regional Leaning Center in Ambago, Butuan City on June 13, 2022.
The occasion was graced by Butuan City Mayor Honorable Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada, who was also one of the awardees. The DENR recognized the support extended by his administration that resulted in the enhancement of the water quality of Taguibo River, which garnered the third place out of the 16 rivers that vied for the "Recognizing Individuals/Institutions towards Vibrant and Enhanced Rivers (R.I.V.E.Rs) for Life Award" of the DENR.
Awardees were DENR partners from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army, LGUs, the mining sector, and private groups who have extended their services and shared their expertise that greatly helped in the accomplishment of the department's goals.
Moreover, RED Tamayo conferred the Environmental Award for Governance and Leadership Excellence (EAGLE) to the national awardees PENRO Jose Flavio V. Concha, Jr. of Agusan del Sur and CENRO Jerome H. Albia of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. The other EAGLE nominees and finalists of the region were also given recognition. ###
In line with the 35th DENR Anniversary and 34th Philippine Environment Month Celebration this June, DENR Caraga with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and the Forest and Wetland Research, Development and Extension Center (FWRDEC), has conducted an Environmental Exhibit cum DENR@UR Service from June 13-15, 2022 at the South Atrium of the Robinsons Place Butuan.
The exhibit showcases the DENR Caraga’s activities and accomplishments, especially in environmental conservation and development like the National Greening Program (NGP/ENGP), Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) Program, and other programs.
The MGB presented responsible mining activities, the importance of geo-hazard assessment and mapping, the contribution of the mining industry to the economy, and the Caraga mining profile.
The EMB-13, on the other hand, focused on its activities in line with the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Solid Waste Management programs. It has also set up a One-Stop-Shop for
customers needing the agency’s assistance in their application for Environmental Compliance Certificate, Certificate of Non-Coverage, Permit to Operate, Wastewater Discharge Permit, Hazardous Waste Generator's ID, Chemical Control Order Registration, and Pollution Control Officer Accreditation.
Meanwhile, the FWRDEC displayed information materials about its functions and the services it offers to its customers, like quality seedlings and seeds of different tree species and technical assistance for tree growers.
The event also included a "clinique" on the DENR services. Knowledgeable personnel on these services were assigned at the mall for the duration to provide information and guidance for customers on how to avail of the services. This is one of the agency's strategies for bringing its services closer to the people. ###
DENR Assistant Secretary for Policy, Planning, and Foreign Assisted and Special Projects Marcial C. Amaro Jr. together with Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCo) Executive Director Ricardo L. Calderon; Program Officer of Implementation and Management Team Dr. Sung Ho Choi; and FMB Director Tirso Parian Jr. visited Caraga Region to conduct monitoring of the Wood Processing Vertical Integration Project (VIP) of the Mabuhay Timberland Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (MATILFAMCO) in Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on May 30-31, 2022.
MATILFAMCO is one of the two Community-Based Forest Management - People's Organizations (CBFM-POs) considered for the AFoCo VIP nationwide together with the Nalundan United Farmers Association, Inc. (NUFAI) located in Bindoy, Negros Oriental.
DENR Caraga Regional Executive Director (RED) Nonito M. Tamayo and ARD for Technical Services Maritess M. Ocampo accompanied the team during the activity.
The project aims to generate jobs for grassroots communities and it shall be implemented for over five years until 2026. Under the project, the CBFM-PO shall employ the vertical integration of wood processing to produce value-added wood products by utilizing raw materials harvested from CBFM areas.
After the briefing held at the DENR-13 Regional Office in Ambago, Butuan City, the team visited the MATILFAMCO Wood Processing Plant facility in Brgy. San Salvador and the CBFM plantation site and the proposed WPP site in Brgy. Mabuhay, all in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. CENR Officer Norman A. Asugan of Bayugan City together with his personnel facilitated the conduct of the whole activity.
In his message during the afternoon program, RED Tamayo highlighted the benefits of the project, “This project is a product of years and years of experiences and plans. Way back, it has always been our dream to implement a project that is centered on helping the grassroots communities. In this project, the People’s Organization will be the center of all activities from seedling production, tree planting and growing, harvesting, processing, marketing, and so forth. Through this, all profits will go directly to the PO and not to the rich business owners.”
“We are lucky that AFoCo agreed to fund the project and make this happen. I just wish that you would not take this for granted. Let us prove to them that we are worthy of this opportunity and continue working hard for the good of the environment and the community” RED Tamayo added.
AFoCO Executive Director Calderon stated during the program, the purpose of their visit to the area. “We have three main reasons for coming here. First, is to assess the PO’s and the Regional Office’s readiness, capability, and commitment to implement the project. Second, is to determine if the Local Government Unit and the community support the project. Third, is to personally see the plantation and the proposed site for the Wood Processing Plant. This is the first time that we funded such a project and I hope that you will do your best to put this fund to good use.”
To show their full support for the project, the Municipal Local Government Unit of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur represented by the Committee Chairman for Environment, Hon. Samson Auxtero turned over a copy of the LGU Resolution interposing no objection to the implementation of the project.
MATILFAMCO Chairperson Jay Ryan Rafosala expressed his gratitude towards the DENR for all the help in turning their dreams into reality. “Dako kayo mig pasalamat sa inyong tanan, labaw na sa DENR ug AFoCO. Tungod sa inyo, natagaan na usab kami ug opportunity nga mapalambo pa ang amo PO ug mahaw-as mi sa kalisod. Buhaton namo ang tanan namo makaya hangtod masuccessful ni nga project. Dako jud ang matabang ani sa amo komunidad. Daghang salamat,” he said
To commemorate the event, all the officials participated in the ceremonial tree planting activity at the Gibong Watershed in Brgy. Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Before returning to Butuan City, the team had a pit stop at the CENR Office of Bayugan, Agusan del Sur which has jurisdiction over MATILFAMCO’s CBFMA. ###
DENR Assistant Secretary for Policy, Planning, and Foreign Assisted and Special Projects Marcial C. Amaro Jr. together with Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCo) Executive Director Ricardo L. Calderon; Program Officer of Implementation and Management Team Dr. Sung Ho Choi; and FMB Director Tirso Parian Jr. visited Caraga Region to conduct monitoring of the Wood Processing Vertical Integration Project (VIP) of the Mabuhay Timberland Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (MATILFAMCO) in Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on May 30-31, 2022.
MATILFAMCO is one of the two Community-Based Forest Management - People's Organizations (CBFM-POs) considered for the AFoCo VIP nationwide together with the Nalundan United Farmers Association, Inc. (NUFAI) located in Bindoy, Negros Oriental.
DENR Caraga Regional Executive Director (RED) Nonito M. Tamayo and ARD for Technical Services Maritess M. Ocampo accompanied the team during the activity.
The project aims to generate jobs for grassroots communities and it shall be implemented for over five years until 2026. Under the project, the CBFM-PO shall employ the vertical integration of wood processing to produce value-added wood products by utilizing raw materials harvested from CBFM areas.
After the briefing held at the DENR-13 Regional Office in Ambago, Butuan City, the team visited the MATILFAMCO Wood Processing Plant facility in Brgy. San Salvador and the CBFM plantation site and the proposed WPP site in Brgy. Mabuhay, all in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. CENR Officer Norman A. Asugan of Bayugan City together with his personnel facilitated the conduct of the whole activity.
In his message during the afternoon program, RED Tamayo highlighted the benefits of the project, “This project is a product of years and years of experiences and plans. Way back, it has always been our dream to implement a project that is centered on helping the grassroots communities. In this project, the People’s Organization will be the center of all activities from seedling production, tree planting and growing, harvesting, processing, marketing, and so forth. Through this, all profits will go directly to the PO and not to the rich business owners.”
“We are lucky that AFoCo agreed to fund the project and make this happen. I just wish that you would not take this for granted. Let us prove to them that we are worthy of this opportunity and continue working hard for the good of the environment and the community” RED Tamayo added.
AFoCO Executive Director Calderon stated during the program, the purpose of their visit to the area. “We have three main reasons for coming here. First, is to assess the PO’s and the Regional Office’s readiness, capability, and commitment to implement the project. Second, is to determine if the Local Government Unit and the community support the project. Third, is to personally see the plantation and the proposed site for the Wood Processing Plant. This is the first time that we funded such a project and I hope that you will do your best to put this fund to good use.”
To show their full support for the project, the Municipal Local Government Unit of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur represented by the Committee Chairman for Environment, Hon. Samson Auxtero turned over a copy of the LGU Resolution interposing no objection to the implementation of the project.
MATILFAMCO Chairperson Jay Ryan Rafosala expressed his gratitude towards the DENR for all the help in turning their dreams into reality. “Dako kayo mig pasalamat sa inyong tanan, labaw na sa DENR ug AFoCO. Tungod sa inyo, natagaan na usab kami ug opportunity nga mapalambo pa ang amo PO ug mahaw-as mi sa kalisod. Buhaton namo ang tanan namo makaya hangtod masuccessful ni nga project. Dako jud ang matabang ani sa amo komunidad. Daghang salamat,” he said
To commemorate the event, all the officials participated in the ceremonial tree planting activity at the Gibong Watershed in Brgy. Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Before returning to Butuan City, the team had a pit stop at the CENR Office of Bayugan, Agusan del Sur which has jurisdiction over MATILFAMCO’s CBFMA. ###
