Growth Features

June 10, 2021

A P120 million road and a P72 million RCDG bridge projects of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are bringing hope of easier market access for pineapple farmers of barangays Alimit, Langayan, and Banao of Ifugao province. 

   This is precisely the objective of DENR’s Forestland Management Project (FMP) – to make a success of upland farmers as entrepreneurs, according to Marlon Atienza, project manager of DENR’s FMP.

   Consequently, the farmers become protectors of the watershed and the river basin of Ifugao— and abandon forest-degrading kaingin (slash and burn) practices. 

   “We are excited to see our project gradually but surely materialize on the ground.  This is what FMP means when we say ‘Agroforestry Support Facilities.’ The growers of these pineapples and other agroforestry products are strengthened,” said Atienza.   

   “Connectivity of their plantation to the market and other communities (is becoming possible).  The bridge will facilitate easy transport and marketing of the agroforestry goods and contribute to the increase in income of upland communities.”

   As the FMP is about to end by 2022, Atienza said DENR has requested FMP’s funder, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for a one year extension.

   “We need to complete activities on maintenance and protection of established plantations, construction of agroforestry support facilities, and implementation of the sustainability action plan.The request was made in view of the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic,” said Atienza.

   FMP has been successful in achieving its objectives in its almost 10-year duration.

   It has strengthened the management of 149 People’s Organizations (PO). It established 71,300 hectares of tree and agroforestry plantations.

   Pineapple harvest by the Alimit Langayan Banao Farmers Organization (ALBAFO) in Ifugao

Contractors of the P72M Reinforced Concrete Deck Girder (RCDG) bridge just held in the last week of May a “concrete pouring” ceremony for the bridge.  It is a go signal for its construction.

    Another FMP project that will benefit the Peoples Organization (PO) of Alimit Langayan Banao Farmers Organization (ALBAFO) is the 3.867 kilometer Brgy. Montabiong Access Road.     

   Worth P48 million, it is now undergoing construction.     It will take 270 days to complete the access road.

   “This road concreting will strengthen the connectivity between the Alimit West and Lagawe subwatersheds,” said Atienza.

   The Brgy. Montabiong Access Road just also started construction with a groundbreaking ceremony last June 3, 2021.

   Aside from ALBAFO, the immediate beneficiary of this access road is the PO Iphodan Di Alah Ad Montabiong Inc. (IDAMI) and DENR-Ifugao Field Implementing Units.

   The FMP is a 10-year program up to 2022 aimed at strengthening forest management in three critical river basins— Upper Magat and Cagayan, Upper Pampanga, and Jalaur (Panay Island). 

Bridge to connect Ifugao’s fruits and vegetable produce to the market

   It is funded by JICA through a P4.708 billion loan component.

   A highly-valued accomplishment of FMP is the increase in forest cover and a decrease in soil erosion).  However, these benefits have yet to be quantified based on science practices.

    The pineapple-agroforestry  enterprise is funded too under FMP with a budget of P100,000.

   FMP’s poverty reduction benefits to the grassroots have been so pronounced as it involved 149 POs within the identified 24 sub-watershed areas.

   With farmer-training from FMP,  the upland dwellers have become more intensive growers of agroforestry products like timber (gmelina, mahogany and narra) and fruit trees (guyabano, cacao, mango).   

   They have expanded their farming and has reached new markets through FMP’s marketing assistance and promotion.

   The total project investment cost is estimated at Php 5,870.64 million of which P1,162.26 million is shouldered by the Philippine government. 

      FMP has carried out  reforestation through collaborative and comprehensive Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) strategies. (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

June 8, 2021

Biodiversity financing strategist Biofin Philippines has urged government and private agencies to “invest in nature” as this will generate globally $350 billion per year  in improved ecosystem services and contribute to elimination of pandemics.

   As the International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated this year, BIOFIN, a project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), prodded policy makers to contribute to financing the Philippines’ 13-year biodiversity plan.

   The Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP), which started in 2015 and will last until year 2028, will cost P24 billion yearly.  A budget deficit of P19 billion yearly exists.

    “According to Campaign for Nature, Protecting the world’s land and ocean resources outweighs financial costs at least five-to-one. Globally, this can lead to $250 billion in increased yearly economic output, plus $350 billion in improved ecosystem services annually,” said Angelique Ogena of Biofin.

   The other critical reason for investing in nature is human health itself.  When watersheds and forests–the habitat of wild animals — are destroyed, direct interaction between human and the wildlife that carries diseases unknown to man becomes imminent.

   “The International Day for Biological Diversity puts us at the center of conservation efforts in the fight to save biodiversity amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ogena.

   “Seventy-five percent of emerging infectious diseases in humans originates from zoonotic pathogens.  That is enough reason to revisit and reprioritize resources toward the improvement of natural resources management especially in protected areas to prevent future pandemics.”

   Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), co-implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in the Philippines, seeks to raise awareness on the economic and ecological values of PAs (protected areas). 

    The campaign aims to  increase BIOFIN’s revenue by establishing partnerships with the private sector and other agencies that can have common mission to support PAs.

   BIOFIN is pushing for a proposed Presidential Proclamation to proclaim June 2021

to May 2022 as the “Year of the Protected Areas” and June of each year as “Month of Protected Areas”.

   Both are in in support of Republic Act 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Law (NIPAS).

   “Nature is a reliable provider of our daily basic needs such as clean water for drinking, air forbbreathing and other resources such as medicine, jobs, and climate change mitigation to create a more resilient nation,” said Ogena.

   “If we zoom in to the ecosystem and species levels, national parks are at the top tier when it comes to natural wealth and therefore the most in need of protection and sustainable management.”

   According the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, a global network of protected areas can store at least 15 percent of terrestrial carbon, boosting the value of conserving protected areas to new heights.

   Nature-positive solutions follow a wholistic approach, which is highlighted in an opinion piece written by the biodiversity finance legislative champion, Representative Josephine Ramirez-Sato.    

   Sato,  representative of the lone district of Occidental Mindoro, aims to “spur ideas to generate resources and jobs for conservation of nature.” 

BIOFIN for Nature. Credit-BIOFIN Thailand

   “This will help in the allocation and implementation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF)’s P1.3 trillion stimulus and recovery package,” according to Sato.

   Part of the stimulus package equivalent to P650 billion has been allotted for the Enhanced Build, Build, Build Program. This includes construction of climate-smart and resilient infrastructure where biodiversity and ecosystem enhancement can be mainstreamed.

   “”The stimulus package is heavy on economic provisions and budget appropriations to enable the country to recover faster, but with proper environmental considerations” Cong. Ramirez-Sato said in her opinion piece.

   “Nature-positive solutions can create stable jobs and protect our planet,” she added.

   Sato suggests a seven-step approach to build back greener from the pandemic.  These are: 1) Include Protected Areas (PAs) and key biodiversity areas (KBAs) as key elements of nature-based solutions; 2) Invest more in PAs and KBAs; 3) Fast-track the passage of biodiversity conservation-related policies; 4) Embrace Agrobiodiversity; 5) Leverage partnerships and private sector engagement for PAs; 6) Strengthen human resources; and 7) maximize technology and citizen engagement.

  “Our actions now to address the pandemic should not amplify the risks of future outbreaks and crises. The UN World Health Organization predicts that ‘reducing the environmental and social factors people are exposed to, nearly a quarter of the global health burden could be prevented.’”

   Post-COVID19 recovery plans must be inclusive and sustainable, taking into prime

consideration biodiversity conservation and financing to prevent future pandemics. Moving forward to the ‘new normal,’ business as usual is no longer an option.

   Putting the environment at the core of what all agencies do should be the new paradigm of doing business so building back can be greener and better from this pandemic.

   While the economic losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continues to exist, both  public and private sectors should also pay attention in long-term solutions – one of which is investing in nature. Such investment will take quite some time before returns are realized in theform of an e quitable, environmentally-sound and sustainable growth. As a an old saying goes,“what soever man sows, he shall also reap.” (Angelique Ogena)

June 6, 2021

            The government is pushing for the establishment of policies for the use of “low carbon, energy efficient” cold chain system to totally eliminate the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons  (HCFC), an ozone depleting substance causing global warming.

            In a project costing $27.5 million, the “Global  Partnership for Improving the Food Cold Chain in the Philippines” (GPI-FCCP),  DENR is also carrying out a program putting up environment-friendly cold chain facilities.  

            These refrigeration systems for transporting goods for the food industry will no longer use ODS-HCFC.

            Stringent policies are important in providing a stable investment environment for investors in “green” cooling technologies, the DENR said.

            Cold chain covers every produce that needs cooling from the “field to the fork (transport, storage, transformation, packaging).  Policies will involve national standards for flammable refrigerants and revision of energy efficiency standards.

How ozone depleting substances affect the atmosphere; Source- DW

            A project assisted by international funder Global Environment Facility (GEF), the GPI-FCCP includes training of 200 key stakeholders on energy-efficiency and climate-friendly cold chain technologies. 

            There is also a high level training for 50 local engineers, system suppliers and end-users on the use of global innovative cold chain technology.

            Major implementers of the GPI-FCCP are the DENR and UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization).   A co-financier is Germany’s international cooperation agency GIZ (Gesselschaft fur Internationanale Zusammenarbeit).    

            According to the DENR, the cold chain project came about as part of the Philippines’ compliance to its commitment to the 1987 Montreal Protocol.  It is a global agreement to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS).

              The ozone is the earth’s protective layer, absorbing UV light which reduces human’s exposure to harmful (skin cancer and cataract-causing) ultraviolet radiation.

              ODS includes chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbontetrachloride, methy chloroform, hydrobromofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), methyl bromide, and bromochloromethane.

            Refrigeration technologies have come out as top concern to have energy efficiency and low Global Warming Potential (GWP).  It is because refrigerants extensively use  hydrochlorofluorocarbons  (HCFC) that have been found to be ozone-depleting.

            The Montreal Protocol compelled signatory countries to freeze consumption and production of the ODS hydrochloroflouocarbons (HCFCs).  Developing countries should have cut by 100% their HCFC production by 2030.

            Private sector engagement will be crucial in the Philippines’ effort in obtaining knowledge transfer of the most innovative, climate friendly, and energy efficient refrigeration technologies, the DENR said. (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

June 3, 2021

UNESCO World Heritage Site Mt Hamiguitan in Davao Oriental is receiving its needed forest protection boost as its communities have engaged in beekeeping of native “kiyot,” generating sustainable income while protecting the environment.

            With a more dependable livelihood and income, residents of the buffer zone of Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) are turning to become strong forest guards who help conserve forests and biodiversity of the protected site.

            The beekeeping livelihood program is a special project called Beekeeping as Bio-diversity-Friendly Community-Based Enterprise in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary and Expansion Areas of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to involve the community in forest conservation.  This is even as Mt. Hamiguitan is a wildlife sanctuary recognized by UNESCO to have a universal value. It is home to globally threatened flora and fauna eight of which are found only Mt. Hamiguitan itself.

            It is the sixth in the Philippines to be accorded recognition as a World Heritage Site.

            “Raising native bees will not only generate alternative source of livelihood, but it is also considered significant in improving the diversity and productivity of the surrounding vegetation of Mt. Hamiguitan through an improved pollination process offered by the bees,” said Clint Michael Cleofe, Provincial Environment & Natural Resources Office management specialist.

            Fortunately, the native bee variety in San Isidro town, the kiyot, is known to be stingless.  That apparently makes it easier to harvest the kiyot honey.

            The beekeeping livelihood program is supported by the local government of San Isidro municipality.  The University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Tagum campus also has a development plan for the beekeeping livelihood program.

              DENR’s assistance to the beekeeping livelihood project includes a Capacity Development Plan or training of people’s organizations (POs) on beekeeping and business management.

            Beekeeping materials and equipment and start-up kits are provided to the POs.  Assistance in product development and product marketing area also extended to the POs.

              As there is a high demand for bee products—honey and propolis– the project is expected to generate satisfactory income for the community.#

   There is a separate memorandum of agreement between DENR and the local government of the Governor Generoso municipality (also host community of MHRWS) for another livelihood program—sustainable almaciga resin.

   PO  to be benefited is the Lumad Almaciga Tappers of Governor Generoso (LATAGG).  Monthly household income generated from almaciga resin production is P6,000 to P8,000.  At the same time, LATAGG members become volunteer forest patrollers in Mt. Hamiguitan.

   While generally pronounced to have “good” state of protection, Mt. Hamiguitan is being strictly protected as it faces threats of conversion of land for agriculture.  There are also mining threats outside the site. 

   Potential risks from climate change and increasing tourism are now being addressed by DENR.

   Mt. Hamiguitan is known for its highly diverse mountain ecosystem that makes it home to a number of endemic species known only in Mindanao and particularly found only in Mt. Hamiguitan.

   “The combination of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems within the boundaries of the property and the large number of species inhabiting each makes the MHRWS home to a total of 1,380 species with 341 Philippine endemics,” according to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

   That includes critically endangered species — the iconic Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi).  Also considered endangered are the Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), the trees Shorea polysperma, Shorea astylosa and the  orchid Paphiopedilum adductum.

   “Its high level of endemicity is well exemplified by the proportion of its amphibian (75% endemic) and reptile (84% endemic) species.  The fragile tropical ‘bonsai’ forest that crowns the MHRWS epitomizes nature’s bid to survive in adverse conditions,” UNESCO said.

   Scientists believe there may be more undiscovered unique flora and fauna in the mountain range.

   “In the lower elevations the agro-ecosystem and remnants of dipterocarp forests house some 246 plant species including significant numbers of endemics such as the globally threatened dipterocarps of the genus Shorea. The dipterocarp forest ecosystem is characterized by the presence of large trees and is home to 418 plant and 146 animal species, which include threatened species such as the Mindanao Bleeding-heart dove (Gallicolumba crinigera) and Philippine warty pig (Sus philippensis).”  (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

DENR puts up water conservation policies in Mt Makiling Forest Reserve with sustainability threats from resorts operations

May 30, 2021

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is putting up water conservation policies in the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR) as the water-intensive resorts in the protected area threaten water resource sustainability in Laguna.

            DENR is putting up water conservation policies in the local government units (LGU) of Los Banos and Calamba City to address the unseen threat in water resources that can arise from the influx of tourists visiting the increasing number of resorts.

            DENR is now employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze the spatial distribution of resorts in Los Banos and Calamba City.  Its study also involves formulation of a mechanism by which tourists could be charged with a fee for using the environmental resources of Laguna.

            “The project employs economic methods to analyze the willingness-to-pay of visitors for improved water conservation practices by resorts and the conservation of MMFR to secure water services,” said            DENR.

            The government has been concerned that the number of resorts in Los Baños has increased over the last seven years from 42 to 171 in Los Banos. In Calamba City, the number of resorts has increased from 466 to 855 from 2014 to 2020.

            The watershed of Mount Makiling is important in supporting the domestic, agricultural, and industrial water requirements of Los Baños and Calamba City.

            Mt. Makiling is a dormant volcano.  This is the reason why its underground water gives rise to hot springs.  Thus, it encouraged the establishment of numerous resorts with the natural hot spring water in swimming pools and baths.

            While the resorts operations have generated higher income for operators and gave livelihood opportunities for other tourism-oriented (restaurants, food stalls, convenience stores), this has brought about negative side effects, such as that of the use of water resources by the industry.

               DENR’s project called “Economics, Policies and Institutions of Groundwater Use by Resorts in Los Baños and Calamba, Laguna” is hoped to ensure sustainable water operations despite continuing existence of the tourism businesses.             “Majority of visitor respondents have expressed their willingness to pay for the conservation of groundwater resource from Mount Makiling. They want to contribute to the conservation efforts.  They agreed that current practices are wasteful because groundwater is indeed limited,” said DENR. (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

May 27, 2021

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is carrying out a $150 million (P7.25 billion) project for enhanced ecosystems through a bilateral assistance fund from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

   As the United States government marks this year its 75^th year of bilateral relations with the Philippines, it has further committed to a project to help the country in sustainable development.

   The bilateral assistance agreement was signed last February by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and USAID.

   “The agreement aims to protect ecosystems, promote the sustainable use of natural resources, and build the capacity of people, communities and institutions to withstand, cope and recover from shocks and stresses so that people and ecosystems thrive,” said Sean Callahan, Acting Mission Director of USAID. 

   Two of the projects covered by the bilateral agreement are SIBOL and Safe Water Project (SWP). SIBOL or Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans and Landscapes is a five-year, P1.1 billion ($22 million) project.

   The project supports DENR in improving natural resource governance, stimulating public and private sector investments in conservation, and reducing environmental crime, leading to greater ecosystem stability and inclusive green growth. The project also includes provision for communities’ access to clean water and sanitation services.

   SIBOL works with the Biodiversity Management Bureau, Forest Management Bureau, and DENR’s field offices in Central Luzon (Region 3), Southern Luzon (Region 4B) and the CARAGA Administrative Region (Region 13). 

   SIBOL’s implementation is led by RTI International, a U.S.-based non-profit organization.  It has three decades of experience providing technical assistance, institutional strengthening, programmatic support, and research in a variety of sectors in the Philippines.
   Meanwhile, SWP is a five-year worth P870 million ($18.4 million).  It works to improve water security for vulnerable and underserved communities. 

   Working with both the national and local governments, SWP supports initiatives to increase access to resilient water supply and sanitation services.  It aims to improve the sustainable management of water resources that enable long-term water provisioning.

   Also part of SWP’s mandate is to strengthen the governance and regulation of the water sector. 

   SWP’s implementation is coordinated with NEDA and with multiple sections of the DENR.  These include the Forest Management Bureau, DENR field offices in Southern Luzon (Region 4B), Western Visayas (Region 6), and SOCCSKSARGEN. It also works with the National Water Resources Board.  

   The project is being implemented by the DAI Global LLC which carries a long history of working in the Philippine water sector. 

   SWP is also coordinated with local organizations, Orient Integrated Development Consultants, Inc. (OIDCI), Lutheran World Relief, Inc. (LWR), CEST, Inc., Geosciences Foundation Inc., and the Manila Observatory.  

“The long history of the partnership between DENR and USAID has been fruitful.  We have achieved much in creating a more secure environment that sustains both ecological integrity and human development. It has led to the improved management of protected areas and strengthened environmental law enforcement. It has increased public awareness about the challenges of wildlife trafficking and improved water security through integrated watershed management, among others,” said Sean Callahan, Acting Mission Director of USAID. 

   “As USAID and the Philippines mark the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations this year, I am truly optimistic that these memorandum of understanding will help us achieve many more milestones together as we work toward our shared goal of inclusive and resilient growth for all Filipinos,” he added

   Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu looks forward to the partnership.

   “We always welcome effective collaboration to continue the advancement and sustainability of how we protect our ecosystem and natural resources,” he said.

   “USAID has always been a consistent and effective ally for the DENR for the past years. They have supported us for years in creating sustainable models which guided us in increasing and strengthening our policies for the management of our ecosystems. That is why we are looking forward to more meaningful years with USAID in advancing our shared goals of environmental sustainability and improving the lives of the Filipino communities.”    Since 2014, USAID has provided more than P5 billion ($100 million) in assistance to the Philippine government in conserving the country’s biodiversity and protecting its landscapes and seascapes.