Vol. 8 No. 3 Bimonthly issue May - June 2014 MOA Signing in Cagayan de Oro City

yphoon Sendong that hit Cagayan de T Oro (CDO) in December 2011 made the area submerged by floods, killed more than 200, hundreds were missing, and thousands of residents were displaced (Sun Star, 2011). In this regard, application of environment and natural resources technologies was conceptualized due to the utmost desire of the ERDB to help typhoon affected areas. Thus, Cagayan de Oro was Dr. Portia G. Lapitan (leftmost), ERDB OIC Director signs the chosen as one of the study sites for the Memorandum of Agreement together with Mayor Oscar Moreno, of project. Cagayan De Oro and Ruth Tawantawan, Regional Executive Director of DENR Region X held on April 21, 2014 at the City Hall of Cagayan In Pagatpat, Cagayan de Oro, a two-hectare De Oro. pilot demonstration area was established in the Community-Based Forest Management To strengthen the project partnership of ERDB area under the People’s Organization (PO), to the PO and the local officials, a MOA signing the Kulago Farmers’ Association. One- was held on April 21, 2014 in front of the City hectare was devoted to agroforestry and (Continued on page 2) another one hectare for bamboo. Next page

ERDB Partner Bond Project conducts training in Talim Island

larmed by the dwindling source of bamboo in A Talim Island due to environmental degradation, over cutting, and land conversion the ERDB through the PARTNER-BOND Project (Pro-Active Response Towards Nurturing Environmental Relations: A Barangay Outreach Project Based on Community Needs and Demands) conducted the Training on Bamboo Production Technology in Talim Island, Binangonan, Rizal on May 28-29, 2014.

Bamboos are utilized in the area either as construction materials, chicken cages, sala set, beds and stools. They are also used by local fisherfolks in their fishcages and fishpens. Moreover, bamboos are processed into barbeque and banana que sticks which is a source of livelihood in the island. For. Gregorio E. Santos, Jr. shows the matured bamboo cuttings to the training participants. The training was participated by 30 all male participants from Barangays Ginoong Sanay and Next page

INSIDE:  3 ERDB conducts IEC, launches Barangay Ordinance on Bamboo  4 ERDB researchers win Best Paper Awards 4 “ Island Biodiversity”, this year’s theme on the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDBD)  5 ERDB, ERDS, SUCs and POs converge for provenance trial 6 ERDB conducts interview on bamboo in Region 6 2 Vol. 8 No. 3

ERDB Partner Bond Project… from page 1 resident-cooperators in addressing their primary concern of maintaining their bamboo livelihood activities.

In the morning of the first day, For Gregorio E. Santos, Jr. gave lectures on the following topics: a) importance and potentials of bamboo; b) production and maintenance of planting materials in the nursery; c) plantation establishment of bamboo/ kawayan tinik; d) management of bamboo plantations and e) bamboo harvesting. For the afternoon session, Dr. Carlos Garcia tackled the topic on bamboo utilization and preservation. He also introduced new technologies developed by FPRDI (fabricated equipment/machineries) in processing (drying, cutting, and splitting) the bamboo raw materials.

After the lectures, the field/hands-on demonstration The participants cutting the bamboo using one node was conducted in Barangay Pinagdilawan. Three cutting procedure. (3) groups were formed to actualize their learning’s – selection of planting materials (one-node cutting), bagging, planting and watering. Around 10-11 Pinagdilawan. These represented the POs newly sown bamboo cuttings were produced by Samahang Mangingisda ng Barangay Ginoong each group. Mr. Edgardo Castillo assisted in doing Sanay and Samahang Mangingisda ng Barangay the activity, though he also extended assistance in Pinagdilawan. The PO from Ginoong Sanay was the lecture cum demonstration of For. Santos’s the most represented PO/barangay with 21 ( 70%) lecture. participants. For the second day, May 29, participants were re- This training aimed to orient and demonstrate to grouped by PO- for the preparation of their PO the participants the ERDB developed technology action plans. Subsequently, presentations and on “propagule production of kawayan tinik”. critiquing of the plans were conducted, for which Learnings from the activity expected to assist Next page

MOA Signing… from page 1 monitoring and evaluation. The Kulago Farmers Hall attended by almost 2,000 people Association will provide assistance in the including the local media. The signatories in establishment of the plantation and ensure its the MOA include Dr. Portia G. Lapitan, protection. Further, the LGU shall grant Director of the Ecosystems Research and seedlings for the replanting due to mortality and Development Bureau, Oscar Moreno, City provide assistance in the maintenance of the Mayor of CDO, Ruth Tawantawan, Regional plantation. Executive Director of Region DENR Region X, Dr. Lynlei L. Pintor, Project Leader, Roel After the MOA signing, Mayor Moreno and Gayla, PO President, Rey Mabunay, Director Lapitan both gave their inspirational Barangay Captain of Pagatpat, and Edwin messages to the public. The event ended with Dael, City Environment and Natural the laughter and smile among the audience Resources Officer. when Mayor Moreno asked Director Lapitan to render a song to the CDO citizenry. Before It was stipulated in the MOA that DENR Director Lapitan sang Bahay Kubo, she Region X will establish and maintain the two- stressed that it is deemed necessary to have hectare plantation, collect periodic data on the diversity in the environment. After singing growth increment of planted forest trees, Bahay Kubo, Director Lapitan challenged Mayor bamboo, and fruit trees, and capacitate the Moreno to likewise deliver a song. Mayor Kulago Farmers Association. The ERDB will Moreno sang Osahay, a Visayan love song provide technical assistance, continuously participated by other city officials. Lynlei L. guide the project implementers, and conduct Pintor, UFERD

ERDB Info Journal Vol. 8 No. 3 3

ERDB conducts IEC, launches Barangay Ordinance on Bamboo

lecture, she emphasized the importance of planting bamboo on steep slope and riverbanks to prevent mudslides and erosion.

After the conduct of lecture, the stakeholders were informed about the Barangay Resolution for the protection of the bamboo planted along the riverbank of Mango River. Volunteers were recruited in the community to help in the maintenance of bamboo plantation.

The launching of Barangay Resolution No. 10-2014 entitled “Protection and Proper Management of Bamboo Propagation and Bamboo Plantation The participants of the Information Education and Communication (IEC) on bam- for the Rehabilitation of Streambank of boo on April 25, 2014 in Brgy. Burgos, Rodriguez, Rizal. Mango River, Brgy. Burgos, Rodriguez”. Mr. Juan Nelson Cruz, RDB conducted Information Education and Project Coordinator, briefly explained the content of E Communication (IEC) on bamboo in relation to Barangay Resolution. Part of the launching of the the rehabilitation project. The IEC was held at Brgy. Barangay resolution was the signing of “Lagda ng Burgos, Rodriguez, Rizal on April 25, 2014 which Pakikiisa”. It was done among representatives of was spearheaded by Dr. Lynlei L. Pintor. Fifty-two different organizations which served as a participants attended the IEC consisting of symbolical activity for their commitment in the barangay officials, neighborhood associations, civic maintenance and protection of the bamboo and youth organizations, and residents. plantation.

The IEC started with a welcome remarks by The closing remarks was delivered by the active MENRO Julieta C. Teschner. In her welcome Project Coordinator, Mr. Cruz, who showed his remarks, she challenged the attendees to support enthusiasm and support to the project. He even the project particularly the typhoon victims. showed samples of bamboo products to encourage Furthermore, she suggested to re-echo to the other and inspire the participants to support the members of their organization the knowledge that maintenance and protection of the project. He they will obtain in the IEC and solicit their ended his message by asking the question “Kayo commitment to the project. po ba ay maasahan ko sa pagtulong sa programang ito?”. Positively all the participants Dr. Pintor presented the lecture on bamboo answered, “Opo, tutulong kami”. Noemi Claudette specifically on its description, status in Asia, and its G. Refran, UFERD economic and environmental significance. In her

ERDB Partner Bond Project… from page 2 The ERDB Partner Bond Training team is composed of Ms. Vienna O. Austria, Project For. Santos inputted a number of suggestions. Leader, and Marla V. Cambay, Asst. Project Leader These include the preparation of individual bamboo and Gideon Mendoza, Project Staff. Other ERDB nurseries per household, rehabilitation of the staff who assisted in the training were Teresita bamboo plantations (do some cleaning and Erasga and Gliceria de Guzman while a fertilizer application), practice post harvest activities representative of BFAR-Region 4A based in and the preparation of management plans of their Antipolo City, Mr. James Dizon served as observer. bamboo plantation. The draft actions plans Finally, for the Closing Program, two (2) prepared by the POs focused mainly on the participants gave their impressions on the activity establishment and maintenance of bamboo Next page nurseries and plantation.

ERDB Info Journal 4 Vol. 8 No. 3 ERDB researchers win Best Paper Awards

he Philippine Best Paper Award under the social sciences T Society for the category for her paper “ Allocation and Usage of Study of Nature, Inc. Water for Water Governance in Sta. Cruz River th held its 14 conference Watershed, Laguna, Philippines”. For. Piñon won at the Benguet State the Best Paper Award for the biological sciences University on May 21 – 23, 2014. The theme of category for his paper on Genetic Characterization the conference is of Halfsib Progenies of Three Eucalyptus “Private-Public (Eucalyptus deglupta x E. pellita) Hybrids Planted Partnership: Creating in Northern Mindanao. Lynlei L. Pintor, UFERD Possibilities for a Responsible Resource For. Albert Piñon and Dr. Use”. The sub-themes Lynlei Lapis of ERDB, Best in the conference “Island Biodiversity”, this Paper awardees given by the include environmental year’s theme on the Philippine Society for the governance and Study of Nature, Inc. held at the Benguet State University people’s participation, International Day for on May 21-23, 2014. green technology and economy, Biological Diversity (IDBD) environmental education and advocacy, partnership for the environment, and environmental research he 2014 Celebration of the International Day and methods. T for Biological Diversity was held on May 22-23, 2014 at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center Two hundred participants attended the conference. (NAPWC) in Quezon City. The celebration was For ERDB, the two representatives were Dr. Lynlei highlighted with a youth summer camp with the Pintor and For. Albert Piñon. The rest of the theme “Island Biodiversity”. participants represent the different universities in the country. This was participated by around 100 high school students from selected private and public secondary schools from the 6 districts of Quezon There were three categories for the Best Paper City. Some of these schools were: a) Ernesto Award such as social sciences, integrative studies, Rondon High School; b) Quirino High School; c) and biological sciences, wherein Dr. Pintor won the San Francisco High School; d) New Era High School; e) Holy Spirit of Mt Carmel: f) Don A. Roces, Sr. Science Technological High School; g) ERDB Partner Bond Project… from page 3 Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School, etc.

and the awarding of certificates to the resource Participating schools were clustered to feature an persons was conducted. island through an exhibit- showcasing the islands rich biodiversity resources (flora and fauna), tourist The results of the evaluation revealed that the spots and products. participants enjoyed the training-workshop and learned a lot from it. They said that the activity was The camp was spearheaded by the Biodiversity educational, informative, interesting, interrelated Management Bureau (BMB) formerly PAWB particularly and will assist them in augmenting family income. the Nature Recreation Division (NRED) under the They also found the methodologies used in the leadership of Ms. Meriden Maranan. Their group was training such as the PowerPoint presentations, assisted by youth desk coordinators/officers (YDC/O) from lecture, field and hands-on demonstration, class the bureaus (ERDB, NAMRIA, FMB, LLDA, MGB, discussion and action planning to be “sufficient”. Regions NCR, 4A, 5, 6, 11 and the central office. YDC/O They said that lecturers/resource persons were served as facilitators, contest administrators and judges. very good in teaching them the do’s and don’ts in bamboo production and utilization. Similarly, They facilitated the activity on “getting to know you” participants rated the training team to be “very portion, the biodiversity skit, the amazing island satisfactory” in handling the said activity. They race and the “biodiversity henyo” game. even commended and thanked the team for sharing useful information to them and even The amphitheater at NAPWC served as venue to suggested that they be given other related training/ almost all activities of the camp, such as the seminars on bamboo. Vienna O. Austria, UFERD celebration of the holy mass, opening and closing and Marla V. Cambay, TDD Page 6

ERDB Info Journal Vol. 8 No. 3 5 ERDB, ERDS, SUCs and POs converge for provenance trial

supervisory works in the production and maintenance of the planting materials for the provenance trials. Last year, the university was able to produce over 1080 narra seedlings required for the trial. This year, they are assigned to produce the same number of molave seedlings.

In addition, a 2.5- hectare narra provenance trial was established in Brgy. Dagohoy, Bilar, Bohol through the help of DAWHMA. In the Memorandum of Agreement signed on February 2013, the members of DAWHMA were obliged to provide the area for the trial and assist in the site preparation, establishment and maintenance of the provenance trial plantation. In return, they are given the privilege to collect seeds from the trees, utilize the cut trees during rouging operations and be paid for the services rendered in the implementation of the Dr. Marilyn Q. Landicho , together with staff from ERDS, ERDB and PAC in the narra provenance trial site in Pampanga Agricultural project. This year BISU and DAWHMA will be College (PAC) compound, in Magalang, Pampanga during the collaboratively working with ERDB and ERDS in team’s site monitoring last March 2014. the establishment of a 2.5-hectare molave provenance trial plantation.

he Ecosystems Research and Development The program leader, Dr. Marilyn Q. Landicho, T Bureau (ERDB) and its regional counterparts encourages the collaboration between DENR had been working hand-in-hand with various State research sector and SUC since a long-term Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and People’s maintenance and security of provenance trial Organization (PO) for the implementation of the plantations can be expected, particularly in the Provenance Trials of Priority Forest Tree Species case of PAC. under the Research and Development Program on Forest Tree Improvement, since 2013. One of the objectives of this project component is to identify the best performing provenances or Two state universities, the Pampanga Agricultural “seed source” given a particular site condition. This College (PAC) in Magalang, Pampanga and the is an important initial step in conserving genetically Bohol Island State University (BISU) in Bilar, Bohol, proven forest stand and seed sources. Roy Joven were among the SUC partners of ERDB and ERDS R. Amatus, UFERD in the implementation of the said project component. Also in Bohol, ERDB and ERDS tapped the assistance of the Dagohoy Watershed Health and Monitoring Association (DAWHMA) for the establishment and maintenance of the provenance trial sites.

In PAC, 2.5 hectares of narra provenance trial were established in September 2013, with the assistance of PAC project coordinator, Dr. Darwin Totaan. Within this year, another 2.5- hectare molave provenance trial plantation will be established within PAC compound, along with 1.25- hectare clonal test plantation and a 2.5- hectare progeny trial of yemane. Dr. Honorio Soriano, the PAC president, has been vocal in his support to these kind of projects. Members of DAWHMA conducting clear brushing of the narra provenance trial site in Brgy. Dagohoy, Bilar, Bohol. In BISU, Dr. Noel Lomosbog, the project coordinator has been extending technical and

ERDB Info Journal 6 Vol. 8 No. 3

ERDB conducts interview on bamboo in Region 6

Mr. Ernesto Jayona, plant supervisor and Mr. Simion Favila, plant manager were interviewed. Based on the interview, there were 70 workers in the bamboo processing plant which were composed of 50 males and 20 females. Most of the women workers were involved in the processing and packaging of finished products. The workers were paid in “pakyaw” system with the rate of P150 per day.

There are 250 to 300 poles or “layung” of kawayan tinik used in the production per day. The cost of each “layung” is P35-P40. The bamboo materials are cut and sliced into strips, then placed in the Dr. Aurora S. Jose and Ms. Marciana Orobia of ERDB during the bleaching, cooking stove to make them whiter. interview on April 24, 2014 with Mayor Mariano M. Malones of Maasin, Iloilo, an owner and manufacturer of bamboo sticks. Then, the bamboo sticks are distributed in the different machines for stick processing such as barbeque stick, chopstick, and toothpick. The waste Harvesting and maintenance are the major products of bamboo are converted to charcoal “ problems in the bamboo production in our town”, said Mayor Mariano M. Malones of Maasin, Iloilo briquettes. The sticks are classified into A, B and C during the interview conducted by Dr. Aurora S. while Class A are delivered to fastfood chains such Jose and Ms. Marciana Orobia of ERDB in Region 6 as “Mang Inasal” and hotels while Class B and C on April 24, 2014. Mayor Malones is also the owner are for malls and wet markets. Aurora S. Jose and and manufacturer of barbeque sticks, chopsticks Marciana Orobia, FERD and other bamboo products in Iloilo. He added that there is inadequate knowledge on the plantation and conservation of bamboo among farmers within “Island Biodiversity”… from page 4 the Maasin watershed. He also said that there is a big demand for bamboo sticks in the local market programs, lectures, biodiversity skit, film showing, but supply of raw materials is a crucial problem for biodiversity jamming and anime (animal encounter). sustainable production. On the other hand, the ecology walk and the To further gather more information on bamboo and amazing island race were done around the vicinity take a closer look at the bamboo industry in Region of NAPWC. The tour (ecology walk) around 6, the ERDB conducted the project “Gender-Based NAPWC was spearheaded by the Wildlife and Analysis in the Context of Environment and Natural Recreation Center staff with assistance from the Resources”. The Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society, Inc. project aims to develop a gender- (PNPCSI). Tents were pitched at the picnic area, based model in the near the amphitheater. Ma. Vienna O. Austria, context of UFERD knowledge sharing process in the rehabilitation of degraded areas and conservation of the Vol. 8 No. 3 May - June 2014 Contribution from all employees are welcome as per guidelines set in ERDB Memo bamboo resources dated Aug. 31, 2007.The ERDB Info Journal is produced bimonthly in coordination with all from reef to ridge Offices, Divisions and Units of the ERDB. landscapes. Executive Advisers : Portia G. Lapitan Antonio M. Daño The project staff Editorial Adviser : Veronica O. Sinohin Dr. Aurora S. Jose interviews Mr. also visited and Managing Editor : Marla V. Cambay Ernesto Jayona, Plant Supervisor Layout : Liberato A. Bacod during the visit to the project site documented the Circulation : Eduardo M. Tolentino on April 24, 2014. processing plant of Photographer : Gino S. Laforteza bamboo products.

ERDB Info Journal