Regional, bureau and field officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-CAR gathered for its Regional Management Conference to discuss its accomplishments for the past semester and plan for the implementation of its programs, projects and activities for the remaining semester.

Regional Executive Director, Engr. Ralph Pablo stressed the need to manage both internal and external affairs efficiently and effectively to ensure smooth and impactful implementation of its programs, projects activities in the Cordilleran communities.
 
He told field officials to be vigilant in protecting the remaining forests of the Cordilleras as they remain among the most valuable resources in the region, which is known as the Watershed Cradle of the North.
 
The Director noted that forests should remain intact while they are augmented and nurtured through the continuing implementation of the National Greening Program. He told field implementors to make sure small-water impounding systems are functional to serve as a water reserve for dry seasons.
 
To ensure sustainability, the arboretums established within field offices’ vicinities shall be properly maintained and enhanced, if need be, for continuous seedling production. Such shall serve as a source of seedlings and saplings for tree planting activities led by the DENR and other partner stakeholders.
 
The existing Forest Product Monitoring Stations and Checkpoints, he said, should always be manned by the forest protection officers and forest guards, in coordination with the Philippine National Police’s enforcement officers. Said enforcement officers are expected to be stiff and fair in enforcing forestry laws so as to ensure safeguard of the environment and natural resources in communities by preventing or repelling illegal forest activities.
 
For improved monitoring and enforcement of forestry laws, he suggested that the use of drones be maximized by LAWIN patrollers as they can be used for remote surveillance while providing a safe, efficient and cost-effective ways to monitor areas. He noted the advantages of using such in real-time visual data collection, and long range of operation and the ability to reach remote locations. It may be used to collect evidence, track perpetrators of or conduct of illegal activities, and to perform search and rescue operations.
 
On land disposition, while the DENR-CAR continues to innovate on ways to bring its land titling services to the people, Pablo instructed the officials to lead the assessment, cleansing and reconciliation of land-related data and records to provide better and easier access to the public.
 
He instructed the field officials to conduct an inventory of all government lands in their areas of jurisdiction to map out which ones are not yet titled, or are in conflict. Such, he said, should be titled in favor of the government for public use and purpose.
 
Speaking of knowledge management, Pablo highlighted the need to embrace the use of geospatial data in planning, project implementation, and monitoring. These data shall serve as reference for all levels of policy and decision-making.

In other matters, the Director demanded for a hands on implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Project of the Department of Labor and Employment. Under which, the DENR-CAR committed to providing short-term employment opportunities under its NGP and river protection initiatives.

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Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Press Releases
Published: 25 August 2023