DENR ERDB Newsletter Vol. 3 No. 3 July - September 2009 DENR Sec. Atienza opens flora and fauna exhibit at WTC

ENR Sec. Jose L. Atienza led the opening of the DENR Exhibit on the Philippine Endemic Flora and FaunaD at the World Trade Center (WTC) in last July 17, 2009.

Among the guests during the occasion were: Ms. Grezilda Adie Adelantar, Miss Earth Runner- up and Miss Camille Villar, daughter of Senator Manny Villar, and other DENR officials and staff.

A short video entitled “Pilipinas kong Mahal” was shown to guests and a ceremonial toast was led by Miss Ecotourism.

In his speech, Sec. Atienza mentioned that our country DENR Secretary Jose L. Atienza Jr. and Miss Philip- has rich natural resources. He said “we have 15,000 pines Earth Runner-up, Ms. Grezilda Adie Adelan- flora and more than 57% of these are endemic to the tar during the opening of the DENR Exhibit on the Philippines”. For the fauna, he mentioned, “more than Philippine Endemic Flora and Fauna at the World Trade half of these are also endemic to the Philippines.” Center (WTC) in Pasay City on July 17, 2009 (Photo by Nestor Leviste) “Our flora and fauna must be utilized for the benefit of Among the participants in the exhibit were: Villar the future generation so that we will develop confidence Foundation Inc., EDSA Garden House, Philippine Nature and we will use these resources for everybody’s benefit.” Plant Conservation Society. Philippine Horticultural We should all work hard in performing our individual Society, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources duties so that the future generation will harvest the fruits (BFAR), Green Peace Southeast, Asian Regional of our labor”, he added. Ü page 2

Director’s Engagements ERDB, FPRDI employees attend Seminar on July 2009 30 - Aug 1 - PCAMRD Governing Council Meeting, Sultan Kudarat August 2009 Disaster Preparedness 5-6 - National Bamboo Congress, Maria Cristina Hotel, Iligan City 12-13 - Bicol Region Visit of ITTO Project Site n the observance of the National Disaster 18-21 - Bangkok, Thailand, APN-SPG Meeting Consciousness Month, the 151st Battalion of the 28 - Airport Courtesy Meeting, UNIDO PhilippineI Army headed by Capt. Rommel H. Marquez September 2009 conducted the Seminar/Demonstration on Disaster 1 - PCCRD (Philippine Coordinating Council for Research and Response Preparedness and Management on 30 July Development) Interagency Meeting, Department of National Defense 2009 at the ERDB. The group came from Fort Bonifacio 7-8 - Airport Courtesy, UNIDO Taguig, Metro . 10-12 - INBAR-3rd TWG Meeting, Beijing, China 14-15 - Budget Hearing, Batasang Pambansa The seminar had two parts: Part I was a lecture 17 - Bañamos Festival, Los Baños on disaster management while Part II consisted 22-23 - Budget Dry Run, Senate Issues of a demonstration on disaster preparedness and 24-25 - In-House Review, ERDB management. 30 - PCAMRD Governing Council Meeting, DOST, Bicutan, Taguig, Ü page 2

INSIDE: 3 GDAERD spearheads Seminar-Workshop on Grazing Lands n 4 ERDB team evaluates ERDS-5 projects n 5 LBSCFI celebrates 2009 NST week n 5 Uncovering ERDB Zoo lab n 6 DENR field personnel attend biosafety and biosecurity seminar n 6 Bagacay mines, abandoned no more- DENR-ERDB n 7 ERDB employees attend lecture series on Magna Carta of Women

ERDB Newletter Vol 3 No.3.indd 1 10/12/2009 4:02:45 PM 2 Vol. 3 No. 3

DENR Sec. Atienza ... from page 1 Miss Philippines Ecotourism Adie Adelantar led the ceremonial toast of the juice extracted from wheat grass Technical University, East West Seed Company, Manila prepared by the EDSA Garden House. It was a toast for Bulletin Publishing Corp., EWK aviaries and other “protecting Mother Earth”. pets shops; DENR-ERDS Regional offices (Reg. 1- CAR), and other small and medium enterprises. Other Dir. William Ragos and other representatives from the employees of the DENR such as ERDB (Ecosystems DENR led the offering of plants. On the other hand, the Research and Development Bureau), PAWB (Parks and representatives of the youth sector led by Bonju Reyes Wildlife Bureau), EMB (Environmental Management released the young ostrich to symbolize the youth. Bureau), and MGB (Mines and Geosciences Bureau) distributed publications during the exhibit. The expo was opened to the public from July 12-19, 2009. Marla V. Cambay, TDD

ERDB, FPRDI Employees ... from page 1

The emcees during the program were: Mr. Chris Delon D. Lozano and Ms. Zhiela A. Alcantara of the TDD while For. Gregorio D. Reyes gave the welcome remarks.

For. Jun Santos of the CZFERD introduced the guest speaker. He also thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for sending over their representatives. Ü page 7

Some members of the rescue team of the Philippine army demonstrating some rescue strategies while saving a victim from a high-rise building by rapelling at the ERDB’s wall.

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GDAERD spearheads Seminar-Workshop on Grazing Lands

During the workshop proper, Dr. Welllington Z. Rosacia provided a brief presentation of the project. Highlights of the seminar-workshop are the: (1) presentation of standardized Assessment Tool which incorporate (a) Suitability, (b) Performance, and (c) Sustainability, done by Dr. Wellington Z. Rosacia (ERDB) and For. Elpidio Molinyawe (FMB); (2) review of existing DENR Grazing Lands Regulations; and (3) preparation of the Action Plan by region in relation to the assessment activity to be conducted during the second semester of CY 2009. In addition, lectures on the Determination of the Carrying Capacity and Use of Soil Test Kit on Soil Fertility test were done by the project leader and Dr. Evangeline T. Ms. Adoracion T. Guy ( 2nd from right) of the UPLB Castillo. Likewise, a demonstration on the use of soil test Soil Department demonstrates the use of the Soil Test kit, and establishment of minimal area and harvesting Kit. herbage sample were conducted. he Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) through its Grassland Hydrology & ERDB Director Adeluisa G. Siapno cited the success of ManagementT Section (GHMS-GDAERD) spearheaded the seminar-workshop during her closing remarks. For. the conduct of the National Seminar-Workshop on the Florita E. Siapno and Mr. Juan B. Ebora served as the DENR Assessment Procedures for Grazing Lands held emcees/moderators of the said activity. last 30 June to 02 July 2009 at the ERDB Auditorium. This seminar-workshop is the one of the major activities The project is composed of the following staff: For. of the project “Rationalization on the Disposition of Levi V. Florido (Project Coordinator), For. Ma. Lourdes Pasture and Grazing Lands in the Philippines” which a C. Wagan (Co-Project Coordinator), Dr. Wellington Z. collaborative undertaking of the ERDB and FMB. This Rosacia (Project Leader), For. Elpidio M. Molinyawe project primarily aims to determine the current status of (Co-Project Leader), Dr. Evangeline T. Castillo, For. the pasture leases, review the renewal and cancellation Florita E. Siapno, Mr. Juan B. Ebora, Ms. Marilou system and violations of the Forest Land Grazing Avanzado, For. Marita Briz, For. Juliet Tolentino, For. Eva Lease Agreement (FLGLA) and Forest Land Grazing Guzman and For. Edna Nuestro. Marita Briz, GDAERD Management Agreement (FLGMA) to improve the productivity and environmental soundness of pasture and grazing areas.

Twenty-eight (28) representatives from FMS and ERDS in selected regions including CAR, Regions 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 6, 10, 12 and 13 attended the seminar. It started with the welcome remarks from the ERDB Assistant Director, Dr. Lope A. Calanog, who stressed the need for the rationalization on the disposition of pasture and grazing areas in our country. He said that DENR should be more responsive to address the issues/ concerns pertaining to grazing land management and development through the development of a standard assessment procedure and rationalization of the permitting system. For. Levi V. Florido discussed the rationale/importance of the seminar-workshop and suggested that the group should come up with inputs for the amendment or revision of the current regulation on grazing lands to bolster the standardization of the Dr. Willie Z. Rosacia (leftmost corner) demonstrates how guidelines in assessing our grazing areas. to establish the appropriate quadrat size by minimal area plot.

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under the various banner programs implemented by the DENR - ERDS V. Thirty minutes were allotted for each project: 10 minutes for the presentation and 20 minutes for the open forum. Presentors followed the NARRDS format for completed and ongoing projects. Powerpoint presentations were rendered by the project leaders or presentors.

Out of the eleven (11) RDE projects that were presented, three (3) were completed with terminal reports and eight (8) Participants of the RDE evaluation and monitoring are still ongoing. The eight ongoing projects were held at DENR Region 5 Multipurpose Credit recommended for continuation. Cooperative Hall in Rawis, Legaspi City on August 18, 2009. One development project on agroforestry was likewise presented highlighting the technical assistance provided by ERDS V to the DENR – he Agency In–House Evaluation Team for DENR- Forestry Service on the implementation of the ERDS Region 5 composed of For. Gregorio D. Tao – Kalikasan Foundation of the Philippines Reyes,T team leader, together with Dr. S. Jose, (TKFPI). For. Monette S. Santos, and Mr. Roberto Devanadera from PCARRD evaluated the researches and extension The project on Carrying Capacity of Mt. Mayon activities of ERDS Region 5 in Bicol. The evaluation won the 3rd place on the best research paper was held at the DENR Region 5, Multipurpose Credit during the program. However, no research paper Cooperative Hall in Rawis, Legaspi City on August 18, won the first and second place since the study 2009. Field evaluation of selected sites in Sorsogon and entitled “Determination of Carrying Capacity of vicinities was also conducted. Mayon Volcano Natural Park for Ecotourism” was already presented in the Agriculture, Forestry In the opening program, the Chief of the RDE Division, and Natural Resources Sector in the Regional Mr. Efren Operio Jr. gave the welcome remarks and Research and Development Symposium. the information on the list of completed, ongoing and newly–implemented projects/studies to be presented in On August 19, 2009, the Team together with the said in-house review. For. Lida Borboran, Chief of the TTD ERDS-5, and Mr. Jose Roco Jr. proceeded to Prieto Diaz, Regional Technical Director for Research, Dr. William Sorsogon, two hours away from Legaspi, Albay for Palaypayon gave the inspirational message in place the field evaluation of selected sites of the projects of the Regional Executive Director, Mr. Joselin “Adaptation Strategies on Climate Change Marcus Fragada, who came later during the day. RTD Impacts to the Coastal Ecosystems” (BP4) and Palaypayon informed the group that the research “Survey, Inventory and Documentation of Selected sector is not only involved in RDE but also with other Biofuel Species” (BP8). non-research related concerns such as integrity tasks, and technical assistance to SCUs (State Colleges and On the Biofuel project, the group observed Universities). Ms. Lida Borboran, Chief of the TTD that it has the biggest bitaog tree which is also (Technology Transfer Division) of ERDS-V introduced considered a century tree. The tree is one of the participants and the evaluators while For. Gregorio the biofuel species found in the area which has Reyes explained the rationale and mechanics of the medicinal value. Other biofuel species found are In–House Review. At about 11:00 am, RED Fragada bani, botong, and kapok. Aurora S. Jose, FERD gave the inspirational message where he expressed full and Monette S. Santos, UFERD support to the research and development undertakings of the ERDS.

Reporting was done by respective project/study leaders

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LBSCFI celebrates 2009 NST week

he celebration of the Los Baños Science congratulated and extended her appreciation to the Community Foundation, Inc. (LBSCFI) National LBSCFI Committees for all those who made the event ScienceT and Technology Week opened on July 21, a success. Furthermore, she expressed her hope that 2009 with the cutting of the ribbon at the main entrance this year’s celebration can provide a good opportunity of the UPLB Baker Hall. The officials from the LBSCFI for Science and Technology. She also mentioned that a member-agencies were led by UPLB Chancellor Luis greater budget this time was given by the government Rey I. Velasco. Other guests included Dr. Carol M. to science and technology. Yorobe, DOST Secretary and OIC of the Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations; Dr. William To end the program, students from the Philippine High G. Padolina; Deputy Director-General for Operations School for the Arts rendered a song and instrumental and Support Services of IRRI; Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero number while the UPLB Filipiniana Dance Troupe III of PCARRD; Dr. Lope A. Calanog, ERDB Assistant performed a Pangasinan Folk Dance. Director; Dr. Felix Tamolang, FPRDI Director and other officials from UPLB. In the afternoon, Dr. Mariechel J. Navarro launched her book “Communicating Crop Biotechnology: Stories from Students from the Philippine High School for the Arts Stakeholders” published by the International Science opened the program at the UPLB Baker Hall with a for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAA). doxology and singing of the national anthem. Dr. William G. Padolina gave his welcome remarks followed by Mr. Justino C. Buendia of the Forest Products a message from Atty. Jenilyn Soriano, Administrative Research and Development Institute demonstrated the Officer of the Los Baños Municipal Office, in behalf making of handmade paper and novelty products. Engr. of Mayor Cesar Perez. In her speech, Atty. Soriano Santiago R. Baconguis of ERDB conducted a lecture on said that LBSCFI has become the partner of the Los Charcoal Briquetting Technology. Baños Municipal Office in addressing the problem on waste segregation, waste disposal and in developing The Laguna State Polytechnic University and the several machineries to address the solid waste problem Los Baños Central Elementary also rendered cultural of the . She expressed her hope that this presentations. relationship with LBSCFI will also address the problem on climate change. She gave assurance that the Los Five papers were presented at the R & D Symposium Baños Municipal Office will continue to work closely with on the status of water resources in Los Baños and the LBSCFI agencies. nearby at the NCAS (New College of Arts and Sciences) Auditorium, UP Los Baños, College, Dr. Carol M. Jorobe delivered the message in behalf of Laguna on July 23, 2009. Carmelita G. Reyes, TDD DOST Secretary Dr. Estrella F. Alabastro who was not able to come due to an urgent cabinet meeting. She Uncovering ERDB Zoo Lab

hat’s inside the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau’s (ERDB) zoology laboratory?W

The ERDB Zoology Laboratory was established in 1978. It serves as a repository of wildlife collections which have been collected by the researchers since the time of the Forest Research Institute (FORI) (now ERDB) until it was reorganized in 1987.

Through Special Order No. 54 dated September 04, 2008, Dr. Ma. Lourdes Q. Moreno was assigned as Officer-in-Charge of the ERDB zoology laboratory. Through Dr. Moreno’s initiative, the animal collections that have been neglected for a long time have Dr. Ma. Lourdes Q. Moreno, (leftmost corner) in- gained attention and proper maintenance. Initially, charge of the ERDB Zoology Laboratory explaining the she conducted an inventory of the stuffed animal importance of the laboratory. collections, verification of the labels and retagging and cleaning/disinfecting of specimens considering that Ü page 8

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Biosafety and biosecurity seminar conducted for DENR field personnel

wenty-one participants from the eight regions of Experiment delivered by Ms. Julieta Fe L. Estacio the DENR-ERDS participated in the Training on from the Department of Science and Technology while BiosafetyT and Biosecurity Approaches in Relation to the Lecture 4 was delivered by Ms. Merle B. Palacpac of the Release of Genetically-Modified Organisms (GMOs) Bureau of Plant Industry of the Department of Agriculture and Introduction of Potentially Harmful Exotic Species who presented the topic “Guidelines for Regulation of (PHES) which was held on August 17-20, 2009 at the GMOs under Field Test and Propagation”. ERDB Auditorium. On the second day of the seminar, Ms. Veronica O. The seminar aimed to: 1) enhance the knowledge and Sinohin lectured on Environmental Risk Assessment awareness of the participants on the basic concepts and the Receiving Environment. On the other hand, Mr. of biotechnology/GMO development and species Abraham J. Manalo of the Biotechnology Coalition of the introduction and their direct and indirect effects/impacts Philippines discussed the Socioeconomic Consideration on the environment and biodiversity; 2) level-off with the in Biosafety Decision Making Process. In addition, Dr. regions on the mandate and critical role of the DENR Carmelita Y. Villamor of ERDB presented two papers: in promoting biosafety and biosecurity including the Experiences in the Conduct of Biosafety Research regulatory framework that governs GMOs and exotic and Consultation of the DENR Administrative Order on species, 3) orient the participants with environmental Biosafety Assessment and Environmental Impact of risk/impact assessment tools applicable to GMOs GMOs. and exotic species; and 4) provide a venue for the consultation of the draft guidelines for the biosafety and During the 3rd day, Dr. Simplicia Pasicolan of ERDB environmental impact assessment of GM forest and focused on the Biosecurity: Principles, Regulations, wildlife resources including GM products intended for Issues and Concerns while Mr. Horacio San Valentin bioremediation. and Dr. Elpidio Rimando, both from ERDB, lectured on Biosecurity in Agriculture and Biosecurity in Forestry, The first day of the seminar consisted of four topics. respectively. In the afternoon, Mr. Jose Isidro Michael T. Lecture 1 dealt with “Introduction to Biotechnology Padin, also from ERDB, tackled Biosecurity in Fisheries Development of GMOs” by Dr. Evelyn Mae Tecson- while Dr. Carmelita Y. Villamor presented the Action Plan Mendoza of the Crop Science Cluster of the University on Invasive Alien Species. of the Philippines at Los Baños. Lecture 2 focused on the “Biosafety and Biosecurity: What and Why” by Dr. Finally, a field visit to IPB-UPLB, Bay, Laguna and San Carmelita Y. Villamor. Lecture 3 was titled “Guidelines Pablo City was conducted during the last day of the for Regulation of GMOS under Contained/Confined seminar. Marla V. Cambay, TDD Bagacay mines, abandoned no more- DENR-ERDB

A rehabilitation project in Bagacay Mines, Hinabangan, Western Samar is being implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (DENR-ERDB) with its regional counterpart, DENR-Ecosystems Research and Development Services (DENR-ERDS) Region 8, in collaboration with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

As part of Secretary Jose L. Atienza’s DENR programs A closer look at the surviving Mani-manian species a year through the leadership of ERDB Director Adeluisa G. after outplanting. Siapno, the implementation of the project “Rehabilitation Strategies and Ecotourism Development for Mine Tailings The project is being funded by MGB with the help Areas in Bagacay” in Hinabangan Western Samar is of a loan provided by the World Bank. The project’s ongoing. This project is an expansion of the formerly coordinators are Mr. Angelito B. Exconde and Dr. Rafael implemented remediation project in Bagacay mines which Cadiz of ERDB together with other researchers from the was also conducted by DENR-ERDB, DENR-ERDS bureau. Region 8 in collaboration with MGB. Ü page 8

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ERDB employees attend lecture series on Magna Carta of Women

RDB employees in the person of Dr. Aurora S. also mentioned the importance of the law relative to its EJose, Ms. Fe T. Ociones and Ms. Josephine B. implementation that it should be re-echoed and shared Tanudtanud attended the lecture series on “Magna Carta among the other constituents and co-employees in the of Women” which was held on September 28, 2009, 3:00 Department and other external entities to understand the P. M. at the Multipurpose Hall of the DENR in various provisions particularly the rights of the women in City. The “Magna Carta of Women”, otherwise known the society. as Republic Act. No. 9710 was signed by President Gloria M. Arroyo on August 14, 2009 and published in Ms. Teh likewise explained the use of the word “of” in various newspapers. Its effectivity is on September 1, the statement “Magna Carta of Women” which according 2009. The law was promulgated to address the lingering to her means that the women groups drafted the law discrimination against WOMEN or UN-CEDAW and to to protect the rights of the marginalized or powerless make these aspects directly applicable to the Philippine women sector in the society. Legal System. In her lecture, she summarized the important features This lecture was an advocacy activity of the GAD Focal of the 48 provisions stipulated in the law and its major Point System of the Department of Environment and milestones. She emphasized that this law was a charter Natural Resources (DENR) providing updates about the and serves as an official document in providing rights various laws of empowering women. It was spearheaded to women who are marginalized in the society. Her by the Policy Unit of the Planning and Programming lecture was supported with facts about the situation of Services Office (PPSO) in collaboration with the National women in different concerns such as education, health, GAD Focal Point System. employment and other significant accomplishments/ contribution, its role in the development, decision making The participants came from the different units/offices and planning process in the society. and six (6) sectors of the Department, as well as the members of the National/Bureau’s GAD Focal Point In her final statement she quoted Charlotte Whitton in System. saying that “Whatever women do, they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good.” The quotation Assistant Secretary for Foreign Assisted and Special means that women do more and most of the time Projects and Vice-Chairperson of the NGADFPS, Ms. encounter hardships to do a certain task. She further Analiza Rebuelta-Teh discussed the salient features of mentioned that there should be equality among men and the law as well as the background information on the women regardless of the number. process of promulgating the said law. She said that the new Act, otherwise known as “Magna Carta of Women” Lastly, she provided the implementing rules and was crafted by many women groups who advocated regulations (IRR) of this law since it is at the stage of the comprehensive law of women with the integration preparation by the Philippine Council of Women (PCW). of RA 7192 “ Women in National Building” and RA The DENR will also be involved in the preparation of the 9262 “Anti-Violence Against Women and Children”. She said IRR. Aurora S. Jose , FERD

ERDB, FPRDI Employees ... from page 2 Capt. Marquez also introduced the various equipment used in the different rescue operations. He showed the The participants were composed of selected employees digital camera which can penetrate and see an image from the ERDB (Ecosystems Research and Development even at a depth of 300 ft. They also demonstrated the Bureau), FPRDI (Forest Products Research and proper way of transporting an injured person including the Development Institute) and the ASEAN Regional Center gadgets used by their emergency medical team. for Biodiversity Conservation (ARCBC). For the water search and rescue, Capt. Marquez presented In his lecture, Capt. Marquez discussed the history of the materials used in such operations. He also showed the their battalion. He also gave the vision and mission equipment used in collapsed structures for digging dead including their various accomplishments in different bodies etc. Likewise, he showed the different types of ropes rescue operations. Among their remarkable experiences including the rope which was used in saving lives in the Capt. Marquez mentioned the following: 2008 Araneta Superferry 14 tragedy. Ave. Q.C. flashflood, 2007 Glorietta 2 explosion incident, 2007 Tullahan Bridge flashflood, 2004 Superferry After the lecture, the Philippine Army personnel bombing incident and many other rescue operations in demonstrated the proper rescue of a person from a high- the Philippines. rise building. For. Jun Santos of ERDB thanked Capt. Marquez in behalf of the ERDB employees. Marla V. Cambay, TDD

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Uncovering ERDB... from page 5 Dr. Moreno plans to completely organize the laboratory especially its taxonomy collection which could serve as they have not been maintained for quite a period of future reference materials for scientific inquiries. time. “At present, the ERDB Zoology Laboratory caters to Since the laboratory re-started in April 2009, she ERDB researchers and in the future it will be catering to has continuously maintained the repository of animal nearby schools. Information Education Communication specimens. Currently, there are 44 families of birds (IEC) materials will be provided for the students to know and five families of mammals found in the laboratory. the value of biodiversity conservation, “ she added. “Most specimens we have in the laboratory are precious, valuable, and hard to collect. At present, “Our advocacy for biodiversity conservation is to let they are now prohibited for collection based on the the future generation learn, experience and feel the Republic Act 9147, “Wildlife Resources and Protection beauty of our ecosystems until they pass it on to the Act” pertaining to animals”, Dr. Moreno explained. next generation. All species have their own role in the ecosystems; when one is gone, other animal species The other activities done in the laboratory aside from will be affected,” she explained. collections of animal specimens are: 1) providing working space for researchers doing animal research The zoology laboratory is not only for collection of such as janitor fish; 2) working on literature review wildlife species but also for educating people on how of zoological collection for building database and; 3) to conserve our biodiversity and its significance to our reviewing of zoological techniques/methods. mother earth. Zhiela A. Alcantara,TDD

Bacagay mines... from page 6 According to Dr. Cadiz, the peripheral Bagacay mining area will undergo the process of site characterization, nursery establishment and operation, reforestation, research and development, and monitoring and evaluation to ensure the success of implementation.

Dr. Cadiz also said that the project also seeks to restore the productive potential and aesthetic beauty of the site to serve as an ecotourism destination.

This project is in support to the government’s National Policy Agenda on the Revitalization of Mining in the Philippines in 2004, prioritizing remediation and rehabilitation of abandoned mine sites to address the negative impacts of past mining activities.

The expanded rehabilitation study started in January 2009 and is expected to end by December. However, monitoring for three to four years will be done afterwards to ensure its success. Once completed, The experimental plot with Vetiver grass species, a year research results may be applied or can become the after outplanting. basis for other abandoned mine-out areas. – Rozhel B. Amante, LBES /Zhiela A. Alcantara, TDD “The rehabilitation project aims to rehabilitate the identified problem sites in Bagacay mines in order to minimize soil erosion, stabilize the environment, and DENR ERDB Newsletter improve soil condition using tolerant plant species such Vol. 3 No. 3 July - September 2009 as Acacia auriculiformis, A. mangium, Pterocarpus Contributions from all employees are welcome as per indicus, Narra, Bani, Acacia sp., Kakawate, Akleng guidelines set in ERDB Memo. dated Aug. 31, 2007. This parang and other indigenous plants available in the area”, Newsletter is produced quarterly in coordination with all Offices, Mr. Exconde explained. Divisions and Units of the ERDB. Executive Adviser : Adeluisa G.Siapno “Bagacay Mines is one of the seven abandoned mines Editorial Adviser : Eliseo M. Baltazar in the country. Previously, it was a copper and pyrite Managing Editor : Marla V. Cambay excavation site. The project was approved due to the Assistant Editor : Carmelita G. Reyes urgent need for the Bagacay Mines rehabilitation to Layout : Liberato A. Bacod address the problems of pollution, environmental hazard Proofreading/ : Flora B. Palicpic reduction, and mitigation of unfavorable conditions for Circulation Eduardo M. Tolentino floral and faunal growth”, Dr. Cadiz added. Illustrator : Chris Delon D. Lozano Printing : Celso A. Luna Photography : Gino S. Laforteza

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