The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to hold the second multistakeholder experts dialogue on reclamation on July 17 in Quezon City, in a bid to gather more inputs for the ongoing review and enhancement of existing policies pertaining to reclamation projects.

DENR Secretary Antonia Loyzaga will keynote the dialogue which aims to identify local and international good practices on reclamation that prioritize the public good for net positive outcomes, and to enable dialogue among stakeholders to get their insights on the issue of reclamation.

The upcoming dialogue is a follow through of the first-ever DENR reclamation forum held in the city of Manila last May 8, wherein various stakeholders started identifying gaps and entry points on enhancing existing policies on dump-and-fill activities.

During the May 8 forum, Loyzaga underscored the need to develop an evidence-based impact assessment of the ecological and socio-economic impacts of reclamation.

Loyzaga said the scientific basis for doing the assessment needs to be established, and it must be cumulative in order to truly strike a balance between development and potential adverse environmental impacts of reclamation projects.

The upcoming multistakeholder dialogue will start with presentations on the global practice on reclamation, featuring experts from the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Deltares, and Japan Embassy.

A panel discussion on key issues on reclamation with speakers from the Philippine Reclamation Authority; DENR; Resources, Environment and Economics Center for Studies; and the Philippine Ports Authority will follow.

Also invited to the dialogue are representatives from the Embassy of Belgium, Embassy of the United States, Embassy of the Netherlands, national government agencies, local government units, and the private sector.

The recommendations gathered from the first forum include the formulation of a science- and evidence-informed, clear and harmonized/streamlined policy and procedures for reclamation; the need to align national and local plans on reclamation, and enhance the process for issuance of Environmental Compliance Certificate and Area Clearance; requiring conduct of scientific studies to determine the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of reclamation; and to consider the mitigation hierarchy.

Also recommended was the finalization of a national policy on marine spatial planning; joint undertaking of baseline studies for change-detection and scenario-building and the cumulative assessment of the entire project; and ensuring inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in the reclamation process.

Panelists and reactors in the technical and governance discussions included scientists, academicians, government officials, and representatives of civil society organizations.

The forum series is expected to come up with a set of policy recommendations that will support the review and enhancement of the country’s policies related to reclamation.

These policies include Executive Order No. 74, series of 2019, which transferred the PRA to the Office of the President and delegated to the PRA Governing Board the power of the President to approve reclamation projects, and its IRR under PRA Administrative Order No. 2019-4; DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2003-30 or the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the Philippine Environmental Impact Assessment Statement System; and DAO No. 2022-11 or the updated guidelines on the issuance of area clearance for reclamation projects and proclamation/special patents over reclaimed lands. ###

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Published: 13 July 2023

In an effort to avert massive water interruptions in the coming months, the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has expanded the coverage of its water conservation directive to include all residents of the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjacent provinces.

In its Bulletin No. 2, the WRMO instructed all barangay officials and condominium and subdivision managers to advise residents to conserve water through reduction of activities that consume a large amount of water, such as watering the lawn and washing vehicles.

The WRMO said that residents should likewise be encouraged to promote rainwater collection for non-potable use of water, and to reuse laundry and dishwashing wastewater for watering plants.

The WRMO also directed all local government units in NCR to fast track the approval of pipe repairs of water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad.

“As we prepare for even drier conditions due to El Niño, it is, more than ever, important to conserve water in order to prevent massive water interruptions later this year,” the WRMO said.

Earlier, the WRMO issued its first ever bulletin containing the guidelines for effective implementation of water conservation measures by all government offices, through their building administrators.

WRMO’s Bulletin No. 1 was issued pursuant to Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 22 in which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. mandated all government agencies and instrumentalities to strictly implement water conservation measures as part of efforts to prevent a water crisis amid a looming El Niño phenomenon.

In its second bulletin, the WRMO said its team shall conduct spot inspections of office buildings for unwarranted use of water, leaks, and faulty bathroom fixtures. The team will ensure that WRMO Bulletin Nos. 1 and 2 are posted in offices accordingly.

The WRMO said that together with the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage System (MWSS), it will review the monthly water bills of all government facilities in accordance with MC 22. Notices on excessive use of water shall be issued, it added.

The office also advised the public to report leaks along streets to the MWSS (8929-5691, 8922-2969, 0967-3197144, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or to the water service providers Manila Water (1627) or Maynilad (1626). Leaks within compounds and which may need major repairs may be reported to the DENR-WRMO through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

WMRO’s Bulletin No. 2 was issued as the water level in Angat Dam, which supplies potable water to NCR and nearby provinces, continues to drop amid an impending El Niño dry spell.

As of July 8, 2023, the water level in Angat Dam was at 179.99 meters, which is below the 180-meter minimum operating level.

When below operating levels, the allocation for irrigation will be reduced and supply for NCR and the provinces of Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan will be at the minimum volume. As such, residents could expect lower water pressures mainly during the night and possible interruptions in certain areas serviced by MWSS.

Under MC 22, President Marcos directed the WRMO to monitor the progress of all agencies towards conserving water through the analysis of their monthly water bills, with the aim of reducing their consumption by 10 percent.

Created last April by virtue of Executive Order No. 22, WRMO is mandated to ensure availability and sustainable management of water resources in the country. #.

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Published: 09 July 2023

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Published: 07 July 2023

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reaffirmed its support for building resilience to climate disasters in local government units (LGUs) by launching DENR Services on Wheels and Project TRANSFORM in Odette-hit municipalities  of Del Carmen, Burgos, Malimono and San Francisco in Siargao island.

“The DENR is here to support all LGUs and all partners on their journey towards resilience. This support will cover ridge-to-reef and we will work with you in managing forests, coastal and marine habitats, land use, solid waste, and water,” DENR Secretary Antonia Loyzaga said during an event in Surigao del Norte province on Friday, June 23.

Loyzaga was in Siargao island to spearhead the implementation of Project TRANSFORM, or the Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilience and Environmental Sustainability through Multistakeholder Engagement, and to deliver DENR services such as the processing Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) closer to the people through DENR Services on Wheels.

Project TRANSFORM is the integrated resilience and sustainability program of the DENR that engages the whole of society in implementing programs to alleviate poverty, enhance community resilience, and promote public-private partnerships.

The Environment Secretary pointed out that since every LGU has different capacities, strengths and vulnerabilities, each one needs to constantly balance hazards and exposure through evidence-informed decisions, policies, actions and programs.

As a protected area, Siargao island suffered the brunt of typhoon Odette in December 2021. As one of the country’s five gems, Loyzaga said that Surigao del Norte has unique and wonderful opportunities for inclusive and resilience development, but also unique risks due to man-made, geologic, and climate-related hazards.

She said that all sectors of society – government, academe, private sector and civil society – must work together to “identify high priority areas, understand the root causes of vulnerability, and identify and invest in appropriate environmental protection, climate change adaptation and mitigation and DRR (disaster risk reduction) strategies.”

The DENR Secretary also highlighted the critical role LGUs play in achieving climate and disaster resilience. Present at the launch were Siargao Islands 1st District Congressman Francisco Matugas, II, Malimono Mayor Wallace Sinaca, San Francisco Mayor Val Pinat, Burgos Mayor Angie Arcena, Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo Coro, II, Dapa Mayor Elizabeth Matugas, General Luna Mayor Sol Matugas, Pilar Mayor Maria Liza Resurreccion, San Benito Mayor Gina Sumando-Menila, San Isidro Mayor Lamberto Dominos, Jr., Sta. Monica Mayor Arwela Dolar, Socorro Mayor Reizl Timcang, and Surigao del Norte Assistant Provincial Administrator Molly Sering.

Also present in the event were development partners National Resilience Council (NRC), Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Philippine Forest Foundation (PFF), Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc., United States Agency for International Development (USAID) SIBOL, and Rare Philippines.

“Local leadership is critical in making the resilience agenda work on the ground. We must work together to ensure the implementation of informed and inclusive programs so that we can truly make a lasting impact on our community,” Loyzaga said.

“Key to this is that local chief executives need to own both risk and opportunities that are present in each of their local governments. Having owned both, then we’ll be able to chart the ways forward for their municipalities and for the province,” she added.

Loyzaga described Project TRANSFORM as “one practical application of the continuous consultation the DENR has had with all stakeholders and the foundational work done by key partners including the NRC which was established by Ambassador Roberto R. Romulo of the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation, SM Prime’s Hans Sy, and inspired by Prof. Ernesto Garilao of the ZFF.

Loyzaga expressed her thanks to the NRC, PBSP, PEF, Energy Development Corporation, USAID, PFF, and ZFF for their generous support for Project TRANSFORM.

“Economic activities which depend heavily on natural resources ad activities that impact the health of ecosystems and the services they provide have resulted in high exposure for the province,” Loyzaga ponted out.

Loyzaga said the DENR is looking forward to working with the provincial government and other partners in crafting the proposed Siargao Development Masterplan and in facilitating investments in nature-based and gray-green solutions through multistakeholder partnerships. ##

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Published: 24 June 2023

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will unveil a series of projects, programs and activities during the roll out of Project TRANSFORM or the Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilience and Environmental Sustainability through Multistakeholder Engagement in Surigao del Norte on June 23.

Following the successful launch of Project TRANSFORM in three pilot municipalities of Surigao del Norte—Malimono, San Francisco, and Burgos—during the Mindanao leg of the DENR Multistakeholder Forum last February 4, the DENR will be adding the municipality of Del Carmen to its pool of initial identified sites.

The DENR, under the leadership of Secretary Antonia Loyzaga, first announced the implementation of Project TRANSFORM in Visayas with Ormoc City, Leyte as its pilot area on January 18, and then in Luzon with the municipalities of Limay, Mariveles, and Orion in Bataan province as pilot sites on May 9.

Project TRANSFORM is the DENR’s strategic approach in engaging the whole of society in the implementation of evidence-informed and responsive programs to improving local economy, enhancing community resilience, and promoting public-private partnerships.

In support of this initiative, the DENR will be signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with mining company Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation (THPAL) for Adopt-National Greening Program (NGP) Site Projects.

THPAL will undertake a reforestation and rehabilitation program, and ensure the maintenance and protection of 53-hectares of forest area in the municipality in compliance with the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) issued to THPAL.

Aside from these, the DENR will also launch the “DENR Services on Wheels,” which is a mobile one-stop shop that will provide communities with routinary services without the need to go to the mainland. It will accept online applications for ECC, and tenural instrument requests and applications, among others. The DENR hopes to institutionalize this in other regions as well to make its services closer to the people.

The event will also see the ceremonial awarding of the Protected Area Community-Based Resource Management Agreement (PACBRMA), a tenurial instrument issued to a PO to develop, utilize, manage, conserve and protect the Community Based Program (CBP) in Protected Areas, to the Kaugmaon Nan Sapaonon Association Inc. (KINSAI).

The KINSAI is the second out of nine POs to be awarded with PACBRMA in Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS). The first was awarded to Josafat Farmers and Fisherfolks Association Inc. in December 2022. ##

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Published: 23 June 2023