Vol. 8 No. 2 Bimonthly issue March - April 2014 ERDB Women’s Month MOA Signing for 2014, a tribute to the Riverbank Rehabilitation strong and resilient in Rodriguez, “Juanas” arangays San Jose and Burgos in Rodriguez, B Rizal are low-lying areas and mostly agricultural land were severely affected by typhoons Ondoy in 2006 and Habagat in 2013. The houses made of light materials were severely damage causing many homeless families. The absence of vegetation and the incidents that happened were the primary reasons for choosing the area as project sites to rehabilitate the river that can protect the families in similar disasters in the near future. Mayor Cecilio H. Hernandez of Rodriguez, Rizal and Dr. Portia G. Lapitan, Director of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Women’s Month 2014 Advocacy Walk ERDB two-hectare riverbank rehabilitation together with Director Portia G. Lapitan joins the Advocacy Walk held the Barangay Captain of San Jose, Antonio J. on March 4, 2014 around the UP College of Forestry Umali and Barangay Captain Rosendo C. Cruz of Burgos on February 24, 2014 at the White Garden, campus in support of the theme “Juana, Ang Tatag Mo Rodriguez, Rizal. Lynlei L. Pintor, the Project ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong” in Leader and Mr. Faustino T. Quinajon, Clean and celebration of Women’s Month 2014 at ERDB. Green Officer served as witnesses in the MOA. The MOA signing and training on bamboo was attended he month of March signals the opening of by key officials in the municipality, barangay T Women’s Month celebration at ERDB. This councilors, and some residents in Barangays year’s theme is “Juana, Ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Burgos and San Jose. Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong”. It gives special It was indicated in the MOA that ERDB shall recognition to the strong and resilient “Juanas” who provide technical assistance, training, and inspired everyone all over the country and across Next page the globe. It also recognizes the role of women who untiringly volunteered themselves in time of disaster, conflict, and calamity and their overall contributions to progress. As part of the celebration, the GAD streamer was displayed at the ERDB throughout the month of March. The activities started on March 3, a flag raising was held at the ERDB grounds sponsored by the GAD Focal Point System headed by Dr. Marilyn Q. Landicho and other members of the GAD. After the ceremony, raffle prizes were given away. On March 4, the Advocacy Walk was held all around the UP College of Forestry Campus. ERDB OIC Director Portia G. Lapitan signs the This was led by Dir. Portia G. Lapitan and Asst. Dir. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the river bank Antonio M. Daño. Other representatives were from rehabilitation on Feb. 24, 2014 in Rodriguez, Rizal. DENR Region 4A, Forest Products Research and Next page

INSIDE:  3 DepEd-NCR visits ERDB to benchmark with its technology  4 ERDB joins 2014 World Water Day  5 TDD conducts training on writing for ERDB researchers  6 Gising Diwa held in Sta. Rosa III Central School  7 ERDB joins “Walk for a Cause” in Los Baños  7 San Antonio, gets bamboo technical assistance  8 Largest Human Woman Symbol for Guinness? 2 Vol. 8 No. 2

ERDB Women’s Month ... from page 1

Development Institute (FPRDI), and Local Government Unit of Los Baños. After the Advocacy Walk, the program followed at the ERDB lobby. In her welcome remarks, the ERDB Director Portia G. Lapitan thanked the representatives from LGU Los Baños, ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, Forest Products Research and Development Institute, Community and Environment and Natural Resources Office, ERDS Reg. 4A and the Los Baños Road Runners (motorcycle club). Dir. Lapitan said, “As women, we should set a good example in proving that “Juanas” or Filipino Mrs. Lyn F. Lawas, jeepney driver and guest speaker women are the strength of our country towards during the opening of the Women’s Month Celebration progress”. 2014 held on March 4, 2014 at the ERDB. The occasion also gave way to the awarding of certificates of recognition to For. Monnette S. Santos, former GAD Focal Point. It Importance of Water by Ms. Monnette Mauricio. Dr. was awarded for her 15 years of wholehearted Malou Moreno discussed the topic’ “Biodiversity and dedication, fruitful initiative and leadership, and You” while Mrs. Lyn Calderon presented a lecture untiring enthusiasm towards progress of Gender on how to survive a 72-hour disaster. After the and Development at the ERDB. presentations, the children posted the leaf-shaped Ms. Grace Magpantay rendered a song cartolina on the board. Each leaf has a written number titled “Beautiful” while Mrs. Florentina Oliva commitment to mother earth. introduced the resource speaker On March 11, 2013, the Seminar on The guest speaker during the occasion was Endocrine Concerns was held while on March 14, Mrs. Lyn Fernando Lawas, a jeepney driver. Mrs. 2014, a Seminar on Disaster Preparedness was Fernando said, “I am proud to say that in my 31 conducted, both at the ERDB Conference Room. years of driving, I have earned the respect of my There was also the actual vaccination for peers and passengers since they say that women pneumonia and flu. The Seminar on Disaster are more careful drivers than men.” Preparedness focused on the household and office She said that through driving, she was able disasters. to send her 2 children to school. The eldest is a B. As a yearly activity, the Gender Sensitivity S. Biology graduate (Cum Laude) from UP Los Training for Contract of Services was held on March Baños who is working at the International Rice 18, 2014 at the ERDB Conference Room. Research Institute (IRRI) and now pursuing her Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology. The other The final activity was on March 31, 2014 child is a BS Nursing graduate. where the Enhanced Gender Tools was launched. She ended her speech by saying that, Marla V. Cambay, TTD “Tunay nga po na ang pagiging isang babae ay hindi hadlang upang tayo ay makapagpakita ng lakas at kahalagahan sa ating pamilya at komunidad. Lahat tayo ay may kanya-kanyang MOA Signing ... from page 1 kuwento ng buhay. Babae man o lalake, magagawa natin kung ano man ang ating naisin guidance. The LGU shall provide space for the kung tayo ay may determinasyon at nursery and plantation; personnel to propagate and pananampalataya sa Diyos”. manage bamboo propagules, prepare site for out The “Tianggehan sa ERDB” was also planting, protection, and maintenance. Further, the opened on March 4. The one-day bazaar featured barangays shall provide contact persons, labor, and a variety of products like fruits, clothes, accessories feedback to LGU and ERDB. and other food items. In the inspirational message of Director The Gising Diwa Program was likewise Lapitan, she was able to capture the attention and conducted in Sta. Rosa Elementary School, Central interest of the guests and participants because of III on March 7, 2014 among Grade 5 students. the valuable information she shared regarding Topics discussed include the Dynamics and Page 9

ERDB Info Journal Vol. 8 No. 2 3

DepEd-NCR visits ERDB to benchmark with its technology

participants were grouped in two before the site visit started. For. Albert Piñon explained the clonal nursery propagation procedures, while For. Gregorio Santos, Jr. discussed the charcoal briquetting processes. After the site visit, the participants left for the venue of the planning workshop in Pagsanjan, . – Jobelle Mae L. Zuraek, TTD

Participants from DepEd-NCR with Dr. Portia G. Lapitan (OIC-Director, ERDB), Ms. Veronica O. Sinohin (OIC-Chief, TDD), and Dr. Jocelyn V. Mar- cial (Regional Education Supervisor III).

he Department of Education-National Capital T Region (DepEd-NCR) visited the Ecosystems Research Development Bureau’s (ERDB’s) research facilities for clonal nursery propagation and charcoal briquettes production last April 11, 2014. It is a kick-off activity to the 3-day strategic planning workshop spearheaded by DepEd-NCR in partnership with the Technology and Livelihood Education-Edukasyong Pantahanan and Pangkabuhayan Supervisors and Coordinators Association, Inc. (TLEEPPSCAI). For. Santos discussing charcoal briquetting. The DepEd visitors include 100 participants composed of schools division supervisors, district coordinators, and principal consultants of Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan, an elementary subject. They came from schools in Caloocan City, Pasay City, Las Pinas City, City, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati City, Malabon City, Pasig, Taguig-Pateros, Marikina, Valenzuela, and Navotas. The purpose of the activity is to adopt ERDB’s clonal nursery propagation technology for the Gulayan sa Paaralan, a nationwide project implemented by all public schools. Dr. Portia G. Lapitan, Director of ERDB, welcomed the participants with her opening remarks as she introduced ERDB, its location, and For. Piñon explaining the clonal nursery propagation. significance as a research bureau. Afterwards, the

ERDB Info Journal 4 Vol. 8 No. 2

ERDB joins 2014 World Water Day vulnerability assessment and how this study can be used as a tool to safeguard communities against potential environmental risks in their place. Vulnerability assessment of priority watersheds in the is an ERDB completed project under the Program on Climate Change.

ERDB representatives during the Water and Energy Nexus Tour at the La Mesa Treatment Plant 2 in Quezon City.

he Ecosystems Research and Development T Bureau (ERDB) joined the Kick-off of the 2014 ERDB exhibit during the Kick-off Program of 2014 World Water Day held on March 17, 2014 at Angat World Water Day on March 17, 2014 at Angat Dam, Watershed in Norzagaray, . Norzagaray, Bulacan. The exhibit featured five As part of the kick-off program, ERDB vulnerable watersheds in the Philippines - Aringay showcased its first Interactive Exhibit featuring five Watershed in and , Baco in vulnerable watersheds in the Philippines. Veering , Buhi in , Gian in away from conventional forms of exhibits, ERDB and and Makiling in Laguna took a light turn in making the topic more and . understandable and interesting to its viewers. Entitled “Watershedelikado: Building Eight delegates from ERDB participated in Resilient Communities through R&D”, the the event. vulnerabilities of Aringay Watershed in Benguet and Also part of the kick-off program was a La Union, Baco in Oriental Mindoro, Buhi in Water and Energy Nexus tour from Angat Dam to Camarines Sur, Gian in Sarangani and Davao Del Ipo Dam in Bulacan to La Mesa Water Treatment Sur and Mt. Makiling in Laguna and Batangas were Plant in Quezon City. The activity served as an unveiled. exposure trip for the participants to understand how The exhibit water is being used to generate the electric and highlighted the water needs of Metro Manila and other nearby vulnerabilities of the provinces. watersheds against This is the second time that the Philippines disasters such as flooding, landslide, is celebrating World Water day. From March 17-21, and soil erosion. To various activities will be conducted by different cope with the agencies in support of the Celebration. The hazards that may 2014 Celebration of World Water Day in the pose threats to the Philippines is organized by DENR bureaus and watersheds, attached agencies namely, ERDB, EMB, BMB, recommendations FMB, LLDA, PRRC, RBCO, MBCO, NWRB, DENR were also provided. Region 3 and PENRO Bulacan. Other important Interested individuals flock The exhibit was bodies during the event are government agencies the ERDB Interactive Exhibit designed to during the Kick-off of 2014 increase the including DPWH, DOE, DepEd, MWSS, LWUA, World Water Day held at An- awareness of the NIA, NPC, NGCP and corporate agencies such as viewers on the gat Dam, Norzagaray, Bulac- Maynilad, Manila Water and Nestle organizers. importance of an. Adreana Santos-Remo, TTD

ERDB Info Journal Vol. 8 No. 2 5

TDD conducts training on writing for ERDB researchers

ecognizing the preparation as R importance of researchers of ERDB.” writing media release The lecturers were as a means to composed of the TDD promote ERDB as a regular and project staff. research institution, Adreana S. Remo lectured the Technology on “Introduction to Science Development Division Communication and Clear (TDD) conducted the and Effective Writing”. “Training on Writing Malaya N. Montesur Articles for Media tackled “Pre-writing” and Releases” on March Marla V. Cambay lectured 12-13, 2014 at the BP on “Newswriting”. International The afternoon Jamboree, Los session focused on the discussion on “News Banos, Laguna. ERDB OIC Assistant Director Dr. Antonio Daño together Feature Writing and There were with lecturers and participants of the “Training on Media Releases Protocol” 20 participants in the Writing Articles for Media Releases” on March 12-13, training which were by Liberty E. Asis. Ricky 2014 at the BP International Jamboree, Los Baños, Lee Mendiola gave a composed of Laguna. representatives from lecture on Writing for the ERDB regular and Web. In addition, the project staff of the 5 R&D programs that ERDB is former TDD OIC Chief Mr. Eliseo M. Baltazar tackled implementing. “Authorship”. The training aimed to: 1) enhance the knowledge After the lecture, some selected participants and writing skills of ERDB researchers; and 2) produce were requested to present their outputs on the following: articles containing research-based technologies for 1) straight news, 2) news feature, and 3) feature article. media releases for possible publication in national dailies, In addition, they were required to submit the project online news portals, and the ERDB website. report of their respective programs including data, The Masters of Ceremony were Bhia Mitchie T. figures, and photos. Borcena and Malaya N. Montesur Mrs. Veronica O. Sinohin, TDD OIC Chief and Dr. Antonio Daño, ERDB OIC-Assistant Director, Mr.. Eliseo M. Baltazar, former TDD OIC Chief both gave in his inspirational message said, “If we cannot put all the their comments and suggestions on the presentations. outputs of our researchers into writing, they will be Pretest and post test questionnaires were also useless”. He further encouraged the young researchers distributed to determine if there was an increase in the to make the most of the opportunity given to them. He knowledge of the participants on the subject matter. said, “You have an edge because this gives you better Marla V. Cambay, TTD

MOA Signing ... from page 2 Kapitan, hangad ko na ipagpatuloy ninyong suportahan ang programang ito. Sa lahat ng bamboo. They were particularly amazed when they ahensya ng ating munisipalidad na kaagapay sa learned that bamboo has four times the ability to proyekto na ito, gawin natin ang lahat para sa ikata- sequestrate carbon compared with other trees. tagumpay ng adhikain natin para sa ating kalikasan. Part of the MOA is the giving of training in Huwag nating sayangin ang oportunidad na sa atin the project sites. The speakers in the training after ay ibinigay bilang katuwang ng ERDB. Ako ay the MOA signing are Forester Digno C. Garcia and nagpapasalamat sa ERDB na pinangungunahan ni Ms. Marcelina V. Pacho. For. Garcia discussed Director Portia Lapitan. Tunay ko pong ipinagma- about bamboo propagation, maintenance, and malaki na ang aking bayan ay kabahagi ng harvesting while Ms. Pacho tackled on the pests napakahalagang programa na ito. Sama-sama and diseases of bamboo. nating isulong ang pagpa-panatili at kagandahan ng At the end of the event, the guests and ating mga ilog, kalikasan, at likas-yaman. Naway participants were inspired to the message pagtagumpayan natin ang magandang mithiin presented by Mayor Hernandez, “Sa ating mga nating ito para sa ating bayan at mga mamamayan”. Lynlei L. Pintor, CZFERD

ERDB Info Journal 6 Vol. 8 No. 2

Gising Diwa held in Sta. Rosa III Central

he ERDB GAD-IEC (Gender and Furthermore, she identified the threats on T Development – Information, Education and biodiversity such as habitat loss and degradation, Communication) headed by For. Romana A. illegal logging, mining, forest fires, encroachment Mauricio successfully conducted the Gising Diwa and others. Lastly, she suggested ways on how to on March 7, 2014 in Sta. Rosa Central III conserve biodiversity. Elementary School. The participants were Engr. Lorlina A. Calderon presented a composed of selected Grade V students. lecture on how to survive a 72-hour disaster. The program started with the opening After the presentation, the children posted prayer from a student. The emcee was For. Paul the leaf-shaped cartolina on the board with a Cuadra. Mrs. Apolonia B. Aldaba, the school written environmental commitment to mother earth. principal gave the welcome remarks. She thanked Marla V. Cambay, TTD ERDB for sharing the knowledge on the environment to their students. For. Romana A. Mauricio gave a brief background on ERDB and the Gender and Development Focal Point System. She also presented the topic on the Dynamics and Importance of Water and the Water Cycle. Dr. Ma. Lourdes Moreno discussed the topic “Biodiversity and You”. She explained the meaning of biodiversity. She also presented the number of species of plants and animals that can be found in the Philippines. She likewise gave three 3 components of biodiversity namely: genetic, species and ecosystems diversity. Aside For. Romana A. Mauricio, ERDB GAD-IEC Committee from this, she underscored the importance of Chair explains the Water Cycle to the Gising Diwa biodiversity. She also stated that we are losing participants held on March 7, 2014 in Sta. Rosa 1,000-10,000 times higher than the natural Central III Elementary School, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. extinction rate of animal and plant extinction.

Farmers, local government unit staff, training organizers and trainers during the Capacity Building on Nursery and Planta- tion Technology in Limay, Ba- taan, March 6-7, 2014 Limay, gets technical assistance on bamboo

What if I skip the nursery and plant bamboo plantation technology in Limay, Bataan on March “ cuttings directly into my two-hectare land?” 6-7, 2014. asked Estrella B. Aucena, 49, a farmer, in the According to resource persons, cuttings can recent bamboo training assisted by Department of be directly planted in the holes but only two or three Environment and Natural Resources (DENR- of them may survive per hectare. “The best planting ERDB). materials of bamboo come from nurseries,” they Aucena, also a board member of Alangan stressed. Farmers Producers Association, was among the 40 Resource persons were Forester Jose Alan training participants capacitated on nursery and A. Castillo and Mr. Edgardo M. Castillo of ERDB, Page 8

ERDB Info Journal Vol. 8 No. 2 7

ERDB joins “Walk for a Cause” in Los Baños

n line with the Women’s Month Celebration with the I theme “Juana ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong”, the ERDB joined the“Walk for A Cause” held on March 8, 2014 in Los Baños, Laguna. The local theme was “Tulong Sagip Buhay sa mga Biktima ng Kanser”. Fifty (50) ERDB employees participated in the said activity with six (6) participants coming from the Technology Development Division (TDD). The different barangays of the municipality, government and non- government agencies and organizations also joined the parade. The parade started at 6 o’clock in the morning from Olivarez Town Mall to the Ecological Park of Los ERDB participants of the “Walk for A Cause” held on Baños. A short program followed after the parade. March 8, 2014 in Los Baños, Laguna. Honorable Mayor Caesar P. Perez gave the opening remarks and message. He emphasized that the women play important roles in the society particularly in Baños and the group of barangay health workers. Then, providing health care and services for the family and closing remarks was delivered by Atty. Genalyn A. local people of the community. He mentioned that there Bagon-Soriano, Municipal Administrator. She gave are several programs undertaken to address the issues thanks to all the participants of the different agencies and and concerns on health services in which they are local people of the Los Baños community in joining this actively involved, i.e. monthly check ups, vaccination of activity and providing cash donation for health flu and pneumonia, blood sugar monitoring, information and campaign program for dengue. development and services. The cash raised amounted to An intermission number was shown through approximately P40,000. S. Jose, UERD dances of the school children of the VEA School Los

San Antonio, Nueva Ecija gets bamboo technical assistance

the process, will be converted into activated charcoal, Gov. Umali also said. Recent ordinance prohibits drying of palay on roadways all over Nueva Ecija. Gasifier will be used as an alternative means for drying paddy seeds (unmilled rice). Meanwhile, activated bamboo charcoal is used in products, such as soap, bath powder, cushions and pillows. “We need to have nurseries so after 4-5 years we can have bamboo plantations and build the bamboo industry”, he said to the training participants. (L-R) Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali, Department of More than 40 participants consisted of barangay Trade and Industry-Nueva Ecija representative officials, farmers, aspiring entrepreneurs and youth Richard Simangan, San Antonio Vice Mayor Kaka members of Tambayan ng KC1 mostly from Barangay San Balagtas, San Antonio Mayor Antonino Ilustre, and Francisco – the site of approved 1-ha bamboo nursery of trainers from College of Agriculture and San Antonio, Nueva Ecija – joined the activity. DENR-ERDB. Trainers were Mr. Angelito B. Exconde of DENR- ERDB and Dr. Edmundo B. Baccay of Tarlac College of “Nueva Ecija intends to intercrop vetiver and napier in Agriculture. bamboo plantations”, Governor Aurelio M. Umali said during Titled “Training on Nursery and Plantation the bamboo training held in this town on March 20-21, 2014. Establishment,” the activity included lectures and hands-on Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is a fodder training on bamboo propagation techniques, such as crop for dairy farmers while vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides), a branch cutting and culm cutting using Kawayang Tinik, and deeply rooted grass, is used as hedge against erosion. offset/asexual propagation using an ornamental bamboo The Provincial Capitol is willing to buy raw bamboo from China. It was organized by the Department of Trade to be used as fuel for gasifiers. Bamboo charcoal, output of and Industry-Nueva Ecija. Mheda G. Garcia, NGP-PQPM, LBES

ERDB Info Journal 8 Vol. 8 No. 2 Largest Human Woman Symbol for Guinness?

Human woman symbol formation held at Grandstand last March 8, 2014. Photo credits to Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2014

ore than 10,000 “Juanas” and “Juans” from the Gender and Development (GAD) advocates, left M various government and private sectors Los Baños at 3:00 A.M. to make it to the Quirino convened at the Quirino Grandstand as early as Grandstand by 5:30 A.M. Group formation started 5:00 A.M. on March 8, 2014 (International Day of at 7:30 A. M. and was completed after an hour. Women) to join the formation of woman human Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President Adel symbol. This is in line with the celebration of Tamano gave an inspiring message after the Women’s Month for 2014 with the theme “Juana, formation stating, “The human symbol puts the ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at spotlight on how women are poised to become the Pagsulong”. social and economic power house of the future and The formation of human woman symbol was how much organization like Coca-cola and the made as the country’s entry to the Guinness Book Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) value of World Record in the category of the biggest their contributions”. number of participants in creating the largest human At the end of the program, PCW Chair woman symbol. This activity was also a kick-off of Remedios Rikken explained that the event was a the month-long celebration of the International move to signify the call for everybody’s attention to Women’s Day. It is worthy to note that the be more aware and promote gender equality or the Philippines is the only country that celebrates equality of men and women. women empowerment for a month. By 8:30 A. M., the formation was finished Rooting to make it to the Guinness Book of with contingents, altogether shouting: Sulong World Record, the participants that formed the Juana! Sulong Kababaihan! Open Happiness for symbol were made to stand still at least 15 minutes, Women’s Month!”. enough to capture the symbol via aerial Organizers of the event announced that it photography. This was facilitated by the Armed will take a week or two before the record is officially Forces of the Philippines. validated by Guinness World Records. The ten (10) contingents from ERDB, Kudos to the organizers! Congratulations to spearheaded by Dr. Simplicia A. Pasicolan, one of the ERDB contingents for their active participation in the celebration of Women’s Month! Wencelito P. Hintural, CZFERD Limay, Bataan gets… from page 6

and Dr. Edmundo B. Baccay of Tarlac College of Agriculture. Limay Mayor Lilvir B. Roque in his remarks Vol. 8 No. 2 March – April 2014 Contribution from all employees are welcome as per guidelines set in ERDB said they have been exploring potential bamboo Memo dated Aug. 31, 2007.The Info Journal is produced bimonthly in coordination nursery sites in the town’s upland areas. with all Offices, Divisions and Units of the ERDB. Makakatulong ang kawayan sa pagbabalik- Executive Advisers : Portia G. Lapitan sigla ng ating kabundukan. Limay has power plants, Antonio M. Daño refineries and factories that depend on highland’s Editorial Adviser : Veronica O. Sinohin water supply and soil protection services, he added. Managing Editor : Marla V. Cambay The activity was organized by the Layout : Liberato A. Bacod Department of Trade and Industry-Bataan under the Circulation : Eduardo M. Tolentino Bataan Bamboo Industry Development Project of Printing : Celso A. Luna the government. Mheda G. Garcia, NGP-PQPM Photographer : Gino S. Laforteza

ERDB Info Journal