The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Climate Change Commission (CCC), and their development partners are set to hold a forum on support mechanisms needed to propel the country’s climate efforts.

Close to 90 representatives from various development and financial institutions and key government agencies involved in sustainable development and climate resilience are expected to participate in the Development Partners’ Roundtable on Climate Action to be held on June 20, 2024, at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.

The forum is being organized by the DENR and the CCC in collaboration with the Department of Finance and the National Economic and Development Authority, and in partnership with the Asian Development Bank and the Government of United Kingdom through its embassy in Manila.

Central to the discussion will be the Philippines’ climate efforts—as guided by the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP) and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP)—and mobilizing financing and technical support for their implementation.

The World Bank estimates that climate change impacts in a disaster-prone country like the Philippines could eat up to 7.6 percent of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030, increasing to as high as 13.6 percent by 2040. Further, developing countries would need around US$387 billion annually to finance priority adaptation measures.

In the forum, participating government entities will be able to present their priorities, identify gaps, and highlight opportunities and approaches to address these gaps.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, as official representative of the President to the CCC, will deliver the keynote message. She is expected to highlight the country’s ongoing climate efforts.

Among these are updating the country’s NDC, crafting policies on carbon markets and pricing instruments, making progress on the National Just Transition Framework, as well as building climate-resilient infrastructure, particularly in Mindanao.

The enactment of Republic Act No. 11995, or the Philippine Ecosystems and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act, will also be cited as a significant milestone and concrete strategy to encourage targeted investments as the country moves to integrate natural capital accounting into its economic plans.

The Philippines presented its NDCIP and NAP during the 28th Conference of Parties held in Dubai in late 2023, and in a Cabinet meeting with the President last January 2024.###

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Commission on Population and Development (CPD),  and PATH Foundation Philippines, Inc. (PFPI) recently sealed a pivotal tripartite partnership, signaling a concerted effort to address pressing issues ranging from environmental degradation to poverty exacerbated by the climate crisis and population growth.

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga led the signing ceremony with Mr. Lolito Tacardon, the Deputy Executive Director of CPD, and Ms. Joan Regina Castro, MD, the Executive Vice President of PFPI.

This collaborative effort underscores the integration of Population, Health, Environment, and Development (PHED) concerns as fundamental to achieving sustainable development objectives. It also emphasizes the critical role of managing population growth rates in combating environmental degradation and adapting to climate change impacts. 

The Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD POA) has underscored the necessity of departing from isolated and siloed approaches and strategies and embracing integration. The collaboration among CPD, DENR—particularly its Climate Change Service (DENR-CCS)—and PFPI aims to harmonize efforts in improving population management, climate action, and community resilience.

PFPI is leading the initiative, steering a five-year USAID project called Building Capacity for Integrated Family Planning/Reproductive Health and Population, Environment, and Development Action (BUILD). This endeavor aims to amplify advocacy, policy communication, and negotiations to galvanize multisectoral commitment toward PHED integration.

A roadmap will be developed for coordinated activities, emphasizing disseminating key messages regarding PHED integration and advocating for cross-sectoral approaches. Through collaborative training sessions, workshops, and technical assistance, the partnership seeks to bolster the achievement of its objectives within the PHED domain.

The signing of the tripartite partnership signifies a unified commitment among the parties towards a shared vision of enhancing the quality of life for Filipinos through concerted endeavors that embed PHED considerations.###

Together with key government agencies, the UK and the Philippines agreed to deepen the collaboration across climate and biodiversity priorities. The conversation set the direction for the year ahead. The scaling of coordination platforms to share experience and technology, streamline priorities, and scale delivery featured strongly. In this regard, the UK will support the Energy Transition Council, Blue Carbon Action Plan, and National Plastics Action Plan in the coming year.

These will build on the successes of 2023, which saw UK support for the delivery of the Philippines National Adaptation plan and Philippines Emission Pathway Calculator.

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Moderated by Ms. Jessica Dator-Bercilla, Science Resilience Fellow of the NRC, the last panel discussion of the day “Utilizing Robust Data Systems for Climate Action” commenced, answering the focus question “To access climate financing, what data must be part of the data ecosystem of LGUs and other stakeholders?”

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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in partnership with Globe Telecom, Inc., honored local government units, groups, and individuals at the 2023 Mga Kwentong Klima-likasan Tungo sa Katatagan: A Climate and Disaster Resiliency Recognition Awards. The ceremony, held at Armada Hotel Manila on November 22, 2023, spotlighted inspiring and good stories of environmental stewardship and commitment to climate and disaster resilience in the observance of the National Climate Change Consciousness Week on November 19-25, 2023. 

Marking its third year, the Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Recognition Awards continue to serve as a significant platform, acknowledging contributions and initiatives in tackling environmental concerns, addressing climate change, and implementing effective disaster risk reduction measures.

"This recognition award is our way of promoting awareness, inspiring collective responsibility for environmental conservation, and fostering action towards climate resilience," said Director Elenida Basug of DENR Climate Change Service.

The event showcased 12 good stories across three categories: individual, group, and local government units. Each category included special citations honoring Gender Equality and Climate Technology for Resilience.

Paul Lester Dellosa from Legazpi City, Albay, secured First Place in the individual category for his work in "Environment and Sustainable Fashion." Meanwhile, Nida A. Collado of San Vicente, Palawan, earned Second Place and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Award for her dedicated involvement in the "Macatumbalen Community-Based Forest and Coastal Management Association." The innovative "NUVITRON Electronic Fuel Economizer," by Perlito G. Cabauatan from Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, claimed the Climate Technology for Resilience Award in the individual category.

In the group category, the Sultan Kudarat State University's "Kuwentong Klima-likasan" initiative from Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, and Jose "Boy" Tuason's "Hijo Marine Protected Area - Seagrass Meadows of Trinity Project" from Tagum City, Davao del Norte, secured First and Second Place, respectively. The Compostela Central Elementary School SPED Center in Compostela, Davao de Oro, received the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Award.

Recognizing outstanding contributions, the City Government of Tagum in Davao del Norte received First Place in the local government category for their "Project Reef Enhancement through Ecosystem Fortification." The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Palawan earned Second Place, representing the Provincial Local Government Unit of Palawan, while the Local Government Unit of Kasibu in Nueva Vizcaya received the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Award in this category.

The good stories will be officially communicated and submitted to the International Good Stories Movement which also aims to identify, recognize, and honor the people behind them.

The awarding ceremony was done alongside the conduct of the DENR’s partnership with De La Salle University, on “Institutionalizing Climate Leadership and Environmentalism (InClinE) Training among Youth Groups in Schools and Universities.” Speaking before teachers and youth leaders, Dir. Basug emphasized, “As we celebrate these remarkable initiatives, we envision many more years of inspiring a sustainable movement for the well-being of future generations. Let us also acknowledge that our journey towards a more resilient future is ongoing. There is still a lot of ground to cover, a lot of minds to enlighten, and a lot of innovative solutions to develop.”

The National Climate Change Consciousness Week, pursuant to Proclamation No. 1667, series of 2008, is an annual observance that aims to create awareness of global warming and climate change by pursuing broad and intensive public information and education campaigns.###

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Antonia Loyzaga and Manila Observatory (MO) Executive Director Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, S.J. signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the creation of a climate change information management system.

The database will contain interactive and downloadable maps that will support the Department in developing its strategies for a science-based, risk-informed, ethical and equitable stewardship of the environment.

MO is a non-profit research institution that studies Philippine weathers and earthquakes.

Read: https://tinyurl.com/dz3and7t

Climate resilient development needed as losses and damage will continue to increase into the future putting the most vulnerable people and ecosystems at risk, a report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report said released on March 20, 2023.

The Synthesis Report, which was approved during a week-long session, is the final installment of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report. It integrates and summarizes the findings of the six reports published during the current cycle, which began in 2015.

The Philippine Delegation to the plenary session was led by Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and supported by Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera from the Climate Change Commission and Dr. Faye Abigail T. Cruz, Head of the Regional Climate Systems Laboratory of the Manila Observatory and IPCC Contributing Author for the Working Group I of the Sixth Assessment Report.

“Every fraction of degree counts and we are in no position to waste time. The Synthesis Report will be crucial in shaping evidence-informed decisions and actions, particularly for developing and vulnerable countries,” DENR Undersecretary Rebuelta-Teh said, reading the statement from DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, who represents President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to the Climate Change Commission. 

The report highlighted the need to accelerate action to adapt to climate change in closing the gap between the existing adaptation, and what is further needed in the future. To limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the report stated that deep, rapid, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will be required across all sectors.

“We reiterate the call for flexible and accessible means of implementation for adaptation, through climate finance, technologies, and country-driven technical assistance that reflects the need for local, context-specific and demand driven adaptation to address each country’s specific risk profile,” Undersecretary Rebuelta-Teh added.

During the week-long approval sessions, the Delegation, in its intervention, strongly supported the inclusion of emissions avoidance in the report as a recognition of risk-based and outcomes-based approaches to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with the use of best available non-GHG emitting technologies. The Philippines also supported the inclusion of green and blue infrastructures which help in reducing risks from extreme weather events.

“We need fast and effective translation of the Synthesis Report to transformative climate actions in the country. With the ultimatum provided by the report, the DENR will continue to conscientiously work with various government agencies and stakeholders in building the resilience of our most vulnerable communities and ecosystems using science-based and data-driven ENR [environment and natural resources] policy and program interventions,” Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga of the DENR and the Chairperson-Designate of the Climate Change Commission said. 

The IPCC plenary was attended by more than six hundred delegates from March 13-17, 2023 in Interlaken, Switzerland. ###

The Philippines, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), hosted the Training-Workshop on Climate Finance Mobilization and Access for the ASEAN, as supported by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat on March 20-23, 2023 at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati.

Participated by representatives of the ASEAN Member States (AMS),  the training workshop aimed to build the capacity and skills of the country representatives by providing them with information and tools in accessing and mobilizing climate finance to support their priority climate adaptation and mitigation needs.

The training workshop is a component of the Needs-based Finance (NBF) Project, which was established in response to the request by Country Parties to the UNFCCC to explore ways and means to assist developing country Parties in assessing their needs and priorities in a country-driven manner, including their technological needs, to translate climate finance needs into action.

“The needs-based framework should be designed with a regional perspective to engage regional and country actors to climate action,” Atty. Jonas R. Leones, DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs, noted during his welcome remarks.

The training workshop provided the platform to validate and refine the Climate Finance Access and Mobilization Strategy developed by the AMS that aims to provide the framework for AMS to improve access and benefit from climate finance mechanisms both internationally, regionally, and domestically. This strategy will provide the possible areas of collaboration among AMS.

During the 27th Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC in November 2022, DENR Secretary and Climate Change Commission Chairperson-Designate Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga  emphasized the urgent need for ample and accessible climate financing to source funding for needed mitigation and adaptation measures, especially for vulnerable countries like the Philippines.

The training workshop was participated by experts of the NBF Project, operating entities of the Financial Mechanisms of the UNFCCC, United Nations agencies and bilateral, regional, and other multilateral channels, direct access entities, and representatives from the 10 AMS namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar,  Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and representatives from various agencies of the Philippine national government. The Secretariats of the UNFCCC and ASEAN facilitated the training-workshop. ###

In a historic first, the Philippines – through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and in collaboration with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – hosted the 18th Meeting of the Executive Committee (ExeCom) of the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) for Loss and Damage last February 28 in Makati City.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3YHyRTH

by Jonathan Mayuga | Business Mirror

The government has completed the resilience road maps for 16 vulnerable areas, which will serve as a guide in managing disaster risks and climate vulnerabilities in the Philippines.

The road maps and their corresponding investment portfolios for risk resilience (IPRR) are for 12 climate-vulnerable provinces and four major urban cities.

(Read More)

by Bella Cariaso | The Manila Times

BAGUIO City, Ifugao province and Quezon City emerged as the top winners in climate and disaster resiliency recognition awards.

The disaster risk reduction and management offices of Baguio City and Quezon City, and an Ifugao native emerged as top winners in the climate and disaster resiliency recognition awards organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Climate Change Service (CCS) and Gender and Development Office, and in partnership with Globe held a virtual ceremony to declare the winning entries of Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan: A Climate and Disaster Resiliency Recognition Awards on November 24, 2022. This is in line with the celebration of the 2022 National Climate Change Consciousness Week themed, "Sama-Samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima.”

"Our recognition scheme aims to feature the long track record and important contributions and initiatives in the environment, climate change, and disaster risk management." DENR CCS Director Elenida Basug said.

The three categories were: individual, group and local government unit (LGU) and the two special citations were: Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, and Climate Change Award and Climate Technology for Resilience Award. Six entries were awarded with major prizes and 6 entries with special citations.

First place in the individual category is Moises H. Butic for the entry “The Ifugao Muyong: Perpetuating a Forest Legacy”. Proudly nominated by the Chief Executive of Ifugao Province Jerry U. Dalipog, Mr. Butic’s story is about the indigenous practice inherited by the Ifugaos from their ancestors called “Muyong System” which is a forest management system that supports biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation. Mr. Butic won a cash prize of Php 30,000 for this inspiring story.

The Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) bagged first place and the Climate Technology for Resilience Special Citation in the group category for their entry “iRISE UP” (Intelligent, Resilient, and Integrated Systems for the Urban Population). iRISE UP is an early warning system that organizes, streamlines the DRRM information system of Quezon City so that advisories are quickly disseminated to communities. Php 60,000 was awarded to the group for this innovation.

First place and the Climate Technology for Resilience Special Citation in the local government unit (LGU) category was Baguio’s City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) for “The Baguio City Smart Gender-inclusive flood early warning information and mitigation system” which is a project that took a holistic, nature-based, gender-sensitive, and socially-inclusive approach to address the city’s challenges. CDRRMO brought home the Php 80,000 cash prize.

Other major prize winners and special citation awardees were as follows:
2nd place, individual category - Leopoldo N. Bataoil from the Municipality of Lingayen, Pangasinan for “The Rebirth of our Philippine Ylang-ylang” winner of Php 20,000 cash prize
2nd place, group category – Kabasalan National High School’s Youth for Environment in Schools Organization of Balintawak, Pagadian City for “Adopt-a-watershed program” winner of Php 30,000 cash prize
2nd place, LGU category - Provincial Local Government Unit of Cagayan for “Restoring Cagayan River: A H.O.P.E. to Build Back Life Better” winner of Php 40,000 cash prize

Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, and Climate Change Award, individual – Grachelle Andrea B. Guevarra for “I CAN make a difference”, winner of Php 10,000 cash prize
Climate Technology and Resilience Award, individual category – Reheemah Hafsah Pangarungan for “BioPhil”, winner of Php 10,000 cash prize
Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, and Climate Change Award was obtained by Bayawon Lucday Lungayan Pendonay Tandacol Tribal Association, Inc. (BLLuPenTTrAs, Inc.) for “The Glimpse of P.O BLLUPENTTRAS Initiatives and Best Practices in Fighting Climate Change”, winner of a total of Php 20,000 cash prize for the special citation.s
Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, and Climate Change Award, LGU category – Baliwag, Bulacan LGU for “Baliwag Environmental Convergence Program”, winner of Php 30,000 cash prize

"The stories that we received from 16 regions in the country only say one thing: there are already significant actions happening on the ground. We need to take note of them, document them, map them and see how we can scale up the initiatives to expand to other areas in their community." Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh said.

Over 60 entries from the 16 regions of the country were received and the selected stories shall be submitted to the Good stories movement, a global initiative lead by people who aim to recognize the “good stories of good people who are caring for the Land, Air, and Water (LAW) of Life.”

All entries were evaluated based on the following criteria: Climate and Disaster Resiliency Content (60%), Visual appeal of the photographs and video (20%), Gender fair text and media (10%), and Geographical reach of the initiative (10%).

The board of judges is composed of Commissioner Atty. Rachel Anne S. Herrera of Climate Change Commission; Ms. Raquel de Leon of the Office of Civil Defense; and Climate Action Expert Mr. Aldrin Bayangos of Globe Telecom, Inc.

 The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, through its Climate Change Service and Gender and Development Office, has set new deadlines for submission of entries for this year’s Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Recognition Awards and SINING-likhasan Nationwide Short Film Competition.

The new submission deadlines for the recognition awards  and short film competition  will be on Nov. 15  and 12, respectively. The original deadline for submission of entries for both KLIMA-likasan and SINING-likhasan was Nov. 5.

"Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Resiliency Recognition Awards and the SINING-likhasan Nationwide Short Film Competition are consistent with the DENR's ongoing advocacy to document and publicize good stories in order to create more ripples of hope throughout the country,” said Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, DENR Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change, and Chairperson of the DENR National Gender and Development Focal Point System.

In collaboration with Globe, Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Recognition Awards seek to recognize the stories of individuals, groups, and provincial local government units in addressing climate change and disasters in communities.

Winners of the recognition awards in each category will receive cash prizes. First place will get P50,000 for provincial governments, P40,000 for group category, and P30,000 for individual category, while the second place will get P40,000 for provincial governments, P30,000 for group category, and P20,000 for individual category.

 Cash prizes will also be given to winners of special awards for Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment and Climate Change, and Climate Technology for Resilience: P30,000 for provincial governments, P20,000 for group category, and P10,000 for individual category.

The fields for good stories include community livelihood development, integrated water resources management, coastal/upland protection, critical resilient infrastructure, and climate/disaster information services.

Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Recognition Awards is a support activity to the Good Stories Movement. Selected stories from the submissions will be officially communicated and submitted to the movement.

Good Stories Movement is a global network of people who share the common belief that they can change the story of the world by changing the storyline.

The movement is in search for the stories of good people doing good things for the greater good of the Land, Air, and Waters (LAW) of Life all around the world. It aims to identify the people behind them, highlight the good stories, and recognize and award them for their contributions.

 On the other hand, the SINING-likhasan or Sining para sa Klima at Kalikasan Nationwide Short Film Competition, which is in partnership with the Earth Day Jam Foundation, aims to provide a platform to tell stories of hope, resilience, and adaptation in a changing climate through films.

 The filmmaking competition aims to educate and raise awareness of the public, particularly the youth, about the critical issues of climate change.

It has two categories: filmmaking using mobile phones and filmmaking using more professional devices.

The prizes for the mobile phone category are: P30,000 for the first place, P20,000 for second place and 10,000 for third place. Winners in the  more professional devices category will get P50,000 for first place, P30,000 for second place, and P20,000 for third place.

 The best director and best actor/actress in both categories will be given trophies. Special citations on best cinematography, best music, best sound, best art direction, and best editor will also be given in both categories.

 Winners will be announced and awarded this month as part of the observance of the National Climate Change Consciousness Week (November 19 to 25, with theme- Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima). Details of mechanics are posted on the Facebook pages of DENR Climate Change Service Facebook, and the Earthday Jam Foundation, and their websites (www.climatechange.denr.gov.ph).#

The Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation, and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCAM-DRR), chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), will bring to center stage the milestones towards climate and disaster resiliency during the “Duterte Legacy Summit 2022” on May 30.

CCAM-DRR cluster chair and DENR Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna will lead the presentation of the report, outlining how President Duterte’s strong political will has raised the bar for Philippine environmentalism.

“Over the past six years, government initiatives steered the country into the path of climate and disaster resiliency, through the whole of society approach,” Sampulna said, noting how this became more evident during the pandemic.

Anchored on the theme “Change has Come: We Have Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag Na Buhay, the “Duterte Legacy Summit 2022” that will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) will also serve as a culminating activity of the administration’s campaign on promoting its landmark programs and achievements.

The CCAM-DRR report highlights key areas where landmark progress in climate change resiliency were made due to the steps taken by the Duterte administration in building climate and disaster resilience for the affected communities by disasters and climate hazards; transformative actions to halt and reverse nature loss; supporting quality infrastructures to ensure resilience against extreme weather events and other hazards; innovation and technology to improve knowledge, forecasting and readiness for calamities; key management plans to guide the country towards climate resilience.

The environment chief said the Duterte government pursued a convergence strategy “defined by an institutional network of public and private support between government and stakeholders with strong multi-sector orientations and links to the academe and research institutions” as shown in the Boracay and Manila Bay rehabilitation programs, and the rehabilitation efforts in provinces wreaked by Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses in November 2020.

Likewise in particular is the coastal town of Del Carmen in Siargao whose residents did not experience as much devastation during the typhoon because of the massive mangrove reforestation and were able to quickly recover from Typhoon Odette, according to Del Carmen Fisherfolk Association (DCFA) secretary Judilyn Arreza,

DFCA is a peoples’ organization taking part of the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP) since 2016 and, according to Arreza, the town’s healthy environment was key in their economic sustainability especially in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette and the imposition of the lockdown in the COVID-19 pandemic, noting catch yield of DFCA’s members has increased to as much as P1,000 per day on top of the economic benefits they get from Del Carmen’s ecotourism activities. ###

DENR Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change, Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, together with DENR Climate Change Service Director, Elenida Basug led a team of communicators to bring a ray of hope and a dash of encouragement to the community of Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, one of the hard-hit areas during Typhoon Odette. The team, in collaboration with the USAID SIBOL, the DENR Region IV-B led by Regional Executive Director Lormelyn Claudio, and PENR Officer Cayatoc, conducted activities that cheered the women, men, youth, children and the elderly. Among these were:

*story-telling

*arts for healing and recovery

*wastong pamamahala ng basura

*book-and-booklet-giving

*medical checkup

*giving of gender-responsive relief items

*non-traditional way of workshop cum lecture facilitation on:

-community women and youth encounter to build back better
-community-based risk reduction towards a culture of preparedness and safety; and fun, laughters and good stories.

The activities were part of DENR's advocacies on environmental protection and natural resources conservation, youth leadership, community resilience and gender and development.

These were also facilitated to celebrate with the global community April 22 as Earth Day, and with the local community April as Earth Month.

By Leander C. Domingo | The Manila Times

February 5, 2022

GOVERNMENT agencies in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) composing the Regional Build Back Better Task Force (RBBBTF) have renewed their commitment and perform their responsibilities to "bring back a better Cagayan Valley" that is economically better, safe and more climate-resilient.

According to Corie Corpuz, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 information officer, the Cagayan River Restoration project was launched in 2021 in Barangay Bangag in Lal-lo, Cagayan through a ceremonial dredging of the Magapit Narrows.

She said the removal of sandbars at the pilot site was completed in July 2021 with a total of 374,000 cubic meters dredged with the Department of Public Works and Highways now removing the sandbars in Barangay Dummun, Gattaran town.

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By Eireene Jairee Gomez

DENR Secretary and TFBBB Chairperson Roy Cimatu during his visit in Siargao Islands on January 15, 2022

In a bid to fast-track the government’s recovery and rehabilitation programs in typhoon-ravaged areas, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu recently ordered the creation of  the regional inter-agency task  forces throughout the country with all of his 16 DENR Regional Executive Directors (REDs)  designated as chairpersons of the Regional Build Back Batter Task Force (RTFBBB) within their respective jurisdictions.

Cimatu’s move was pursuant to his post as Chair of the National Build Back Better Task Force  (TFBBB) under Executive Order 120  issued  by President Rodrigo Duterte on November 18, 2020 to expedite and lead the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of a post-disaster rehabilitation and recovery program for typhoon-ravaged  areas. 

 “The creation of RTFBBB is  in response to the intention of EO 120  for  government entities to work with a clear unity of command and  in a sustained and cohesive form in relation to  current and future   post-typhoon recovery and rehabilitation efforts ” Cimatu explained at the DENR Expanded Executive Committee Meeting held  via on-site and online last  January 18.

The National TFBBB is co-chaired  by the Secretary of Department of Public Works and Highways with 26 national government agencies as its members tasked to provide to the task force.

The DENR heads the Intensified Environment and Natural Resources Management, which is one of the six  Key Result Areas (KRAs) of TFBBB.  

Other TFBBB-KRAs  includes Better and Resilient Infrastructure headed by DPWH; Stronger Shelter and Resilient Settlement ( Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development); (3) Improved Systems and Essential Services (Department of National Defense-Office of Civil Defense) ; (4) Restored Sustainable Livelihood (Department of Trade and Industry); and (5) Strengthened Governance through Broad-Based Citizen(Department of Interior and Local Government)

Cimatu, through DENR Special Order (SO) No. 2022-32 signed last January 17, said the order spells out the mechanism by which the RTFBBBs will   “organize and convene”  their respective RTFBBs in coordination with the regional RTFBBB-member line government agencies “as may be applicable.”

The environment chief said the creation of the RTFBBB draws inspiration and lessons learned from the i success made in the first three focus areas of TFBBB in rehabilitating  the Marikina , Cagayan and Bicol River Basins after they were ravaged by  Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses in 2020. 

Among RTFBBB tasks is to  identify rehabilitation and recovery measures in typhoon affected areas and  formulation of the KRA implementation plans, budgetary requirement and funding proposal for the areas in their respective regions. 

Identified as priority  for the implementation of the order are areas that bore the brunt of Typhoon Odette in December 2021.

“Beginning with those harder-hit by Typhoon Odette, the DENR REDs for  CARAGA, Regions 6,7,8, 10 and MIMAROPA  as Chairpersons of the Regional TFBBB in their respective regions shall, in coordination with the  concerned Regional Line Agencies and Local Government Units, conduct damage assessment and  identify appropriate interventions for recovery and rehabilitation,” Cimatu said in the Order. 

DENR Undersecretary and TFBBB secretariat head Analiza Rebuelta-Teh said Cimatu’s order underscores the urgency for a clear mechanism on how to have a “total response”  at the regional level based on the mandate of EO 120, including the need strengthen the  link between the national and local levels to efficiently respond to the demands and realities in typhoon’s post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation phase as shown in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette.

With the mechanisms in place, RTFBBB can link directly with  concerned TFBBB member national agencies  “in case their regional members are not responsive” through the concerned DENR Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries who have been designated as focal persons  responsible for coordination with the concerned agencies as head of each of the six TFBBB’s KRAs concerned lead  as per DENR SO 2020-470. ###

San Miguel Corp’s. (SMC) massive environment sustainability and flood mitigation initiative to clean up the 27-kilometer Tullahan River system, is shifting to higher gear in December. The company is set to acquire additional new equipment to double its solid waste extraction capacity to 5,000 metric tons per day, it said in a news release.

SMC President Ramon S. Ang said that the company’s commitment to clean up the Tullahan River system is stronger than ever, as the company has made the cleanup of major rivers, one of its foremost sustainability priorities.

(Read More)