DENR ERDB Newsletter Vol. 4 No. 3 July - September 2010 Regional Rattan Conference held at Dusit Hotel

he Regional Rattan Conference was held on August 29 to SeptemberT 1, 2010 at Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Centre, Makati City, Philippines. It was organized by the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) in collaboration with the Forest Products Research and Development Participants of the Regional Rattan Conference held on August 29 to September Institute (FPRDI) and the University 1, 2010 at Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Centre, Makati City. Front row (from left) former ERDB Director Celso P. Diaz; Mr. Eriberto C. Argete, DENR Director for Planning and of the Philippines Los Baños College Policy; Mr. Li Qiang, ITTO representative; Dr. Coosje Hoogendoorn, Director General of Forestry and Natural Resources of INBAR; USEC Manuel D. Gerochi, DENR Undersecretary for Staff Bureaus and (UPLBCFNR). This activity was co- Project Management; ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr., Project Director of ITTO sponsored by the International Tropical Rattan Project; Dr. Aida B. Lapis, Deputy Project Director of ITTO Rattan Project; and Timber Organization (ITTO), Foreign Dr. John Dransfield, Honorary Research Fellow at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Assisted and Special Projects Office of the Department of Environment The regional conference was the culminating activity of the ITTO- and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project. It aimed to provide a venue for sharing International Network on Bamboo and successful strategies especially on pilot demonstration establishment Rattan (INBAR) and the Asia Pacific involving communities, villages and government agencies; and present Association of Forestry Research and discuss the outputs of the eight (8) research studies under the Rattan Institutions (APAFRI). Ü next page New RDE agenda crafted at 2nd DENR Research MANCON

“When everyone is in a hurry, we need to keep up with their pace, lest we will be left behind” - this was the tip of ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr.’s message as he urged the participants of the 2nd DENR Research Sector Director’s Engagements July 2010 1 & 2 - REDD+ Workshop, Innotech, Quezon City 6 - Resource Person, DZLB, UPLB Participants of the 2nd DENR Research Sector 26-30 - ASEAN Senior Officials- ASEAN Experts Group (ASOF-AEG) Management Conference held on August 19-20, Conference, Manila Peninsula 2010 at the Heritage Hotel, Pasay City. August 2010 1-7 - Establishment Agreement (EA) of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), Hanoi, Vietnam 17-18 - Climate Change Forum, Heritage Hotel Management Conference (MANCON) held on August 19-20 - MANCON-Research Sector, Heritage Hotel 19-20, 2010 at the Heritage Hotel, Pasay City. Seventy- 24 - Round Table Discussion ASEAN Climate Change Initiative and three (73) participants representing 15 DENR Regional Policy Dialogue, DFA, Manila 27 - Sept. 1 - Rattan Regional Conference, Dusit Thani Hotel offices, ERDB personnel and those coming from other September 2010 DENR sectors. 2-3 - Meeting with Sec. Paje and DTI Sec. with Dr. Coosje Hoogendoorn DG of INBAR re: Phil. Trade Based Agreement to INBAR 10 - Round Table Discussion/Speaker/Moderator/Reactor on In his welcome remarks, Dir. Amaro said that the highest ASEAN Climate Change Initiative (ACCI) priority of research is to draft the new RDE Agenda for 14- 21 & 22 – Deliberation of Budget for CY 2011 Ü next page

INSIDE: n 3 Climate Change Adaptation in the ENR agenda n 3 ASEAN experts converge on herbal and medicinal plants n 4 SYLVATROP conducts 3rd Writeshop n 5 ERDB sponsors Intellectual Property Rights Seminar n 6 ERDB joins Bañamos Festival 2010 n 6 Youth Desk Officers’ Workshop held in Koronadal City n 7 LBSCFI inducts 2010 officers n 8 4th International Conference of ARSA held in Legaspi City n 9 ERDB personnel attend MGB GADFPS seminar n 10 FORESPI announces Search for 2010 Outstanding Scientist/Researcher Awards n 10 ERDB launches 2 new books on rattan 2 Vol. 4 No. 3

Regional Rattan ... from page 1 Contact Persons; results and outputs of the researches conducted under the RRGP by the respective Project Research Grant Program (RRGP) of this project and Leaders; “Experiences in the Establishment of Rattan the research gaps and other researchable areas on Pilot Demonstration in Southeast Asia”; an Assessment rattan production aspects and utilization technologies. Report of the ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project”; Moreover, it provided the opportunity in presenting the discussion of the sustainability of the project through strengths and weaknesses in the project implementation, the concept proposal titled “Small-hold Rattan-based insights and experiences. Enterprise Development in Asia and the Pacific”; and the declaration of commitment of the Participating SEA The conference was attended by 36 participants Member Countries on Sustainability of Rattans in the composed of the following: ASEAN Contact Persons and Region 2010 which was signed by rattan scientists, Project Leaders coming from five (5) ASEAN member professionals and practitioners. countries broken down as follows: 2 participants from Indonesia, 1 each from Lao PDR, Myanmar and Another highlight of the conference was the launching of Thailand, and 6 from the host, Philippines; Project the books on rattan namely: “A Field Guide to Philippine Steering Committee (PSC) Members; resource and Rattans” and “The ASEAN Rattans” authored by Dr. guest speakers; and project staff. Lapis and Dir. Amaro, respectively. The Rattan ASEAN database was also presented during the conference. The resource persons were composed of Dr. John Project Management Team, ITTO-Philippines - Dransfield, an Honorary Research Fellow at Royal ASEAN Rattan Project Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Dr. Florentino O. Tesoro, Technical Consultant of the ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN New RDE agenda ... from page 1 Rattan Project. Their topics discussed were “How many rattans are there?” and “Rattan RDE Directions for the 2011-2016. He also recalled USEC Gerochi’s previous Next Decade”, respectively. statement that research results generated should benefit humanity.

Director Amaro presented the Research Sector’s Thrust for 2011-2016 based on the draft NRDPP on ENR and the DENR Framework for 2011-2016.

The Director also showed the relationship of the DENR Secretary’s 6-point Reform Agenda of the DENR on: 1) Clean air, 2) Clean water and address the garbage problem, 3) Productive management of forestlands, 4) Climate change mitigation, adaptation and anticipation, 5) Protection of marine resources and 6) Anti-corruption.

In his discussion, the Research Sectors’ Thrust is two-pronged: Environment and Natural Resources. For the Environment the following were identified: 1) Management and disposal of solid waste (including DENR Undersecretary Manuel D. Gerochi (third toxic and hazardous waste; 2) Treating liquid waste to from left) hands over the plaque of appreciation to improve water quality; and 3) Improving air quality and Dr. Coosje Hoogendoorn, Director General of INBAR controlling air pollutants. and Mr. Li Qiang, ITTO representative. Also in photo is ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. (rightmost). For the Natural Resources, the thrusts were as follows: 1) Forest production; 2) Land conservation and Gracing the opening activity of the training were Hon. management, allocation and valuation; 3) Management of Manuel D. Gerochi, Undersecretary for Staff Bureaus freshwater and improve its productivity; 4) Conservation and Project Management of the DENR; Dr. Coosje and management of marine and coastal resources; Hoogendoorn, Director General of INBAR; and Mr. 5) Improved mining and rehabilitation of mined-out/ Li Qiang, ITTO representative. The rationale of the degraded Areas; 6) Conservation of biodiversity through conference was discussed by Dr. Aida B. Lapis, Deputy effective management of protected areas; and 7) Climate Project Director of the ITTO-Philippine Rattan Project change mitigation and adaptation. while Dr. Armando M. Palijon presented the composition of the participants. For each RDE item, the following impacts were envisioned: sustainable management of resources for The highlights of the conference included the the benefit of the common tao; provide livelihood and presentations of the following: country reports on the pilot address poverty reduction. demonstration establishment by the respective ASEAN Ü page 5

ERDB News Vol. 4 No. 3 3

Climate Change Adaptation in the ENR agenda

he struggle against the widespread issue on climate During the forum-workshop, Director Amaro of ERDB gave change is now under the control of the environment the welcome remarks while Hon. Heherson T. Alvarez, sectorT of the society. Vice Chair of the Climate Change Commission presented the Copenhagen Report and the National Framework The leadership of the Ecosystems Research and Strategy for Climate Change. On the topic “Climate Change Development Bureau (ERDB), the research arm of the Adaptation: R & D Issues”, Dr. Rodel D. Lasco, Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources Programme Coordinator of the World Agroforestry Centre (DENR), conducted a “Forum cum Workshop on (ICRAF) presented the paper “Lessons Learned on CCA Research, Development and Extension (RDE) on Practices and Experience in the Philippines”. Climate Change Adaptation” last August 17-18, 2010 at the Heritage Hotel, Pasay City. Furthermore, Dr. Diomedis A. Racelis, Associate Dean and Associate Professor of UPLB-CFNR discussed the Headed by ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr., the paper “Utilization of Natural Resources for CCA (Climate forum-workshop is a joint collaborative endeavor of the Change Adaptation)”. Ms. Mayumi Quintos of the Forest ERDB and the DENR-German Technical Cooperation Management Bureau tackled the topic “Reducing Emissions (GTZ)-assisted Project – Adaptation to Climate Change from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) in and Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCBio) thru the Developing Countries. Foreign Assisted Special Projects Office of the DENR. Director Amaro noted that “through this workshop, In addition, Dr. Honorato G. Palis, Program Leader of the we can chisel out a better defined role of Research that ERDB Banner Program on Climate Change Adaptation and will firm up thrusts in addressing climate change issues Mitigation presented the REDD+ R & D Programs in the through science-based approaches appropriate to Philippines. various ecosystems”. The topic on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) was The agenda’s focus was on “adaptation”, the anchor discussed by Dir. Juan Miguel T. Cuna, Director of the strategy where mitigation concerns are included. This Environmental Management Bureau of the DENR and was patterned after the National Framework Strategy on CDM Secretariat. Dr. Lelila C. America, Acting Director of Climate Change 2010-2022. FERD, PCARRD-DOST talked about the topic “PCARRD- Ü next page

resources. He likewise underlined the importance of the ASEAN experts converge spirit of ASEAN unity in strengthening cooperation in on herbal and medicinal forestry sector. Dr. Graciano P. Yumul, Jr., Undersecretary of the plants Department of Science and Technology of the Philippines delivered the opening remarks. He expressed his he Thirteenth Meeting of the ASEAN Experts Group appreciation to all distinguished high-level and senior (AEG) on Herbal and Medicinal Plants was held officials of the Ministry of Environment and Natural onT 26 – 27 July 2010 at The Peninsula in Makati City, Resources, Ministry of Forestry and other relevant Philippines. international forestry agencies for the active participation in the 13th ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry (ASOF) The meeting was attended by delegates from ASEAN and its related meetings. He hoped that the AEG Meetings Nations composed of: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, will be enjoyable and will have a productive output to Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines strengthen ASEAN cooperation in the forestry sector. and the ASEAN Secretariat. A representative from the He also wished that through a better cooperation and Republic of Korea was also present as an observer. understanding among ASEAN Member States (AMS), the regional block will synergize towards developing its forest Mr. Marlo D. Mendoza, Director of the Forest Management products resources, building its knowledge capacity and Bureau (FMB), DENR delivered the welcome remarks. In exploiting innovation gains to become competitive in the his speech, he welcomed all the delegates of the meeting global market. and noted that ASEAN regional cooperation becomes more imperative due to the increasing challenges Mr. Demetrio L. Ignacio, Jr., Undersecretary of the confronting the forestry sector on a regional and global Department of Environment and Natural Resources level. He also highlighted the important key issues under (DENR) of the Philippines delivered the keynote speech. ASEAN cooperation in forestry which include Sustainable He recalled that the forests provide a variety of economic, Forest Management (SFM) and conservation of natural Ü page 9

ERDB News 4 Vol. 4 No. 3

SYLVATROP conducts 3rd Writeshop

he Sylvatrop Editorial Board (SEB) through its writeshop. Among them are five (5) writers from the Official Representatives composed of FMB, EMB, DENR Regional Office (three (3) from ERDS Region 6 LMB,T ERDB, MGB, PAWB, LLDA, NAMRIA, OSEC and and two from the ERDS Region 8). Also present were DENR-HRDS conducted its 3rd Sylvatrop Writeshop the official representatives of the Board and editorial on August 31 to staff who served September 4, 2010 at as Advisers and the Hotel Dominique Secretariat in the in Tagaytay City. said activity.

The objective of The activity was the writeshop was formally opened by to generate articles the SEB Chair and for publication in the concurrent ERDB future issues of the OIC Assistant Sylvatrop Journal Director, Forester (2011 and beyond). Levi V. Florido The writeshop was and the Vice intended for the Chair and Deputy DENR personnel Director of the who needed time Remote Sensing and proper venue to Department of the prepare the articles National Mapping for the journal. There and Resource were nineteen (19) Information technical writers from Authority the DENR Bureaus, (NAMRIA), attached agencies Dir. Jose C. and offices who Participants of the 3rd Sylvatrop Writeshop held on August 31 Cabanayan, Jr. partipated in the to September 4, 2010 at the Hotel Dominique in Tagaytay City. The opening program was followed by a Review of the Basic Climate Change Adaptation ... from page 3 Statistical Concepts and Some Applications to ENR Research Analysis by Dr. Leuvina M. Tandug. The purpose of the lecture was to provide a framework for the DOST Climate Change R & D Agenda. Lastly, Ms. Agnes discussion of the statistical theory and methods which Balota, Senior Adviser, ACCBio Project, GTZ Philippines can be used in the preparation and implementation discussed the paper on CABI. The Facilitator Chair of the of R & D project/studies on environment and natural ERDB Technical Committee was Ms. Rosa Pilipinas J. resources (ENR). Fadri-Francisco. The next day was devoted to the lecture Part I - “Writing The forum-workshop was attended by DENR key officials, for the Sylvatrop Technical Journal” by Mr. Eliseo M. and Regional Technical Directors for research, and focal Baltazar, OIC Chief, Technology Development Division persons of various agencies like research institutions, (TDD) and Editor of the Sylvatrop Journal. He explained funding agencies and the academe. the standard content and structure of writing a technical article. He also gave tips on how to shorten research The cost-effective RDE programs and strategies reports. Part 2 of the lecture was on “How to Prepare implemented by the DENR are hoping to increase the a Manuscript” by Ms. Liberty E. Asis. The succeeding communities’ resilience and adaptive capacity against session was the writing proper. the potential impacts of climate variability and change. The outcome of the forum-workshop is the integrated Moreover, Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. graced the RDE Framework on ENR for FY 2011-2016 by cluster as occasion and shared an inspirational message with the follows: 1) Northern Luzon, 2) Southern Luzon, 3) Visayas, participants. 4) Northwestern Mindanao and , 5) Southern Mindanao. The major output of the writeshop was the 20 research Director Amaro also stressed that “we really need to articles which were presented by the participants for embark on more projects and it is not just the ERDB but possible publication in the Sylvatrop Journal. Carmelita this should involve our Regional Research offices and even G. Reyes, TDD other institutions as well particularly in gathering baseline data and information pertinent to observations on climate change impacts or changes in our country”. Dianne Marie F. Cunanan, TDD ERDB News Vol. 4 No. 3 5

ERDB sponsors Intellectual Property Rights Seminar

he ERDB through the Technology Development DivisionT (TDD) held its Monthly Technical Seminar Series (MTSS) at the ERDB Auditorium on August 11, 2010. The seminar was titled “Intellectual Property: Current Policies and Implications to the RDI, Copyright and Patents”.

ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. gave the welcome remarks during the Engr. Luwin M. dela Concha (2nd from left), opening program. He said that for many years that ERDB Intellectual Property Rights Specialist III and guest has existed, it had generated many technologies and speaker during the Monthly Technical Seminar the problem is on how we are going to proceed with the Series held on August 11, 2010 at the ERDB commercialization of these technologies. Auditorium. Also in photo are (from left) ERDB

Asst. Director Levi V. Florido, Director Marcial C. Mr. Baltazar, Chief of TDD and moderator introduced the Amaro, Jr. and TDD Chief Mr. Eliseo M. Baltazar. guest speaker, Engr. Luwin M. dela Concha, Intellectual Property Rights Specialist III of the Intellectual Property Office in Makati City. Engr. Dela Concha discussed the Current IP Policy and Implications to RDIS. He also He also explained the requisites for a patent. explained Republic Act No. 10055 (otherwise known as the Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009). Engr. dela Concha further identified the 10 Things you Ought to Know about Copyright. The topics were as In his lecture, Engr. dela Concha defined Republic Act follows: What is copyright?; Why do we protect copyright?; 10055 as “an act providing the framework and support How do we protect copyright?; How is copyright acquired?; system for the ownership, management, use and What is protected by copyrights?; What are the rights commercialization of intellectual property generated by under copyright?; Who owns the copyright?; How long the government and for other purposes”. It was signed into does protection last?; Is there limitation to copyright?. law on March 23, 2010 and took effect on May 9, 2010. He further defined the Objectives of the Law, Main Features Director Amaro mentioned that aside from the ETRB of the Law, Key Provisions, Coverage, Ownership of IPs, (ERDB Technical Review Board) another review Board Revenue Sharing, Role of IP Philippines, Products and should be created in ERDB to look into the potential of Services. He further mentioned the 3 Requirements of their technologies for patenting under IPR. Patenting including Novelty, Inventive Step and Industrial Applicability. He likewise enumerated the reasons why During the closing remarks, Asst. Director Levi Florido we need to promote and protect IP as follows: (1) reward thanked the resource person, Engr. dela Concha in behalf of talented individuals through the grant of exclusive rights ERDB. He noted the importance of Republic Act 10055 which for use, sell, license, export their products; (2) encourage gives importance to research particularly on the technologies a culture of creation and innovation among Filipinos; (3) that need to be commercialized. He likewise enjoined the help create new jobs; (4) increase the country’s economic researchers to devote their time in the preparation of the growth and (5) enhance the quality and enjoyment of life. documents needed for the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) accreditation. Marla V. Cambay, TDD

The presentation of outputs of the RTDs for research New RDE agenda from page 2 ... and their staff followed. The Technical Directors for Research (Regions 1-12, NCR, CAR and Caraga) The priority RDE Programs for 2011-2016 as presented their Regional RDE Framework on ENR for discussed by Director Amaro are as follows: 1) RDE on 2011-2016. Climate Change, 2) RDE on Sustainable Upland and Coastal Areas, 3) RDE addressing Water Resources Dr. Aida B. Lapis presented the output of the Climate Management, 4) Development of Standards/ Change Adaptation RDE Forum-Workshop. Dr. Technologies on Land Disposition, Allocation, Land Honorato G. Palis discussed the topic “R & D on Use and Management, and 5) Technology Transfer Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest and Commercialization Program. Degradation Plus (REDD+) “. Marla V. Cambay, TDD

ERDB News 6 Vol. 4 No. 3

ERDB joins Bañamos Festival 2010

nce again ERDB joined this year’s parade during the 9th BañamosO festival in Los Baños, Laguna on Sept. 18, 2010. The parade coincided with the celebration of the 395th founding anniversary of the town of Los Baños.

The parade started from Trace College and ended up at the UPLB Freedom Park. One hundred seventy- one government agencies from UPLB and other civic organizations within Los Baños and other guests joined the activity. ERDB participants doing the “kembot “ dance move at the UPLB Freedom Park during the Bañamos Festival parade in Los Baños, This year’s celebration was led by Laguna. the Los Baños municipal government headed by the newly elected Mayor Anthony Genuino. Another activity during the parade was the “kembot” (swing The theme of this year’s anniversary is “A Celebration of with hips) dance move where each group of participants Life, Talents and Skills: Facing Progress Towards a New was required to dance to the tune of a song originally Los Baños.” composed by Mr. Andrew E. (famous Filipino artist) which was titled “Los Baños Kembot Song” at designated dance Among the visitors present were UPLB Chancellor stations. Seven “kembot” dance stations were built from Luis Rey Velasco, Congressman Justin Chipeco, Trace College up to the UPLB Freedom Park. former PAGCOR Chair Ephraim Genuino, former Los Baños Mayor and now Laguna Vice Governor Caesar Other activities were the skydiving and drill exhibition Perez, 2nd District of Laguna Board Member Neil by the Philippine National Police, awarding of the most Andrew Nocon and Los Baños Vice Mayor Josephine outstanding citizens of Los Baños and unveiling of the new Sumangil. Los Baños seal. Marla V. Cambay, ERDB

Youth Desk Officers’ Workshop held in Koronadal City

he Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Youth Desk Officers Annual Assessment WorkshopT was held on July 6-10, 2010 at the Del Rio Splash Resort in Koronadal City. The workshop was hosted by the DENR Regional Office-12. This year’s workshop focused on the theme “Be the Change: New Solutions for the Youth.”

Seventy-three (73) Youth Desk Officers (YDOs) participated in the said workshop which were composed of 14 YDOs from the DENR Central office, bureaus and attached agencies and 59 YDOs from the DENR regional offices.

The five-day activity aimed to: (1) assess the regional youth programs/projects/activities and identify priority plans and programs for CY 2011; (2) know and learn the experiences Participants of the DENR Youth Desk Officers’ on the youth activities/projects of other stakeholders; (3) have Annual Assessment Workshop held on July 6-10, field exposure on the community-based youth programs 2010 at the Del Rio Splash Resort in Koronadal in relation to protection and conservation of the natural City. Ü next page

ERDB News Vol. 4 No. 3 7

os Baños Science Community LBSCFI inducts The symposium likewise gave LFoundation Inc. (LBSCFI) way to the video presentation of inducted its members as part three (3) winning papers for the of the 2010 LBSC-NSTW R & 2010 officers LBSCFI Outstanding Research D (Los Baños Science and Development Community- National Awards. The PARRFI R Science and Technology & D Awards (Research Week Research Category) was given to and Development) Antonio J. Alcantara, Symposium on July 27, Moises A. Dorado, 2010 at the SEARCA Eduardo V. Casa and (Southeast Asian Raquel S. Huliganga Regional Center for of the University of Graduate Studies and the Philippines at Los Research in Agriculture) Baños for their research Auditorium in Los Baños, titled “Performance of Laguna. This year’s Anaerobic Digesters theme is “Filipinnovation: in Small-to Medium- The Way Forward”. The new DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo (left corner) Scale Swine Farms leads the oath taking of Heads and representatives of in Calumpang River The LBSCFI is a unique LBSC member-agencies. Watershed Batangas, organization in the Philippines”. Philippines consisting of 22 public and private development institutions in Los Baños with diverse, yet complementary The second awardee of the Elvira O. Tan Memorial Award strengths in the sciences, arts, business and social services. for Best Published Paper in Marine Fisheries was awarded to the paper titled “A Pilot Study on the Genetic Variation LBSCFI’s member-agencies include the Ecosystems of Eastern Little Tuna (Euthynnus affinis) in Southeast Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), ASEAN Asia” by Mudjekeewi D. Santos, Grace V. Lopez and Center for Biodiversity (ACB), UP Open University Noel C. Barut of the National Fisheries Research and (UPOU), UPLB Foundation Inc (UPLBFI), University Development Institute and Ateneo de Manila University. of the Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB), SEARCA (Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Studies The last winning paper was titled “A Genetic Change and Research in Agriculture), Philippine Rice Research during Mass Selection for Growth in Nile Tilapia, Institute (Philrice), Philippine High School for the Arts, Oreochomis niloticus (L) assessed by Microsatellite”, by Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), BPI-Los Baños Ma. Rowena R. Romana – Eguia, Minow Ikeda, Zubaida National Crop Research Development Center (NCRDC), U. Basiao, and Nobuhiko Tanaguchi of the Southeast Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region Asian Fisheries Development Center, Tohuku University. IV, Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), International Rice Research Institute A representative from the International Rice Research (IRRI), Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), Institute (IRRI) gave the opening remarks in behalf of Dr. Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU), Laguna Robert S. Zeigler, IRRI Director. In his speech, Dr. Zeigler Water District, Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), relinquished the presidency of LBSCFI to the UPOU Los Baños LGU, Los Baños Freshwater Fisheries (UP Open University). During his 2-year term, Dr. Zeigler Research Station, Philippine Agriculture and Resources enumerated IRRI’s accomplishments for the LBSCFI Research Foundation (PARRFI), Philippine Council for projects such as the math enhancement for school teachers Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and the mitigation of biodegradable waste through sustained and Development (PCARRD) and Philippine Council implementation of the solid waste management program for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development and home-based enterprise. (PCAMRD). Ü next page

youth is an instrument and pillar of change. They have a role Youth Desk Officers’ from page 6 ... to play in developing our remaining natural resources.) resources and environment; (4) make critical analysis on the Youth ENR programs/projects/activities and plans; and (5) DENR XII Youth Desk Officer Dr. Noel V. Dungca who draw recommendations for an effective implementation of came from the host region welcomed the participants. He DENR Youth program. stressed that the creation of the Youth Desk in the DENR structure plays a vital role in coordinating and facilitating Regional Technical Director Sacaruddin L. Magarang gave youth environmental and natural resources awareness and the message about the role of youth as a catalyst for change education. Ms. Magnolia Q. Danganan, DENR National Youth in behalf of Regional Executive Director Raquil-Ali M. Lucm. Desk Officer cited that the DENR Youth Desk functions as a He said, “Ang mga kabataan ay instrumento at haligi ng “one-stop-shop” to coordinate and monitor youth activities, pagbabago. Sila ay may papel na ginagampanan upang issues and concerns significant to environment and natural mapaunlad ang ating mga natitirang likas yaman.” (The resources sector. “The youth can be tapped to become the Ü page 9

ERDB News 8 Vol. 4 No. 3

Two (2) major activities were undertaken in this 4th International conference, namely: (a) the 3-day presentation of various papers, 5 keynote papers and 87 papers in Conference of ARSA held the parallel sessions; and (b) one-day sociological familiarization tours in Albay (San Miguel Island; in Legaspi City Putsan, Tiwi; Malinao-Paraputo Road; Mayon Rest House; Cobo Cutleries; Cagsawa Ruins; and Lignon he 4th International Conference of the Asian Hill Viewdeck and Park). The five (5) keynote papers Rural Sociology Association (ARSA) was held on discussed were: SeptemberT 7-10, 2010 at Bicol University, Legaspi City, Philippines with the theme “The Multidimensionality of 1. Emerging Trends in Rural Sociology in Asia by Economy, Energy and Environmental Crises and their Dr. Lutgarda L. Tolentino, Director, Agroforestry Implications to the Rural Livelihoods.” The said conference and Associate Professor of Agricultural Systems was attended and participated in by Dr. Aurora S. Jose, Cluster, UPLB Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), 2. Socioeconomic Reality of Agricultural/Rural Department Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Development and Rural Sociologist’s Roles in Globalizing Era by Dr. Yoshio Kawamura, President, This conference served as a forum to: (1) share experiences Japan Association for Rural Studies and Professor in implementing innovative rural development programs of Agricultural/Rural Development Economics, in response to the energy, economic and environmental Faculty of Economics, Ryukoku University, Japan crises in Asia; (2) discuss the role of rural sociology in the 3. The DBP Forest Program: Responding to the Call energy, economic and environmental discourse; and (3) for Environmental Protection and Poverty Alleviation discuss the climate change issues and their impacts to the by Ms. Aurora C. Maghirang, Senior Assistant Vice- rural livelihoods. To achieve the objectives, the conference President, Development Bank of the Philippines, was structured with plenary and concurrent simultaneous Makati City, Philippines paper presentations. The oral presentation revolved 4. Climate Change, Energy, and Rural Livelihoods: around the following sub-themes: Planning for Resilience by Graeme Lang and Joan Chow, Department of Asian and International l Innovative rural development programs in response to Studies, City University of Hongkong energy, economic and environmental crises; 5. Agribusiness and Public Policies: Navigating the l Locating rural sociology in energy, economic and Dramatic Changes in the Agri-Food Systems in the environmental discourse; and Asia-Pacific Region by Mr. Jayson Cainglet, AAI- l Climate change issues and their impacts to the rural Asia Knowledge Network and International Studies livelihoods. Department, Miriam College, Philippines

One hundred twenty-eight (128) participants from Asian In the simultaneous/parallel sessions held on Sept. countries attended the said conference broken down as 7-18, 2010, eighty-seven (87) delegates presented their follows: 44 Japanese, 36 Filipinos, 25 Thais and the rest research results revolving on the various themes which of the 23 delegates were from Malaysia, Korea, and Laos. deal with rural development.

In this conference, Dr. Jose presented the paper entitled All abstract of papers and keynotes were compiled in the “Vulnerability Assessment to Environmental Changes “Book of Abstracts” prepared by ARSA. The knowledge of Watershed Areas in Sta. Maria, Laguna, Philippines.” gained was the application of the results of scientific The paper highlighted the results of the vulnerability inquiry to the improvement of the quality of rural life. At assessment of Sta. Maria watershed to environmental the same time, the experiences through the exchange of changes. It also addressed the question on what factors ideas on their generated scientific findings capacitated contribute to the vulnerability of the watershed areas, and the participants in the diverse fields. Aurora S. Jose, the strategies and policies that need to be developed to FERD. cope with the environmental changes.

LBSCFI inducts ... from page 7 Dr. Melinda Lumanta, UPOU’s Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration delivered the acceptance speech in behalf Dr. Patricio S. Faylon, PCARRD Executive Director introduced of UPOU’s Chancellor Grace Javier Alfonso. In her speech, the keynote speaker in the person of Hon. Secretary Mario Dr. Lumanta thanked the UPLBCFI for the confidence given G. Montejo, the new Secretary of the Department of Science to the UPOU. She also mentioned UPOU’s challenge in and Technology (DOST). In his address, the new DOST making projects accessible to people especially the offering Secretary mentioned his advocacy for the development of of courses on educational videos for public elementary science and technology. Being an engineering graduate and high school students to equip the teachers. He also of UP Dilliman and also an inventor himself, he mentioned congratulated the Best Paper awardees and expressed about his vision to have our own local mass transit system their continued support to researchers. Finally, the Vice and to develop our own windmill. Secretary Montejo likewise Chancellor gave gratitude to the LBSCFI and looked forward mentioned DOST’s vision for making science and technology in making Los Baños a model community where scientific work for the people especially for those who have less in life. knowledge is put to serve the people. Ü page 10

ERDB News Vol. 4 No. 3 9

Other participants present in the seminar were the official ERDB personnel attend representatives from various DENR offices, bureaus and attached agencies. While the MGB geologists and experts MGB GADFPS seminar served as the resource persons.

The lectures presented provided the participants a bird’s eye view of the importance of geology specifically rocks, minerals and fossil fuels to people’s daily lives. The common types of geohazards like earthquake, volcanic-related, landslides and flooding were discussed and why these occur in a geohard- prone country like the Philippines. Geohazards, according to the experts, are frequently occurring in the country because of its geographic location within the Circum-Pacific Ring of Fire, where earth’s movements are active. Other reasons for these events are the presence of numerous active faults, trenches, volcanic belts, active volcanoes, generally mountainous terrain and steep slopes. Numerous typhoons and extended rainy seasons exacerbated by silted rivers and clogged waterways in urban areas, denuded forests and poor selection of settlement sites are the best ingredients for a great disaster. The seminar emphasized the prevention The participants of the seminar “Role of Mining and and mitigation measures needed when the three commonly Geology in Everyday Living” held on July 15, 2010 at experienced natural hazards in the country strike. the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Diliman, Quezon Ctiy. MGB has widen their information and education campaign by providing geohazard maps and posters to the local government units and conducting conferences in villages that RDB’s continued efforts to strengthen GAD are hazard-prone. They involve the local government and awareness among its personnel gave the opportunity local people because they believe that the bits of information toE four women staff, namely, Juliana B. Zuñiga, Rowena are the most potent tool to help save lives and properties Paulina C. Payuan, Vienna O. Austria and Carmelita G. when geohazards happen. Reyes to attend the GADFPS-sponsored seminar on “Role of Mining and Geology in Everyday Living” held on After the seminar the participants were given a short geologic July 15, 2010 at the Crispin Hall, PetroLab, Mines and tour around the MGB museum and laboratory facilities for Geosciences Bureau, North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon another educational and new experience on gender and City. development. Carmelita G. Reyes, TDD

Youth desk officers’ ... from page 7 for the calendar year 2011. A critical review and analysis of these accomplishments and work plans were made by the agent of change as well as the recipient of any development Sectoral Youth Desk Officers. intervention”. The activity was also highlighted with field trips, as follows: Mr. Antonio Veneracion, District Governor of Rotary Lake Sebu and Seven Falls at the Municipality of Sebu; the International District 3860 presented the Rotary’s Program Environmental Conservation and Protection Center at the for the Youth in the Visayas-Mindanao Area. Mr. Veneracion Provincial Capitol, Alabel, Sarangani Province; and Barangay mentioned the various activities of the youth such as: Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province. Aurora S. Jose, FERD adopt-a-mangrove project, agroforestry, marine sanctuary development and nursery establishment. These projects ASEAN experts ... from page 3 are geared towards environmental protection and a notable accomplishment in empowering the youth sector. social and ecological services like timber and non timber forest products, livelihood, medicine, water, food, habitat Other topics discussed were: Development Interventions for people and animals and carbon sequestration to of Private/Business Organizations in the Youth Sector and mitigate climate change. On the other hand, forestry SMI Mining Policy and Updates by Mr. Ismael Ngitngit is faced with the challenge of the increasing demand of Sagittarius Mines, Incorporated in Tampakan, South for goods and services and growing population. It was Cotabato; and Development Interventions of Indigenous mentioned that there is the need for the development of People’s Youth: The T’boli Youth by Municipal Environment forest products in the region to fulfill the demand of goods and Natural Resources Officer Arnulfo Manaay of T’boli, and services from the forest. South Cotabato. Ms. Neria A. Andin, Assistant Director of the FMB-DENR, Regional Youth Desk Officers from Regions 1 to13 including introduced the exhibit that was jointly developed by the CAR & NCR presented their 2009 DENR Youth Program Forest Products Research and Development Institute accomplishment reports and the work and financial plan Ü page 10

ERDB News 10 Vol. 4 No. 3

FORESPI announces Search LBSCFI inducts ... from page 8 SEARCA Director Dr. Gil Saguiguit, Jr. gave the closing for 2010 Outstanding remarks. He congratulated the winners of the Best Paper Scientist/Researcher Awards. He likewise thanked the outgoing President for a job well done and for ably leading the LBSCFI for the past Awards two years.

he Forests and Natural Resources Research Society The Philippine High School for the Arts rendered the doxology of the Philippines, Inc. (FORESPI) announced its and intermission numbers with a song and piano and violin SearchT for the 2010 Outstanding FORESPI Scientist/ presentations, respectively during the program. The master Researcher Awards. The Best Scientist Awards are in of ceremonies was Mr. Mario M. Movillon, Manager of the field of forest production, forest utilization, and socio- Philrice Los Baños. Marla V. Cambay, TDD economic and policy research in two categories – scientists who are 41 years old and above, and junior scientists who ASEAN experts ... from page 9 are below 41 years old by November 25, 2010. of the Department of Science and Technology (FPRDI- DOST) and the three bureaus of the DENR, namely: The set of criteria for evaluation nominees is as follows: 1) Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), professional competence, 2) productivity output, 3) other Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) and Forest impact-significant achievements in R & D and S & T and, Management Bureau (FMB). The exhibit shows the 4) personality traits. Philippine initiatives to pursue environmental and natural resources development, rehabilitation and protection The awardee for each field category will receive five while ensuring the improvement of the socio-economic thousand pesos (P5,000) and a plaque. Each nominee will conditions of stakeholders. be given a Certificate of Recognition. Mr. Marcial C. Amaro Jr., Director of ERDB-DENR of the The deadline for the submission of nominees is on October Philippines and Mr. Joffre bin Haji Ali Ahmad, Forestry 15, 2010. As for the guidelines and criteria for evaluation Officer, Forestry Department, Ministry of Industry of nominees as well as the recommended template of and Primary Resources of Brunei Darussalam were curriculum vitae, interested parties can contact the Office unanimously elected as Chair and Vice-Chair of the of the Director, ERDB. Marla V. Cambay, TDD Meeting, respectively, in the absence of delegates from Thailand and Vietnam.

ERDB The 14th ASOF and AEG meeting on herbal and medicinal plants was scheduled to be held in Thailand next year launches 2011. Marla V. Cambay, TDD

2 new to disseminate pertinent resource information on ASEAN rattans. The publication presents general information books on about each of the 10 ASEAN countries and showcases their non-timber forest products and their rattan resources rattan including their taxonomy, distribution, ecology and uses. Marla V. Cambay, TDD

wo new books were launched on rattan titled “A Field Guide to Philippine Rattans” and “The ASEAN DENR ERDB Newsletter Rattans”T authored by Dr. Aida B. Lapis and Dir. Marcial C. Vol. 4 No. 3 July - September 2010 Amaro Jr., respectively. The launching was done on August Contributions from all employees are welcome as per guidelines 30, 2010 at the Boardroom of the 2nd Floor of Dusit Thani set in ERDB Memo. dated Aug. 31, 2007. This Newsletter is produced Hotel, Ayala Center, Makati City. quarterly in coordination with all Offices, Divisions and Units of the ERDB. Dr. Aida B. Lapis, Supervising Research Specialist of Executive Adviser : Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. ERDB and Deputy Project Director of the ITTO-Philippine Rattan Project authored the first book “A Field Guide to Editorial Adviser : Eliseo M. Baltazar Philippine Rattans”. The book is a visual guide to identifying Managing Editor : Marla V. Cambay most of the Philippine rattans. It is also intended to suggest Assistant Editor : Carmelita G. Reyes the improved management of rattans in the Philippines. Layout : Liberato A. Bacod

Proofreading/ : Flora B. Palicpic The second book “The ASEAN Rattans” was written Circulation Eduardo M. Tolentino by ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro Jr., and Project Printing : Celso A. Luna Director of the ITTO-Philippine Rattan Project. It intends Photography : Gino S. Laforteza

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