TUKLASIN NATIN

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje today expressed appreciation for the gesture shown by Hongkong authorities in facilitating the repatriation of 36 Philippine turtles.

“We are most thankful for the cooperation shown by Hongkong authorities. The seizure and eventual repatriation of the smuggled 36 turtles will go a long way in strengthening the campaign against illegal wildlife trade within the region,” Paje said.

Of the 36 seized turtles, 20 are Philippine pond turtles (Siebenrockiela leytensis), considered one of the rarest turtle species in the world and found only in Palawan. It is also categorized as “critically endangered” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The remaining 16 are Malayan box turtles (Cuora amboinens), also categorized as “vulnerable” in the Philippines, although it is also found thriving in other tropical countries of Southeast Asia.

According to Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau Director Theresa Mundita Lim, both turtle species are covered by Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the Philippine Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. “Under the Philippine wildlife law, trafficking specifically of the Philippine pond turtles is punishable by a six-year prison term or a fine of up to a million pesos,” Lim said.

Records gathered by Lim’s office showed that the seized turtles were part of the cargo on board Cebu Pacific Airlines which left the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on February 8, 2012.

“It was obvious that extra effort was taken by the Hongkong airport and wildlife officers to have these turtles properly handled and processed pursuant to the provisions of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES,” Lim said, explaining that China is one of CITES’s 175 signatory countries.

Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China.

Lim also cited the support of the Palawan local government and the Katala Foundation, Inc. (KFI), a Palawan-based non-government organization, which worked with the DENR to protect and conserve Philippine wildlife species, particularly the Philippine cockatoo and other threatened endemic wildlife in Palawan.

KFI and the Palawan provincial government helped foot the plane fare of the team that flew to Hong Kong to bring home the turtles.

“Being the first time for our country to be on the receiving end of repatriated seized wildlife species in accordance with CITES, the return of the Philippine turtles to Philippine waters is one more step to further solidify our collaborative ties with Hong Kong, which is a special administrative region of China, on wildlife conservation,” Lim explained. PAO-DENR

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has identified 17 more state universities and colleges (SUCs) that will be enlisted this year by the agency to raise quality native tree seedlings using clonal technology in its bid to meet its target of raising some 1.5 billion quality planting materials for the 2011-2016 National Greening Program (NGP). “We shall have around 29 SUC-based clonal nurseries before the year ends,” Paje said, noting that 12 SUCs have already been enlisted in DENR’s national clonal production program for the construction and operation of clonal nurseries within their campuses. Paje bared that the 17 SUCs are currently undergoing appraisal to assess their respective qualifications and competencies to operate a fully functional clonal nursery based on the criteria used by the Philippine Forestry Education Network (PFEN), adding that these partner-SUCs will primarily produce indigenous tree seedlings. “PFEN is almost done with its appraisal of the 17 SUCs and we are just awaiting the green light from them to formally forge a partnership with these SUCs through the signing of memoranda of agreement,” Paje bared. The MOA signing will pave the way for the construction of the clonal nurseries which will be funded by the DENR in the amount of P3.5 million each. PFEN is an association of academic institutions advancing the forestry education in the Philippines by offering the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Forestry. Included in the list are Benguet State University (La Trinidad, Benguet), Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (Bauko, Mt. Province), Ifugao Sate College of Agriculture and Forestry (Lamut, Ifugao), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (Bacnotan, La Union), Nueva Viscaya State University (Bayombong, Nueva Viscaya), University of the Philippines at Los Banos (Los Banos, Laguna), Southern Luzon Polytechnic College (Lucban, Quezon). The list also include Occidental Mindoro National College (San Jose, Occidental Mindoro), West Visayas State University (La Paz, Iloilo City), Negros State College of Agriculture (Kabangkalan, Negros Occ.), Biliran National agricultural College (Biliran, Biliran), Samar State College of Agriculture and Forestry (San Jorge, Samar), Leyte State University (Baybay, Leyte), Western Mindanao State University (Zamboanga Del Sur), Central Mindanao University (Musuan, Bukidnon), University of the Philippines–Mindanao ( Davao City), and Mindanao State University (Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur). According to Angelito Esconde of the DENR’s Ecosystems and Research Development Bureau (ERDB), candidate-SUCs located in areas that are far from a DENR clonal nursery are given priority in the DENR-SUC partnership. “This is to optimize the production capacity of an SUC-based clonal nursery in augmenting the DENR’s capacity to produce as many quality planting materials, particularly the indigenous tree species which are difficult to raise if produced through the conventional method,” Esconde added. Through a technique called “vegetative clonal technology,” cloned seedlings are grown from cuttings of premium donor plants that were carefully collected from the forest floor when they were still wildlings for their desired qualities. These wildlings are then “pampered” at a clonal nursery to produce robust stems that are harvested and, in turn, undergo maintenance care to grow roots lasting up to five months with the help of root-growing hormones, before they are distributed for planting. Esconde said the method produces abundant tree seedlings that are genetically identical their parent-tree on a year round basis as against the conventional method which make use of seeds gathered from the fruits of the trees. “The problem is our indigenous tree species like yakal, kamagong, mayapis, molave, tindalo, toog and teak bear fruit only every seven to 10 years,” Esconde added. Last year, NGP planted some 69.3 million tree seedlings in more than 118,000 hectares. Of the total planted seedlings, five million consisted of indigenous species. For this year, the NGP aims to raise some 114 million seedlings, 14 million of which are native tree species to be planted in over 200,000 hectares. Among the SUCs with existing MOA with DENR for clonal nursery operation are the following: Apayao State College in Conner, Apayao; Kalinga-Apayao State College in Tabuk, Kalinga; Mariano Marcos State University in Batac City, Ilocos Norte; Isabela State University in Cabagan, Isabela; Ramon Magsaysay Technological University in Iba, Zambales; Western Philippines University in Aborlan, Palawan; Bicol University in Guinobatan, Albay; Negros Oriental State University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; Bohol Island State University in Bilar, Bohol; University of Eastern Philippines in Catarman, Samar; Pampanga Agricultural College in Magalang, Pampanga; and Caraga State University in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. In February this year, the DENR has also entered into a partnership with the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE) and the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation, Inc (PTFCF) tasking the two to raise indigenous tree species seedlings for the NGP through their members from civil society organizations (CSOs), numbering around 200. Last week, Paje, together with DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the 1.12-hectare DENR-DOST clonal nursery to be build inside the DOST compound in Taguig City. PAO-DENR

The launching of “Pera sa Kweba” text raffle promo for the Puerto Princessa Underground River (PPUR) in Palawan, will give a chance to  one lucky texter to win the biggest prize money in text messaging.

The promo will give away more than P30 million worth of cash prizes, which runs for 90 days from September 30 to December 28 of this year. The grand prize is set at P25 million and five consolation prizes of one million pesos each to be drawn on December 30, 2011.

Texters can also win P10,000 in daily draws, P100,000 in bi-weekly draws, and P250,000 in monthly draws throughout the promo period. All winning numbers will be drawn electronically.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said that the promo is an initiative of the private sector to promote Puerto Princesa City as an important ecotourism destination, particularly the PPUR which is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

The promo would educate the public more on the PPUR and “show everyone why it is a deserving finalist in the New Seven Wonders of Nature global competition”, he also said.

The text raffle promo is open to all postpaid and prepaid subscribers of Globe, TM, Sun, Smart or Talk N’ Text at P2.50 per SMS. There is no need for registration. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila

The country’s largest endemic mammal gets the spotlight this month as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) joins hands with the local governments of Occidental and Oriental Mindoro in celebrating October as Tamaraw Month.

DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said that the celebration of Tamaraw Month is provided under Presidential Proclamation No. 273 of 2002, which designates October of every year as “Special Month for the Conservation and Protection of the Tamaraw in Mindoro.”

“The tamaraw is one of the country’s important flagship species and sadly, it is on the verge of extinction. The proclamation thus enjoins all Filipinos, not only Mindoreños, to protect and conserve the tamaraw as our legacy to future generations,” he said.

This year’s theme, “Tamaraw ng Mindoro: Pagdami mo’y inaasam ko, gubat na tahanan mo’y pangangalagaan ko!” reflects the commitment to conserve the endangered dwarf water buffalo, which has been classified as critically endangered in the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Paje added that the theme also reflects the government’s National Greening Program’s objective on resource conservation and protection. “We can only protect the tamaraw if we also protect its habitat,” he said, stressing that the tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) can only be found in the forests and grasslands of Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park in Mindoro Oriental, and in Mts. Aruyan and Calavite in Mindoro Occidental.

Month-long activities slated in celebration of tamaraw month focus on a Mindoro island-wide intensive information campaign, including a video showing in government offices, local cable television, and shipping lines plying the Mindoro route. Students and science teachers will also undergo separate day camps at the Tamaraw Gene Pool (TGP) Farm in Rizal, Occidental Mindoro.

The non-government Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (MBCFI) will also sponsor a teachers’ training on biodiversity, and a seminar on basic ecology and natural resource governance.

The tamaraw is a much smaller version of the carabao, and is distinguished by its V-shaped, backward-pointing stout horns which it shakes to signal aggression. Tamaraw population, estimated at 10,000 in the 1960s, has dwindled to the current count of 274, with the decline largely attributed to diseases, illegal poaching, and habitat loss.

The government established the Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP) to address the causes of decline in tamaraw population. Its component in captive breeding allowed for the establishment of the TGP farm in 1982. Since then, however, all 20 tamaraws originally captured for the gene pool have died. Only Kalibasib (short for Kalikasan Bagong Sibol), which is also the first and only tamaraw born in captivity, remains as the farm’s lone occupant.

But with confirmed reports of breeding in the wild, the TCP has focused on its other components on management of wild population and habitat, and conducting information and education campaigns. Ayda Zoleta, PAO-DENR

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has partnered with the Rotary International., South Luzon Tollways Corp. (SLTC) and other stakeholder groups to plant 6,000 seedlings comprising of narra, goldern shower and pili species at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

Some 700 volunteers from the DENR, SLTC, the local government units of Calamba in Laguna and Sto. Tomas in Batangas, and the Rotary Clubs of Makati Rockwell and San Francisco del Monte took part in greening the five kilometer-stretch of the expressway, from Calamba, Laguna to Sto. Tomas, Batangas, over the weekend.

With the theme, Greener and Litter-free Tollways, the tree planting started at 8 o’clock in the morning.  On hand to lead their volunteers in the activity included Jerome Vinarao of the RC-Makati Rockwell; Isaac David, president of South Luzon Tollway Corp.; former DENR Undersecretary Rolando Metin; DENR Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo; DENR-Region 4A officials led by Executive Director Nilo Tamoria.

DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje expressed appreciation for the continuing support being extended by the various sectors of the society to the National Greening Program NGP), saying the program is the government’s response to international calls to address global problems like climate change and biodiversity loss with local actions.

“The NGP is designed to address global as well as local problems.  By planting more trees, we are enhancing the absorbing capacity of our forests for carbon dioxide, which is considered the major driver of global warming and climate change,” Paje explained.

Paje underscored the significance of greening the country’s major highways, particularly the SLEX, not only to reduce air and noise pollution caused by motor vehicles but also to address global warming.

“The SLEX as well as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) are our gateway out of Metro Manila.  Thousands of motor vehicles ply these expressways every day, emitting fumes that affect not only our health but also our environment.  The trees serve not only to absorb the carbon dioxide emitted by the motor vehicles thereby reducing the volume of the greenhouse gas reaching the atmosphere, but they also beautify the roadsides,” Paje said.

Carbon dioxide is singled out as the major cause of global warming that result in climate change.  Trees not only use carbon dioxide during their food-making process known as photosynthesis, but they are also known to sequester carbon dioxide in their trunks. Ayda Zoleta, PAO, DENR

A total of 45 public and private schools have entered the finals of the 2011 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools, organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

Fourteen elementary schools, 16 high schools and 15 colleges made it through the regional eliminations and will now compete in their respective categories at the national level.  Winners will be announced during the exhibition-cum-awarding ceremony that will be held on November 16, 2011 as part of the National Environmental Awareness Month pursuant further to the Environmental Awareness and Education Law also known as Republic Act No. 9512.

EMB Director Juan Miguel Cuna said the schools’ response to the call for entries was “overwhelming”. “We were amazed by their creativity and their commitment in implementing eco-friendly practices,” he said.

Now on its second run, the nationwide competition aims to recognize educational institutions from the elementary, high school and tertiary levels with the best sustainable and environment-friendly programs and activities.

“We need to start teaching our kids as early as we can to take responsibility in safeguarding our environment. Schools are dynamic focal points of learning and powerful vehicles of change. Parents and teachers can work together to spread the wonders of living an environmentally-smart lifestyle,” Cuna stressed.

Smart Communication has joined the activity for the second year as part of its corporate social responsibility and community service program, Kabalikat. “Smart has been taking measures to practice environmental sustainability in our day-to-day operations and promote ecological awareness and preservation to our publics. We encourage the youth to do the same and we know we can do this by working through their schools,” said Ramon Isberto, Smart Public Affairs Head.

Isberto also expressed hope that the search will inspire more schools to go green and will influence participants to adopt an environmentally-friendly lifestyle.

For the elementary school level, the regional champions are: Commonwealth Elementary School, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City; Lawig Elementary School, Lamut, Ifugao Province; Cal-laguip Elementary School, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur; Peñablanca East Central School, Peñablanca, Cagayan; Matain Elementary School, Subic, Zambales; San Isidro Elementary School, San Isidro, Batangas City; and San Mariano Elementary School in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro.

From Visayas and Mindanao, the regional winners include Iliranan Elementary School, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental; Simeon Ayuda Elementary School, Liloan, Cebu; Lomonon Elementary School, Palompon, Leyte; Kibawe Central School, Kibawe, Bukidnon; Luna Elementary School, Kapalong, Davao Del Norte; Panay Elementary School, Sto. Niño, South Cotabato; and Duangan Elementary School, Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur.

For the high school level, the regional champions are: Jose P. Laurel Sr. High School, Project 4, Quezon City; Baguio City National High School, Governor Pack Road, Baguio City; Sinait National High School, Sinait, Ilocos Sur; San Mateo General Comprehensive High School, San Mateo, Isabela; Digdig High School, Carrangalan, Nueva Ecija; Pedro Guevara Memorial National High School, Sta. Cruz, Laguna; President Diosdado Macapagal Memorial National High School, Gloria, Oriental Mindoro; and Camarines Sur National High School, Naga City, Camarines Sur.

Also eligible for the national competition (HS level) are Julio Ledesma National High School, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental; University of San Jose-Recoletos High School, Pardo, Cebu City; Don Geronimo B. Zaldivar Memorial School of Fisheries, Albuera, Leyte; Siayan National High School, Siayan, Zamboanga Del Norte; Balo-i National High School, Balo-i, Lanao Del Norte; Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, Matina, Davao City; Tulunan National High School, Tulunan, North Cotabato and Esperanza National High School, Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur.

For the college level, the schools that made it to the national level are: Ateneo De Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City; University of the Cordilleras, Governor Pack Road, Baguio City; Mariano Marcos State University, Batac, Ilocos Norte; St. Paul University Philippines, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; De La Salle University, Dasmariñas, Cavite; Palawan State University, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Catanduanes State Colleges, Virac, Catanduanes; Central Philippine University, Jaro, Iloilo City; St. Paul University Dumaguete, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar; Universidad De Zamboanga, Tetuan, Zamboanga City; Capitol University, Cagayan De Oro City; Davao Doctors College, Davao City; Notre Dame of Marbel University, Koronadal City, South Cotabato and Caraga State University, Butuan City.

Prizes for the national level include: P50,000 – First Prize; P40,000 – Second Prize; P30,000 – Third Prize and plaques of recognition for elementary, secondary and tertiary education level winners.

The said nationwide search is the Philippine initiative in support to the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan (2008-2012) and the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014).

For details, please contact the National Program Secretariat at the Environmental Education and Information Division of the Environmental Management Bureau of the DENR, at telefax number 9284674, e-mail: ecofriendlyschools@gmail.com and website: http://www.sustainableschools.ph.  Ayda Zoleta, PAO, DENR

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje today said that the government is set to freeze the importation of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), a group of ozone depleting substances (ODS), in 2013.

Paje said the import ban on HCFC is pursuant to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, to which the Philippines is a signatory.

“Starting 2013, we are putting a cap on the importation of HCFC to 2,644 metric tons (MT) – the country’s average import of HCFC from 2009 to 2010,” Paje said.

From the base level of 2,644 MT, the HCFC import will be gradually reduced by 10 percent, to 2, 3796 MT by 2015; 35 percent to 1,718.6 MT by 2020; then 67.5 percent, to 859.3 MT in 2025.

From 2030 to 2039, however, Paje said the DENR will allow the import of the substance to only 66.1 MT annually, representing 2.5 percent of the base level, for the continued use of the servicing sector.

HCFCs are a group of ODS controlled by the Montreal Protocol and is last of eight ODS groups to be phased out pursuant to the Protocol. The other ODS that have already been phased out in the country include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) 11, 12, 113, 114, halon 1301 and 1211, carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloroforms.

HCFC consumption in the Philippines is attributed to HCFC-22, more commonly known as R-22, HCFC-141b, HCFC-123 and blends of HCFC-225. HCFCs are commonly used as substitutes for CFCs in the foam blowing, refrigeration, fire-extinguishing, solvent and servicing sectors.

Of these HCFCs, Paje said the DENR will prioritize the phase-out of HCFC-141b because it has the most ozone-depleting potential (ODP) of 0.11 as compared with HCFC-22 or R-22 with an ODP of .055 only, HCFC-123 with 0.02 and HCFC blends, from .025 to .033.

It will initially cover the foam sector, particularly the polyurethane rigid foam in appliances, panels and sprays. A total of 364.34 MT of HCFCs is projected to be phased out under the project, which is being implemented by the DENR through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Paje said a total of USD2.26 million was granted to fund the project from the Multilateral Fund (MLF) and Japan. Ayda Zoleta, PAO-DENR

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje has endorsed to Malacanang the proposed proclamation of the Marikina Watershed Reservation as a protected area pursuant to Republic Act No. 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act.

Paje signed the endorsement on Monday (Sept. 26) at the DENR Social Hall in Quezon City following the signing of the “Statement of Commitment to Save the Marikina Watershed” by various key stakeholders pushing for its declaration as a protected area.

“We have recommended to President Aquino the declaration of the Marikina watershed as a protected area.  Once declared, the management of Marikina watershed will be changed into a protected area management regime,” Paje said, adding that under such a regime, exploitation and cutting of trees within the watershed would be reduced.

Paje also said that the DENR, together with the Climate Change Congress of the Philippines (CCCP), the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF), the Alliance of 7, Rizal provincial government, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and all other stakeholders, has committed to plant five million trees from 2011 to 2016 under the National Greening Program (NGP).

“In the Statement of Commitment we just signed with other stakeholders, we will plant five million trees to rehabilitate the Marikina watershed to enhance its water-holding capacity to reduce siltation and flash flooding,” Paje explained.

Paje, who is also a forester, explained that a forested area could prevent flash flooding as it would absorb most rainwater and release it slowly to the lowlands. Forest is also important in preventing or minimizing soil erosion, according to him.

The commitment signing coincided with the second anniversary of typhoon “Ondoy” which caused massive flooding in Metro Manila and several municipalities in Rizal.  Among the signatories include Sec. Neric Acosta, presidential adviser and general manager of the LLDA, Atty. Francis Tolentino, chairman of MMDA, Atty. Christian Monsod of CCCP, Klaas Oreel of PDRF, Rizal Vice Gov. Frisco San Juan and Sec. Paje.

As proposed the Marikina Watershed Reservation will then be known as the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape, and will cover a total area of 26,125.64 hectares in the city of Antipolo and in the municipalities of Baras, Rodriquez, San Mateo and Tanay, all in the province of Rizal.

Paje also stressed that the declaration of the watershed as a protected area is imperative to maintain the life-support system in its natural condition and to conserve the rich cultural features and the threatened and endangered Philippine flora and fauna thriving in the area. It is also seen as a potential source of water supply for Metro Manila, and plays a vital role in regulating flooding in the low-lying areas of Rizal and MM.

Among the endangered wildlife species found in the Marikina watershed include forest trees like narra, red and white lauan, bagtikan, kamagong, and molave; while the wild fauna include birds like the Philippine bulbul, black-naped oriole and jungle fowl; mammals like the Philippine deer, wild pig and the Philippine monkey; and reptile such as the monitor lizard.

DENR records indicate that the Marikina Watershed Reservation was established by virtue of Executive Order No. 33, issued on July 26, 1904, thereby making it part of the initial component of the NIPAS. Ayda Zoleta, PAO-DENR

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje today said that the DENR will continue to assist the local government of Bunawan in Agusan de Sur for the care and safety of ‘lolong’ in captivity.

            At the same time, he said that a proposal to study the population abundance of crocodile in the Agusan Marsh is currently being evaluated by the DENR’s Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau. 

            “PAWB is now evaluating a proposal to undertake a survey of crocodile population in Agusan Marsh.  One particular objective of the survey is to find out if there are still ‘nuisance’ crocodiles in the area so that the DENR, in coordination with the LGU and other support organizations, could come up with a better management alternative,” Paje said.

He also said that PAWB Director Mundita Lim has earlier met with Bunawan Mayor Edwin Elorde to assess the current artificial facility of ‘lolong’ and other technical matters.  “From what I learned from Director Lim is that the current facility is quite small for ‘lolong’.  That is why she recommended to Mayor Elorde to construct a bigger one, which somehow approximates the natural habitat of crocodiles, with trees around and a deeper pond,” Paje said. 

            Paje explained that the reason why the holding pen for ‘lolong’ was quite small for him was because it was constructed prior to its capture. “According to Dir. Lim, the size of the enclosure was based on the regular size of crocodiles that are currently taken care of in crocodile farms in Palawan and Davao.  Who would think that ‘lolong’ would be this huge,” Paje said. At 21 feet long, 3.5 feet wide and weighing 1,075 kilos, ‘lolong’ is the country’s biggest crocodile in captivity at present.    

            Paje said Mayor Elorde was agreeable to the recommendation of constructing a new one within the area in Brgy. Consuela.  In the meantime, the local government is now reinforcing the perimeter fence of the current facility of ‘lolong’ with a meter-wide compacted soil surrounded by another layer of concrete perimeter fence.

            On calls to return the captured crocodile, Paje expressed appreciation for the concern of the group.  However, he said it is also important to give due consideration to the welfare of the people in Agusan Marsh.

            According to Paje, even if it could not be ascertained that ‘lolong’ was responsible for the attacks, the situation calls for prudence on the part of the local government and of the DENR to keep the captured crocodile in its artificial habitat for the safety of the residents.

            “Definitely, we could not compromise the safety of the residents.  We have to understand that the community is already living in fear, especially with the report that there’s a bigger one out there in the marsh, based on the accounts of the residents themselves,” Paje stressed.

            At the same time, Paje said that the DENR and the LGU could not allow ‘lolong’ to be exposed to public wrath. “Lolong will be better off in its artificial habitat to prevent people from killing it,” he said. 

            During her visit last week, Lim awarded Mayor Elorde a plaque of appreciation for all the support exerted by the local government in ensuring not only the safe capture of lolong but also its proper care and maintenance, and for providing facility for the crocodile. Ayda Zoleta, PAO-DENR

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje has ordered the filing of criminal charges against 10 fishermen reportedly caught poaching off Apo Reef Natural Park in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro and the seizure of all equipment used by the poachers.

Paje’s orders stemmed from the apprehension of the fishermen caught by a composite patrol team on Sunday (September 18) for fishing and collecting marine products using hook and line without permit. The Apo Reef is a “no-take zone”, making fishing illegal and punishable under Republic Act (RA) 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992.

“We have to convey to the public that we are serious in our fight against despoilers of our environment, especially of our coral reefs which provide habitat to a diverse species of fish and other marine mammals,” said Paje.

At the same time, he lauded Task Force MARLEN (Marine and Apo Reef Law Enforcement of Nature) for the swift capture of the alleged poachers, saying that the action was “proof of how stakeholders of the environment can work together to protect our country’s natural treasures.”

Task Force MARLEN is composed of representatives from the DENR, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the local government of Sablayan. The task force regularly patrols the 274.69-kilometer coral reef, which is a “no take zone” and thus strictly off limits to fishers.

Arrested were a certain Rey Gesihan, Dalmacio dela Cruz, Michael Magayon, Rey Mangao, Marcial Duroy, Portacio Magramo, Rizalito Magayon, and Edrian Ramos, all of Brgy. Sta. Lucia in Sablayan; Gilbert Celino and JR Collamar of Brgy. Buenavista, also in Sablayan.

DENR-MIMAROPA Regional Technical Director Edgardo Galeon of the Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services, who led Task Force MARLEN, said that the fishermen have been brought to the Sablayan Municipal Police Station for investigation.

Following the Paje’s orders, Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Daniel Estarija reported that the boats and fishing paraphernalia were seized and placed under the custody of the DENR station in Apo Reef Island pending the outcome of the investigation and charges filed with the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Meanwhile, the poachers’ fish catch would be distributed to penal and charitable institutions to avoid decay and wastage.

The Apo Reef Natural Park is the second largest contiguous coral reef in the world, next to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and the largest one in the country. It is a famous diving spot famous for the diversity of its coral reefs, whose condition has improved over the years, and marine animals which include the pawikan (sea turtle), manta and eagle rays, sharks, and even transients such as sperm whales and dolphins.

It is on the tentative list of World Heritage Sites of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The NIPAS Act specifically prohibits the use of motorized equipment as well as hunting, destroying, disturbing or mere possession of any plants or animals or products derived from protected areas without permit from the Protected Area Management Board or PAMB. Such acts are punishable from five to five hundred thousand pesos, as well as imprisonment from one to six years. Ayda Zoleta, PAO-DENR