ERDB Bimonthly Newsletter

What’s Inside ERDB INFO JOURNAL Vol 10 No. 5 September - October 2016

2 Manila City Youth, ERDB conduct Nilad planting activity in Intramuros, Manila

29 UPLB CFNR students visit ERDB for exposure to extension activities

3 Phil-WAVES conducts seminar on valuation

ERDB conducts seminar on the 2016 Elderly Filipino Week celebration ERDB commits in reforestation 4 ERDB joins “Walk for Life” at SM Mall of Asia and helping the IP community

Signing proper of the memorandum of the tripartite agreement for the establishment of the 240-ha NGP ERDB staff paper at plantation using indigenous forest tree species inside the FRMMR (Signatories: Judge Virgilio Caballero, Dir. EDSA Shangri-La Hotel Henry Adornado, and LTC Eugenio Batara)

The Ecosystems attended the event at the The signatories of Research and Development Bulwagan ng Katutubo ng the agreement, Dir. Henry 5 BCWERC RegionVI wins Bureau (ERDB) together Pilipinas, Brgy. Doña Josefa in Adornado (ERDB), Judge 1st place in the ENR with the 7th Infantry Division Palayan City, Nueva Ecija. Virgilio Caballero (BESTI), and Statistical Quiz Contest (ID) of the Philippine Army 2016 next page and Bacao Ecological Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BESTI) inked the 6 Los Baños community tripartite agreement for ERDB joins 98th UPLB’s Loyalty celebrates 13th Pista ng the establishment of the Kapaligiran 240-ha NGP plantation Day 2016 parade using indigenous forest tree species inside the Fort ERDB conducts seminar Ramon Magsaysay Military One hundred ten (110) The theme of this year’s on GSIS benefits for new Reservation (FRMMR) on UPLB alumni who are ERDB celebration is “Rekindling the employees and pre- September 6, 2016. employees joined the loyalty UPLB Spirit in the Service of retirement age day parade on Oct. 10, 2016 Humanity”. Execom members The reforestation activity at the UPLB grounds. next page is in compliance with EO 26, the implementation of the 7 BCWERC VIII distributes National Greening Program IEC posters on Invasive Alien Species to LGUs and (NGP). It is a means to attain POs in Mahagnao biodiversity conservation and Natural Park, , protection, poverty reduction, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Representatives from 8 BCWERC conducts FGD the abovementioned parties in Bohol and Negros involved in the agreement Oriental were the local government unit (LGU) of Doña Josefa, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Nueva Ecija, and the planters from the IP The ERDB group during the presentation in the 98th UPLB Loyalty community in the barangay Day Celebration on Oct. 10, 2016. 2 Vol. 10 No. 5

Manila City Youth, ERDB conduct Nilad planting activity in Intramuros, Manila

ERDB’s TTD Chief Ms. Veronica O. Sinohin, Intramuros Administration OIC Engr. Ramil Tibayan, and Manila City YDWB OIC Mr. Avelino C. Rivera with the Manila City Youth members and other participants during the Nilad Kalinga Activity.

As part of the celebration of the 31st to officially launch the project. Further, Committed on reforestation...from page 1 founding anniversary of the Manila City ERDB’s Technology Transfer Division Youth and Development Welfare Bureau Chief Ms. Veronica Sinohin who handled LTC Eugenio Batara (7th ID, Philippine (YDWB), a Nilad planting activity titled the Nilad propagation project in 1996 gave Army) in behalf of MGen Angelito “NILAD KALINGA” was conducted on a short lecture and provided technical De Leon of the Armed Forces of the October 12, 2016 at the ASEAN Garden, assistance on proper Nilad propagation. Philipppines, expressed their gratitude Intramuros, Manila. It was an effort to and full cooperation in the project. Dir. Twenty-two symbolic Nilad Adornado highlighted that under the propagate more Nilad plants in Manila propagules were planted by around 50 and to relive its historic value to the city. expanded and enhanced NGP, provision out-of-school youths who participated in of food security and additional income Before the actual planting, a the activity. The Intramuros Administration to the community will be strengthened short program was held. Intramuros with the assistance of the ERDB and the by intercropping agricultural crops in the Administration OIC Engr. Ramil Tibayan Urban, Toxic Substances, and Hazardous NGP sites where indigenous forest tree welcomed the participants to the event Wastes Research Center (UTHRC) will species will be planted. He also related with a brief sharing on the relevance of continuously monitor the growth of the the characteristics of the katutubos to the Nilad in Manila City history. YDWB OIC Nilad propagules planted in the area. indigenous forest species who are very Mr. Avelino Rivera was also in attendance Melanie N. Ojeda, TTD resilient. Moreover, Judge Caballero sees 29 UPLB CFNR students visit ERDB for the project as an act of stewardship on the environment and as a milestone exposure to extension activities especially for the IP community who will be involved in plantation establishment. analysis of forest extension programs in Twenty-nine BS in Forestry students On the other hand, the 7th ID, Philippine the Phillippines. from the University of the Phillippines Army pledged their full support in Los Baños (UPLB) were introduced to Ms. Marla V. Cambay, Information securing the project area as well as the different extension programs of the Officer III of ERDB made an in screening the laborers who will bureau on October 5, 2016 at the ERDB introduction by giving a brief history participate in the plantation. Rio Christine Auditorium. The group was led by Ms. of ERDB including its vision and P. Bustamante, NGP OpCen Felisa L. Malabayabas, Faculty-in-Charge mission, organizational setup, notable on the Forestry Extension course. The accomplishments and RDE programs/ ERDB joins... from page 1 course aims to orient the students on projects. the theories and practices in extension led by Asst. Director Antonio M. Daño education as applied in forestry; and page 5 and the ERDB UPLB graduates were in attendance during the parade. Members of various organizations, UPLB students and alumni, employees of different offices in and around the Ms. Vienna O. Austria, university also joined the parade. Project Leader of the Partner-Bond Project Aside from the traditional parade, presenting one of the other activities include the UPLB Alumni extension projects of Association General Assembly and ERDB to the UPLB Awarding of Distinguished Alumni, Los College of Forestry Baños Garden and Flower Show and the and Natural Resources Luncheon Salu-Salo at the UPLB Baker students. Hall. Marla V. Cambay TTD Vol. 10 No. 5 3 Phil-WAVES conducts seminar on valuation

The Phillippine-Wealth Accounting and the Valuation of Ecosystems Services (Phil-WAVES) conducted a seminar on October 18, 2016 at the ERDB Auditorium. Forty participants attended the seminar which were composed of the members of the ERDB Executive Committee, technical staff representative from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), World Bank and Wageningen University in Netherlands. The first speaker was Mr. Reynaldo F. Fullero who introduced the Phil- WAVES program. He briefly discussed the goals and objectives of the program. Furthermore, he explained how the (Above photo) The participants during the Phil-WAVES will help the government in seminar. (Below photo) Dr. Lars Hein of drafting the next Phillippine Development Wageningen University in Netherlands was Plan. the resource speaker on the Phil-WAVES The main speaker, Dr. Lars Hein seminar. of the Wageningen University in Netherlands presented the following: Dr. Hein also discussed the project ecosystems accounting framework and in Laguna de Bay and Palawan. The application, production of accounts thru study in Laguna de Bay showed that a modeling, valuation, and the studies/ number of people living in the flood prone projects of Phil-WAVES in Laguna de Bay zones have stringy increases, which and Palawan as the pilot sites. He also urgently needs emergency response presented the method on how to produce plans and land use planning. The study the accounts thru modeling using the also showed that pollution is increasing Geographic Information System (GIS) due to lack of connectivity of households mapping. to sewage. The last issue mentioned was page 8 ERDB conducts seminar on the 2016 Elderly Filipino Week celebration

As part of the 2016 Elderly Filipino The seminar was organized by the Week celebration, the ERDB conducted members of the ERDB Senior Citizens. the seminar titled “Pagmamahal, It was attended by the ERDB employees Respeto ng Kabataan Kaligayahan ng and the out of school youth of Timugan Nakakatanda” on October 17, 2016 at and Malinta, Los Baños, Laguna. Gliceria the ERDB Auditorium. B. De Guzman, TTD The resource speaker was Pastor Gavino” Vïns” Santiago of Bagong Ilog Christian Fellowship in Pasig City. Pastor Santiago, a transgender testified how God worked on him. He cited the Bible verse on the book of Ephesians verse 6:1 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right ; Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise); so that it may go well with you may live long in the land, Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up on the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Pastor Santiago also said that the great duty of the children is to obey their parents. He also emphasized that obedience includes inward reverence, as (Above photo) Pastor Gavino “Vins” Santiago, a transgender turned pastor was the guest speaker outward act, and in every age prosperity during the 2016 Eldelry Filipino Week celebration on October 17, 2016 at the ERDB Auditorium. has attended those distinguished for (Below photo) The audience during the seminar composed of ERDB employees and other invited guests. obedience to parents. 4 Vol. 10 No. 5

ERDB joins “Walk for Life” at SM Mall of Asia

In line with the celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week with the theme “Pagmamahal at Respeto ng Nakababata, Nagpapaligaya sa Nakatatanda”, the ERDB joined the “Walk For Life 2016” held on October 1, 2016 at the SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. This activity aimed to recognize the vital role of the elderly in the society and their contribution to nation-building. It also highlights awareness and promotes advocacy on elderly abuse prevention. The battle cry for this year is “All for Health Towards Health for All”. The said activity was spearheaded by the Department of Health (DOH). The different government agencies joined the parade. After the parade, a short program was conducted. ERDB participants on the Elderly Filipino Week Celebration “Walk for Life” at the SM Mall of Honorable Congressman Emil G. Asia in Pasay City. Calixto through Mr. Nick Reyes gave the opening remarks and message. given by Mr. Danny Chavez, SM Cares, were simultaneous activities undertaken He emphasized that the elderly play Mr. Rey Valera (PhilHealth), Dr. Aleli such as health services through check- important roles in the society particularly Bawagan (DSWD) and Secretary Pauline ups, vaccination of flu and pneumonia, in providing health care and services Jean Rosell-Ubial (DOH). blood sugar monitoring, information and for the family and local people of the Dr. Eric Tayag of the DOH also campaign program for dengue, and free community. Other messages were led the energizer exercise. Also, there medicines. Aurora Jose, TTD

ERDB staff present paper at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel

Dr. Carmela G. Taguiam of ERDB together with other presentors during the Open Forum of the 13th National Convention on Statistics on October 3-4, 2016 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City.

The ERDB staff composed of Dr. City. The theme of the celebration was On the session on Environmental Carmela G. Taguiam of the ERDB “Sustainable Development Making Statistics which was chaired by ASEC Main office, Ms. Grace Moralde and Statistics Count”. Bresilda M. Gervacio of the DENR Engr. Lyrae Casidsid of MDARRC The convention was attended by Central office., the following ERDB’s presented papers during the 13th more than a thousand participants from research results were presented: The National Convention on Statistics on the national government, academe, Rural coastal households’ cognition of Oct. 3-4, 2016 at the ISLA Ballroom of private sector and international sea level rise; The case of Zambales EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong community. page 3 Vol. 10 No. 5 5

The Biodiversity, Coastal, Wetlands and Ecotourism Research Center BCWERC Region VI wins 1st place in the Region VI, Cebu City celebrated victory after sending two participants namely: ENR Statistical Quiz Contest 2016 Jenny B. Lacorte and Lovejoy V. Tejido in the orientation on Statistics and ENR Statistical Quiz Contest conducted on October 17, 2016 at 9 o’clock in the morning at the DENR Activity Center. The event is in connection with the celebration of the 27th National Statistics Month with the theme, “Sustainable Development: Making Statistics Count.” Out of 14 participants from the Technical Divisions of DENR Region Office VI, Bureaus and DENR Field Offices in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo and Guimaras, Jenny B. Lacorte of Biodiversity Coastal Wetlands and Ecotourism Research Center Region VI (BCWERC R6) got the First Place Award in the ENR Statistical Quiz Contest. Gella Joy C. Lorilla of Conservation and Development Division (CDD) of the DENR Region Office VI got the second place and Vicente Camilo T. Corpus of PENRO Guimaras was on the 3rd place. Two participants were invited in each of the four divisions of the Technical (Above photo)The DENR Region VI participants in the quiz contest. (Below Services of the DENR Region Office VI photo) BCWERC Region VI staff winners namely CDD, LPDD (Licenses, Patents composed of Jenny B. Lacorte and Lovejoy and Deeds Division), Enforcement Tejido receiving their awards during the Division and Surveys Division. Two ENR Statistical Quiz Contest on October 17, participants each were also invited to join 2016 at the DENR Activity Center. from three line bureaus namely EMB, MGB and BCWERC same with the five Quiz Contest. It has been a good shot field offices. for the BCWERC’s designated Planning Jenny B. Lacorte was the first one to Officer. Lynly Florence B. Palma, score 13 points in the quiz making her the BCWERC champion for this year’s ENR Statistical

ERDB staff present... from page 2

Salvacion T. challenges of sustainable development Orobia; and, goals to the Phillippine statistical system. Improved Other ERDB staff, Ms. Jamella de rehabilitation Castro and Mr, Aldrin de Roxas also strategies, attended the said convention. Carmela G. schemes and Taguiam, UERD technologies for highly vulnerable and severely eroded 29 UPLB CFNR students ... from page 2 watersheds in Region XI by Lyrae A. Ms. Ma. Vienna O. Austria, Casidsid and Project Leader of the Partner Bond Alma S. Uddin. Project (Pro-Active Response Towards (Left photo) Engr. Lyrae A. Casidsid explaining the rehabilitation Nurturing Environmental Relations: A strategies to mitigate severely eroded watersheds. (Right photo) Ms. Dr. Pernia, Barangay Outreach Project based on Grace P. Moralde explaining the success of adopting SWM (Solid Waste Director General Management) scheme inf high-end subdivisions. Community Needs and Demands) of of NEDA ERDB presented their experience in mentioned implementing the project. by C. G. Taguiam and C. B. Quiambao- that without statistics monitoring and Marquez; Assessment of solid waste evaluation of development programs Ms. Felisa L. Malabayabas thanked management (SWM) schemes in are impossible. On the other hand, the ERDB group for the briefing and she selected high-end subdivisions in Region Dr. Bersales, National Statistician and said this is the first time that her class XI for environmental protection and Civil Registrar General discussed the was oriented on an extension activity of conservation by Grace P. Moralde and ERDB. Marla V. Cambay, TTD 6 Vol. 10 No. 5

(Left photo) ERDB employees participate n the celebration of 13th Los Baños community celebrates Pista ng Kapaligiran.”. (Right photo). Hon. Mayor Caesar Perez delivers an inspirational messsage. Photo by Eznra 13th Pista ng Kapaligiran Suministrado

In support to the LGU of Los Baños, Antonio Alcantara. He said that we need the protection of our environment. Aside twenty two (22) ERDB employees to conserve and protect our environment from his environment related message, participated in the 13th year of Pista by properly disposing our wastes and Hon. Perez also encouraged everyone to ng Kapaligiran in Hen. Paciano Rizal by practicing solid waste management declare Los Baños as a “drug free” town Park on September 03, 2016. This at home. According to him, calamities in support to President Duterte’s anti-drug year’s theme is “Tungkulin ng Bawat like typhoons and landslides that we are campaign. Mamamayan na Pangalagaan ang experiencing should be a wakeup call The program also featured the Kalikasan at Likas Yaman ng Bayan”. for us. He also proudly mentioned that awarding of the most outstanding The program was attended by Los Baños received a platinum award barangay, market stall, and daycare LGU members of Los Baños headed by in implementing the proper garbage center. The latter performed afterwards. Hon. Mayor Caesar Perez, barangay disposal based on the environment Hon. Congressman Joaquin Chipeco, Jr. captains from the barangays, senior compliance audit. also delivered a message saying that the citizens, students, teachers, Dep Ed , Afterwards, Hon. Mayor Caesar cleanest town in Laguna is Los Baños Sangguniang Barangay, market vendors Perez gave an inspirational message. and it should serve as a model to other and women’s brigade. He said that the celebration of Pista nearby towns. He said, “Nature does The program was officially started at ng Kapaligiran was founded in the Los not need us, we need nature hence, we 8:00 AM through the welcome remarks Baños dumpsite. He also stressed that should help in conserving and protecting of Los Baños designated MENRO Dr. every individual in the community should our environment”. Lea B. Domasig, TTD maintain cleanliness and participate in

Around one hundred ERDB 54 and below. The seminar addressed ERDB conducts employees participated in the Seminar some questions on GSIS membership, on “Knowledge on the GSIS Benefits benefits, coverage, compilation and other seminar on GSIS and other Related Concerns for the New concerns raised by the participants. benefits for new Employees and Pre-Retirement Age” Administrative, Finance, and conducted on August 22, 2016 at the Management Division (AFMD) chief, employees and pre- ERDB Auditorium. Mr. Angelito B. Exconde also raised the The first part of the seminar was possiblity of putting up a GSIS kiosk at retirement age the “New Employees Orientation” the ERDB building. Mr. Hombrebueno, which was discussed by Mr. Angelo however, dismissed the idea due to the E. Hombrebueno, a special insurance poor signal in the area. specialist. The participants were the new ERDB regular employees aged page 8 Vol. 10 No. 5 7 BCWERC VI distributes IEC posters on Invasive Alien Species to LGUs and POs in Natural Park, Burauen, Leyte

Recipients proudly display the BCWERC 8 produced IEC poster “Beware: Help stop the spread of Invasive Alien Species in Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park” following community briefing on IAS in Brgy. Mahagnao, Burauen, Leyte last October 7, 2016.

The Biodiversity, Coastal, Wetlands reference in their own biodiversity and was based from a 2012 completed R&D and Ecotourism Research Center through ecotourism campaign. study on Biosecurity Measures for the its Tacloban Research Station in Region The poster lists the top IAS Protection of Biodiversity from Invasive VIII distributed IEC posters on Invasive confirmed prevalent in Mahagnao such Alien Species in the Province of Leyte. Alien Species (IAS) to the concerned as the Golden apple snail (Pomacea The generated information was assessed Local Government Units and People’s canaliculata), Spiked pepper (Piper and recommended for dissemination Organizations in Mahagnao Volcano aduncum), Wedelia (Sphagneticola by the Regional and ERDB Technology Natural Park in Burauen, Leyte last trilobata), Lantana (Lantana camara), Assessment Teams. These IEC materials October 7, 2016. Acacia mangium, Makahiya (Mimosa were designed for the concerned LGUs The poster, titled “Beware: Help stop pudica), Water hyacinth (Eichornia and local community as specific end- the spread of Invasive Alien Species in crassipes), Hagonoy (Chromolaena users following key informant survey Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park” is an odorata), Mile-a-minute (Mikania on community needs, preferences and information and education campaign micrantha), Mahogany (Swietenia pre-testing. English and waray-waray material aimed to foster public awareness macrophylla), Catfish (Clarias batrachus) versions of the poster were also produced. and make concerned local communities and Yemane (Gmelina arborea). The list Letecia A. Corregidor, BCWERC partners in the campaign to protect biodiversity and stop the spread of IAS in the protected area. Recipients of the posters were the LGU of Barangay Mahagnao through Chairman Eulalio Agustin, the Mahagnao Rural Workers Development Association and the Lake Mahagnao Community Association. The event was highlighted by a community briefing by OIC For. Emma Germano and Ms. Letecia Corregidor about Invasive Alien Species, its impact on biodiversity in protected areas. Meanwhile, a copy of the poster was also provided to the Office of the Municipal Mayor of Burauen, Leyte as one of the principal end-user of the IAS information. The turn-over was witnessed by For. Liza Hinlayagan, representing the Office of the MVNP Protected Area Superintendent in CENRO Palo. This will be used as information material and BCWERC VIII Team led by OIC Station Head For. Emma Germano (center) turn-overs IEC poster on IAS to Ms. Carmela Arlo of the Office of the Mayor, Burauen, Leyte. 8 Vol. 10 No. 5 BCWERC conducts FGD in Bohol and Negros Oriental

To validate the results of the Carrying a) difference Capacity Models before submission to between ERDB, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) visitors and was conducted last Sept. 20-22, 2016 in tourists, b) co- Region VII, Central Visayas. management The FGD was participated in of the area, by the concerned stakeholders (PO c) motorbike Presidents, members and secretaries, fare, d) waste tourism officers, APASU, DENR management, The participants of the FGD for the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park CENRO representatives and MLGU e) peace and in Sibulan, Negros Oriental. representatives) from the municipality order condition, of Sibulan, Negros Oriental and Anda, f) water Bohol. Likewise, a total of 15 participants quality of the lake, g) existing farming observed in the area. It was also evident attended the FGD for the Balinsasayao practices in the 3 neighboring upland that the organization who managed the Twin Lakes Natural Park and 26 areas, h) sharing of fees among the ecotourism area needs additional training participants for the Lamanok Island concerned offices, i) available space for since there was only one trained tour Mystic Tour and Mangrove Tour. the proposed additional structures, j) guide whose absence could hamper the improvement of the water system, and k) ecotourism activities in the area. Issues, concerns, and additional provision of communication facilities. inputs to the results of the study were The word “cohesiveness” was clearly discussed by the respective groups The main issue raised was the legal emphasized by the BCWERC Center after the presentation. In Balinsasayao, identity of the PO managing and handling Head and project leader during the FGD the following issues and concerns the ecotourism activities. Political and for the PO, LGU and PENRO to ensure were clarified among the participants: organizational issues were clearly success of the project in their respective areas. She further stressed the importance of unity for the sustainability of the project. According to her, the PO and concerned stakeholders should have one mission, vision, goal/purpose to be effective and efficient in promoting and protecting their natural resources and likewise maintaining the high level of satisfaction of tourists/visitors. Kristine M. Suyom, BCWERC

Phil-WAVES conducts... from page 3

the sedimentation which is adversely The participants of the FGD for the Lamanoc Mystic Tour and Mangrove Tour in Badiang, affecting flood control services within the Anda, Bohol. Laguna de Bay. The final part of the discussion was the Phillippines’ possible next steps through Phil-WAVES project. These ERDB conducts seminars...from page 6 The second part of the seminar include the formulation of a policy to was aimed for the employees at the address land use planning, development pre-retirement age ERDB staff of a methodology for data collection and aged 55 to 64 participated to start an ecosystem extent accounting. in the seminar which was Jamella M. de Castro, UERD spearheaded by Mr. Enrico L. Torres, Team Leader of GSIS claim unit. The topics discussed were INFO the five reasons a government JOURNAL

employee decides to retire, GSIS Vol 10 No. 5 ERDB Bimonthly Newsletter September - October 2016 and funds administered, types Contributions from all employees are welcome as per guidelines set in ERDB Memo dated Aug. 31, 2007. The ERDB Info Journal is produced bimonthly of membership and contribution in coordination with all offices, Divisions and Units of the ERDB. among other GSIS concerns. Tips Executive Advisers : Henry A. Adornado Antonio M. Daño on being financially responsible Editorial Adviser : Veronica O. Sinohin was also tackled. Managing Editor : Marla V. Cambay Layout : Liberato A. Bacod The seminar was organized by Circulation : Catalina dM. Aldemita Mr. Angelito E. Hombrebueno, special Marilou C. Villones insurance specialist of GSIS giving a ERDB Senior Citizen members and Eduardo M. Tolentino lecture on some GSIS concerns to ERDB Human Resource staff. Gliceria de Printing : Celso A. Luna employees. Guzman, TTD