The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol, led by Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla, Jr., highlighted the sustainable development and environmental protection in the region during the recent Kapihan session.
Joining RED Milla were key officials including RD Engr. Guillermo A. Molina, Jr., IV of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau V, and Atty. John Eric C. Tizon, Legal Unit Chief of the Environmental Management Bureau. They, along with various provincial and community environment and natural resources officers, provided comprehensive reports on the department’s efforts and performances.
Milla emphasized the department’s focus on evidence-informed and science-based approaches to achieve inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development. He highlighted the importance of protecting air, water, and land—the three fundamental support systems for life.
“Our environment provides three support systems—air, water, and land. Taking care of these three support systems is basically taking care of life,” Milla said.
One of the flagship initiatives discussed was the enhanced biodiversity conservation efforts. The DENR Bicol manages 19 protected areas through the Protected Area Management Boards and Offices, ensuring effective implementation of conservation endeavors.
The department has also improved monitoring and assessment of coastal and marine ecosystems, with special projects targeting abandoned, undeveloped, and underutilized fishponds, as well as economic valuation of coral reef damage estimates.
“We currently have various special projects on the collaborative assessment of abandoned, undeveloped, and underutilized fishponds, as well as the economic valuation in the calculation of damage estimates of coral reef ecosystems,” Milla added.
The DENR Bicol’s commitment to biodiversity-friendly enterprises was also showcased, with four (4) people’s organizations currently receiving funds and technical assistance to promote sustainable natural resource utilization.
“We have 4 people’s organizations aided with appropriate funds and technical assistance so that communities will have increased appreciation of biodiversity through ecosystem services,” Milla highlighted.
Forest protection and rehabilitation have been a cornerstone of the DENR Bicol’s efforts. Under the National Greening and Forest Protection Programs, the region has successfully planted 4.2 million seedlings covering 4,032.79 hectares since 2022. Community-centered activities have been crucial, involving youths, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) beneficiaries, and Department of Education (DepEd) sector participants in various tree planting and growing activities.
RED Milla also announced the acceleration of land titling efforts, with 3,729 residential land and 2,141 agricultural patents ready for distribution among qualified beneficiaries. This initiative aims to provide secure land tenure and stimulate economic development in the region.
The Bicol Region, rich in mineral resources, has seen responsible mining operations under strict environmental compliance measures. The Masbate Gold Project in Aroroy, Masbate, was highlighted for contributing P3.6 billion in national and local taxes, fees, and royalties in 2023.
“The region holds the largest gold mine in the country with 5,000 hectares of land while progressively rehabilitating it,” Milla reported.
Molina discussed the potential for mining in Camarines Norte, with approved documents awaiting negotiations with landowners.
“Aside from Masbate, sa Camarines Norte ang kino consider natin na malaki ang potential for mining. Ito po ay located sa Labo, Camarines Norte. Na-approve na po ang mga dokumento, ang kailangan na lang po gawin ay makipag-usap sa mga land owners,” Molina added.
Efforts in mining rehabilitation were also presented, with the Rapo-Rapo mine being a notable example of successful rehabilitation under RA 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
“I’m very proud po that the rehabilitation efforts na ginagawa sa Rapo-Rapo, the first mine in the Philippines that is rehabilitated under RA 7942, is almost 100 percent na po,” Molina said.
The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) has been proactive in monitoring air and water quality. Continuous mmbient air quality monitoring stations have been established in Pili, Naga, and Rawis, among other locations. Atty. Tizon reported satisfactory air quality in the region, posing little to no risk of pollution.
“Based on the latest air quality monitoring result natin, meron tayong good air quality index, ibig sabihin, satisfactory po ang air quality natin sa Bicol region,” Tizon confirmed.
Milla stressed the importance of securing the necessary environmental compliance certificates for infrastructure projects to mitigate adverse environmental impacts. The DENR Bicol maintains close coordination with the DPWH to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
“‘Yan nga ang tinututukan natin sa ngayon dahil maraming developmental infra(structure) projects na in-implement ang DPWH. Una, dapat talaga mag-secure ng kaukulang permit itong mga ito,” Milla emphasized. I Jeric Quidoles
Photo: Don Canela