ERDB Info JournalVol 9 No. 3 May - June 2015

Korea Forest Service reps visit ERDB

Korea Forest Service representatives (from left) Lee Chun Suk, seedling expert; Lee Won Mi, program officer; Park Seung Kwan, professional forestry engineer; and Gang Mi Rang, Korea Green Promotion Agency deputy manager, with ERDB Forester Gregorio E. Santos, Jr. at ERDB Clonal Nursery, Jamboree, Mt. Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna. Photo by Media Group of NGP-PQPM

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Acting Director Henry A. Adornado of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau right and Major General Glorioso V. Miranda of the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division inked a memorandum of agreement on March 31 to jointly develop a 670-hectare plantation of bamboo and indigenous trees within Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation, Brgy. Caballero, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija. It is the second tie up of the two parties under the National Greening Program. The first agreement was signed in June 2013 in which both parties agreed to establish a huge 3,000-hectare plantation of pure bamboo in the reservation until 2016. (Text by Media Group, NGP-PQPM/Photo by Enrico Barbosa).

In s i d e : n 3 ERDB Partner Bond Project holds training in General Nakar, Quezon n 4 ERDB conducts leadershop training in 2 communities for bamboo enterprise n 4 ERDB trains DENR researchers to publish in Sylvatrop n 5 Seminar on SMEs of Bamboo Industry held in China n 6 Laguna 4H Club joins “Lakbay Aral” at LBES n 7 For. Santos lectures on Charcoal briquetting technology at the DENR-ENR Forum n 7 21 Schools join the 2015 Earth Day Yourth Camp n 8 LGUs from General Nakar, Quezon for Lakbay Aral n 9 ERDB GADFPS raise LGU awareness on environmental and gender concerns on ecotourism n 9 ERDB upgrades its internet connection n 10 ERDB staff attend ‘TWEEST” Forum at Trade Fair at PCARRD

ERDB and Philippine Army’s 7ID ink new agreement

Korea Forest Service (KFS) representatives were at the Ecosystems Research and Development

Bureau (ERDB) on April 21 for a consultation meeting on the proposed Department of Environment and

Natural Resources-KFS cooperation project.

They were briefed by Dr. Henry A. Adornado, ERDB Acting Director, on the bureau’s accomplishments in National Greening Program (NGP), particularly the application of clonal technology to produce quality planting materials.

Korean experts were also toured at the ERDB clonal nurseries. They were accompanied by ERDB and Forest Management Bureau (FMB) staff.

“We hope we could be partners in this undertaking. We can combine the clonal technology of the Philippines and Korea toward the common

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The ERDB Partner Bond Project of the Technology Transfer Division (TTD) conducted a “Training-

Workshop Cum Hands-On Demo on DENR Charcoal Briquetting and Bamboo Propagation” held on June 16-17, 2015 at the Department of Agriculture Demo Farm in General Nakar, Quezon as part of its technology transfer activities. There were 31 participants in the training composed of 24 males and seven females. They were farmers and fisherfolks from the different barangays who are members of the four cooperatives. The cooperatives were the: Conservation Farming Village, Batangan General Nakar Fish Farmers Association Inc., Fisherfolks Association and BLET Group.

The training workshop aimed to provide a livelihood option for the cooperators such as the ERDB’s charcoal briquetting technology; increase awareness on the preservation and protection of the environment by introducing the ERDB’s bamboo propagation technology; and show to the participants the different end-products made from bamboo.

During the opening program, the prayer was led by Chaplain Amador Bonaobra of General Nakar. The

ERDB Partner Bond Project holds training in General Nakar, Quezon

For. Gregorio Santos Jr. of ERDB shows the planting of bamboo cuttings using ERDB’s technology. Photo by Lea Domasig

 ERDB Acting Director Henry A. Adornado delivers the inspirational message during the training workshop. Photo by Lea Domasig

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national anthem was led by Ms. Gliceria de Guzman of ERDB. Hon. Mayor Leovigildo R. Ruzol gave the welcome remarks while ERDB Acting Director Dr. Henry Adornado delivered the inspirational message. For. Jing Astejada, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) of General Nakar, welcomed the participants. Ms. Marla V. Cambay, Project Leader of the Partner-Bond Project, gave the rationale and objectives of the project.

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As part of the establishment of bamboo communities for enterprise, the Ecosystems Research

and Development Bureau (ERDB) conducted two leadership trainings in Camarines Sur and La Union on May 21-29, 2015, respectively. The trainings were conducted through the project “Establishment of Bamboo Community for Small and Medium-Scale Enterprise” under the leadership of Dr. Lynlei L. Pintor. The training aims to enhance the leadership knowledge and skills as well as the commitment of the participants to the project thereby reinforce its effective and efficient implementation. This will support the community in reaching its goals toward establishing a strong bamboo enterprise.

In Camarines Sur, 15 members of the People’s Organization, Samahan ng Magkakaisang Magsasaka Para sa Kinabukasan, Inc. consisting of its PO officers and barangay core group leaders participated in the training. Mr. Medardo delos Santos, Barangay Captain of Brgy. Pararao, gave the opening remarks. Mr. Tomas Delgado, a Teacher from Ragay National Agricultural and Fisheries School (RNAFS), served as the resource speaker. He tackled leadership styles, qualities of a good leader and teamwork as well as the dynamics of a group or an organization. He emphasized that the qualities of a leader are foundational to good leadership. “A good leader, whether they naturally possess these qualities or not, will be diligent to consistently develop and strengthen them in their leadership role for the betterment of the organization,” he said in Bikol dialect.

Mr. Delgado, being a former leader of a cooperative himself, also conveyed that the PO and soon-to-be bamboo enterprise must learn to stand strong on its own given the fact that the ERDB project will only be implemented until 2020; thus there is a need to develop good and efficient leaders. Meanwhile, in La Union, a total of 23 participants attended the training consisting of leaders in the two barangays

(Barangay Cadumanian and Barangay Carrunoan East) covered by the plantation site in DMMMSU Rosario. The opening remarks was given by Hon. Santiago Acosta, the Barangay Captain of Cadumanian. Ms. Emerita D. Galiste, Professor and Head of Training/Publication/M&E Department of DMMMSU-NLUC, served as the Resource Person during the training.

Prof. Galiste started her lecture by discussing three types of leadership namely autocratic l e a d e r s h i p , d e m o c r a t i c leadership, and laissez faire leadership. She said that an effective leader must possess skills which include the ability to analyze and solve problems, show p e r s e v e r a n c e through tough times, build quality relationships, and

exercise emotional intelligence, among others. Qualities needed for motivational leadership were also tackled such as honesty, communication, confidence, optimism, and courage. “Being a good and effective leader does not have something to do with status in life or education but more about having good values,” she expressed in Ilocano. Ms. Galiste also emphasized the importance of teamwork in an organization especially that the project aims to develop a strong and sustainable bamboo enterprise. “Let’s work together and make bamboo novelty an identity of Rosario, La Union,” she said. The closing remarks was delivered by Dr. Marina Sabado, Director of Institute of Agriculture in DMMMSU Rosario. She acknowledged the ERDB for promoting bamboo and she also challenged the participants to take a role in the project implementation for the establishment of a strong bamboo enterprise. Ms. Paulina Rowena Payuan, co-worker of the project, served as the facilitator of both trainings in Camarines Sur and La Union wherein she also presented the rationale of the project as well as the activities to be conducted in the six-year duration of the project. –Erleen Joy Sacbibit, CZFERD

ERDB conducts leadership training in 2 communities for bamboo enterprise

The participants/leaders of Barangay Cadumanian and Barangay Carunoan East of Rosario, La Union, together with Prof. Emerita Galiste (Resource Speaker), Dr. Marina Sabado (Director of Institute of Agriculture - DMMMSU Rosario) and the training staff during the Leadership Training in Camp One, Rosario, La Union on May 29, 2015.

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tubig Watershed) of Mindoro Island to landslide and biodiversity loss

There are also six (6) new articles that were prepared by DENR authors which include:1. Organotin concentrations in sediments and

macrobenthic organisms from selected sites of Manila Bay (EMB)

2. Assessment of physico-chemical and metals concentrations in leachate from selected open dumpsites in the Philippines (EMB)

3. Biodiversity of edible and non-edible fungi in selected mountain ecosystems in Laguna, Philippines (FMB)

4. Pre and post dredging status of aquatic biodiversity in Pasig River, Philippines (ERDB)

5. Utilization of full polarimetric ALOS-PALSAR for Land Cover Mapping in the Philippines (NAMRIA)

6. Mapping and assessment of Forestland population in the Philippines (NAMRIA)

In his message to participants, Dr. Antonio M. Daño, Chair of the Sylvatrop Editorial Board, emphasized the importance of crafting policies and formulating incentives that would motivate researchers to publish their research inputs as journal articles. This also leads to a hope that in the future, Sylvatrop could provide incentives in the forms of promotion and award parameters. Thus, the Sylvatrop Editorial Board composed of 10 DENR agencies namely, ERDB, EMB, FMB, MGB, HRDS, OSEC, LLDA, NAMRIA, LMB and BMB, will now redirect its focus towards this path. Adreana Santos-Remo, TTD

ERDB trains DENR researchers to publish in Sylvatrop

The Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) spearheaded the conduct of the

2015 Sylvatrop Writeshop last April 21-23, 2015 at Lohas Hotel, Clarkfield Zone, Clark, Pampanga.

Recognizing the vital role of publishing in scientific journals to a country’s progress, ERDB invited writer-participants from DENR bureaus and attached agencies to train researchers on how to transform research reports into journal articles for Sylvatrop. Sylvatrop has been the official technical journal of the DENR since 1976. Since then, it has published numerous research results on a wide range of topics including forest production, vulnerability assessment and mapping, biodiversity conservation, to name a few.

During the writeshop, the importance of publishing in a journal as a contributor to a nation’s progress has been highlighted by Dr. Inocencio E. Buot, Jr., resource person. According to Dr. Buot, DENR as the lead agency in the protection and management of the natural resources has to be proactive in publishing new information related to environment and natural resources.

“Publication is an indicator of research productivity and this could lead to economic and national development”, Dr. Buot added.

The outputs of the writeshop include six vulnerability assessment (VA) articles from ERDB. ERDB plans to produce the VA Special Issue by 2nd quarter of 2015.The articles underwent rigorous revisions and critiquing under the auspices of Dr. Diomedes Racelis, a watershed expert from the University of the Philippines Los Banos. The articles include:

1. Vulnerability assessment of soil and water resources of San Cristobal watershed in Cabuyao, Laguna

2. Assessment of the Vulnerability to Landslide of Lower Allah Valley Sub-watershed at Mindanao, Philippines

3. Vulnerability assessment of Mt. Makiling Watersheds in Laguna

4. Vulnerability assessment of the La Mesa Watershed reservation

5. Landslide vulnerability assessment of Lusuac watershed within the Province of Abra, Philippines

6. Vulnerability of Kisloyan Sub-catchment (Mag-asawang

The writeshop participants and speakers during the 2015 Sylvatrop Writeshop held in Lohas Hotel, Clarkfield Zone, Clark, Pampanga on April 21-23, 2015.

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More and more countries are now becoming interested in acquiring

knowledge about bamboo and how this resource will be used in improving the quality of life of the people in the rural community. To cater to the needs of the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) member countries including those who have interest in bamboo, a capacity building titled Seminar on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of Bamboo Industry was held on April 9-23, 2015 in Beijing, China. The International Center for Bamboo and Rattan (ICBR) and INBAR organized the seminar which was sponsored by the State Forestry Administration (SFA) of the People’s Republic of China.

The Aid Program comprised a two-week in-house training and field visit including one-day international workshop that aimed to raise awareness about the role SMEs’ play in sustainable development. A total of 18 young and mid-career government officials (14 from Asia, three from Latin America and one from Caribbean) participated in the seminar. Participants had the opportunity to visit bamboo enterprises and became familiar with the bamboo SMEs development status in China. They were also able to have dialogue with entrepreneurs and policy makers from the national, provincial and county (town) level. Aside from the meetings and field visit, the program also provided international platform for all participants to exchange knowledge and experience from different countries and created opportunity to have future collaboration among themselves.

Conservation while doing business was one of the challenges that the seminar on bamboo tried to address. It was recognized that bamboo indeed could help boost the economy of the country without putting

pressure on the environment and natural resources. To ensure a sustainable bamboo sector industry, the importance of having an enabling policy for each participating country was emphasized in the workshop. Considering the increasing labor cost in China-south collaboration or the movement of industries to use other countries in the production of bamboo products is a great opportunity for the bamboo sector. Common issues or constraints pertaining to bamboo SMEs include lack of information about bamboo resources, low public awareness on potential of bamboo and limited technical expertise related to product design and quality. Bamboo resources inventory, conduct of IEC or promotional campaigns and capacity building were among the strategies identified to address those mentioned issues. A national policy on bamboo sector like the Philippines’ Executive Order 879 or the creation of Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) was also identified as a major strategy to ensure a sustainable bamboo industry. Myline O. Aparente, FERD and Digno C. Garcia, LESD

Seminar on SMEs of Bamboo Industry held in China

 Officials and Staff of INBAR, ICBR, and State Forestry Administration of the People’s Republic of China together with 18 participants of the seminar on SMEs of Bamboo Industry.

ERDB Director Dr. Henry A. Adornado expressed his appreciation to General Nakar’s Mayor Ruzol for voluntarily accepting the technology that ERDB is offering. He said, “Samantalahin natin ang pagkakataon na maibahagi ng aming ahensiya ang teknolohiyang mapagkakakitaan ng ating mga kababayan na hindi naisasakripisyo ang kapaligiran.” Dr. Adornado further said that at present, the people in General Nakar use the traditional way of charcoal making which is destructive to the environment. He further explained that the DENR charcoal briquetting technology uses only the waste materials from leaves,

ERDB partner bond... from page 2

 Mr. Niro Villaceran demonstrates charcoal briquetting (carbonization).Photo by Lea Domasig.page 11

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As part of its continuous effort in promoting its t e c h n o l o g i e s , the Ecosystems Research and D e v e l o p m e n t Bureau (ERDB), 27 members of the 4H club from different cities and municipalities in Laguna, and four municipal and provincial coordinators from Department of Agriculture were invited to visit the Los Baños Experimental Station (LBES) and the ERDB premises for Lakbay Aral on May 08, 2015.

The 4H club, as introduced by Provincial Agriculture Coordinator, Ms. Corazon Calabia, is composed of in-school and out-of-school youth aged 12 to 30 years old who are interested in agriculture. They are voluntary members of the organization who are active in different environmental activities such as trainings, seminars, and competitions, among others. Dr. Marilyn Q. Landicho, OIC-Chief of LESD, welcomed the participants and encouraged them to share ERDB’s research and studies in their community, as well as the knowledge and information they would gain from their visit. The group kicked off the Lakbay Aral by visiting the LBES wherein they observed different species of bamboo. Eddie Castillo, LBES staff, taught the participants on how to propagate bamboo. Afterwards, the participants visited the bamboo and rattan gallery at the ERDB premises. They also toured around the ERDB’s Special Project Area (SPA) for the charcoal briquetting technology and clonal propagation facility. At the SPA, ERDB technical staff, Jay Jimenez and Niro Villaceran, demonstrated the proper tree seedlings propagation and the process of making charcoal briquettes from waste products, respectively.

After the itinerary, 4H Club members, Renato Sumague and Reeve Garcia, shared their insights on the activity. Both of them thanked ERDB for the opportunity to participate in the Lakbay Aral. “We are very thankful for the new experiences and knowledge we’ve gained from Lakbay Aral. I could not

believe that ERDB plays such a big role in maintaining the beauty of the environment, and in reducing the effects of global warming, preventing soil erosion, and others,” Sumague said.

“I learned a lot particularly in the use of forest products as a source of livelihood. Charcoal briquetting technology was also a new learning for me,” Garcia added.

Likewise, Ms. Noemi Enseo, city coordinator of San Pablo, was very thankful and appreciative towards ERDB. She said, “This activity is very timely to open the minds and the hearts of the youth for the environment in the face of technological advancements. I believe that the 4H club members will be able to embrace ERDB’s technologies with determination, hard work, and willingness to learn.”

Dr. Antonio M. Daño, Assistant Director of ERDB, thanked the participants for their participation and for sharing their insights on Lakbay Aral. In his closing remarks, he reminded the participants, “I have a share in maintaining the beauty of the environment; however, I will not be able to do my part if I will only focus on my own personal interest first. Just like you, the youth, we all have our role in maintaining the beauty of our environment.” He, again, thanked the participants and expressed his hopes for future collaboration. Melanie N. Ojeda, TTD

Laguna 4H Club joins “Lakbay Aral” at LBES

 The participants attentively listening to charcoal briquetting demonstration. Photo by Melanie Ojeda

goal of producing quality planting materials,” said Dr. Adornado. The meeting aimed to provide the Korean experts a grasp of the general nursery and plantation system in the country.

It was part of the KFS weekl-long visit to the Philippines to assess the proposed project site in Bataan for the establishment of clonal nursery facility and demonstration forest. Media Group, NGP-PQPM

Korea forest reps... from page 1

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For. Santos and some of the participants at the ENR Forum. Photo by Melanie Ojeda

Mr. Raymond Thaddeus Ancog presents his lecture on Geo-hazards during the 2015 Earth Day celebration on April 21-23, 2015 at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (NAPWC) in Quezon City. Photo by Vienna O. Austria

For. Gregorio Santos, Jr. served as one of the resource persons at the Environment and Natural Resources

Technologies cum Stakeholders’ Training Needs Assessment (TNA) on May 19, 2015 at the DENR Bldg., Ecology Center, Diliman, Quezon City. The forum, which is coordinated by ERDS-NCR, served as an avenue for the stakeholders to learn about the application of different Environment and Natural Resource (ENR) technologies and for them to have a basis of the technologies they prefer to adopt in their communities.

For. Santos, ERDB’s Senior Science Research Specialist, shared his expertise on charcoal briquetting technology. His lecture covered the process of making charcoal briquettes from forest waste products and the advantages of using them over regular charcoals. He also introduced the liquid smoke as a by-product of charcoal briquettes.

Towards the end of his discussion, he entertained some participants’ questions which are mostly about product marketing and the availability of the equipment for briquetting.

Forty-three participants composed of 34 females and nine males from different cities in the NCR attended the forum. Melanie N. Ojeda, TTD

For. Santos lectures on charcoal briquetting technology at the DENR-ENR Forum

The participants inspecting the charcoal briquettes. Photo by M. Ojeda

“Earth Day Everyday Everywhere for Everyone”- this was the theme of the 2015 Earth Day celebration. The event was highlighted with a youth camp participated by 21 schools from the National Capital Region (NCR). The activity was held on April 21-23, 2015 at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (NAPWC).

One hundred thirty-six participants (99 grade 9 students and 37 teachers) joined the camp. 21 participating schools, the Carmona National High School in Cavite represented the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) (6 students and 2 teacher –interpreters), while the Bicol University through Holcim Cement sent their five on-the-job training (OJT) students. The participating schools came from the cities of Quezon, Makati, Malabon, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Valenzuela, San Juan, Pasay, Mandaluyong, Pasig and Navotas. The schools in Carmona, Cavite and Norzagaray, Bulacan were also represented.

Twenty Youth Desk Officers/Coordinators (YDOs) from the central office, bureaus, and regions spearheaded the conduct of the camp.

21 Schools join the 2015 Earth Day Youth Camp

For the opening program, the DENR Sec. Ramon JP. Paje delivered his 2015 State of the Environment addressing the participants of the Camp. Other present officials from the department included Usec. Demetrio L. Ignacio Jr. , Usec. Atty. Ernesto D. Adobo, Jr., Asec Atty. Jonas R. Leones, Asec Corazon C. Davis, Asec. Briselda M. Gervacio, Dir. Theresa Mundita S. Lim of BMB, Dir. Ric. G. Enriquez, Dir. Leo L. Jasareno of MGB, Head Executive Assistant William T. Ragos and Dir. Jesus Enrico Moises B. Salazar of the Strategic Concerns and Initiatives Services (SCIS). Some media personnel were also around to cover the event.

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Nine members of the Local Government Unit of General Nakar, Quezon visited the Los Baños

Experimental Station (LBES) and other facilities in Los Baños Laguna for a two-day Lakbay Aral as part of the ENR technology promotion through demonstration areas activity by the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) on April 23 to 24 2015.

Dr. Antonio Daño, Assistant Director of ERDB welcomed the participants. He related his first-hand experience of General Nakar’s natural resources when he visited the municipality 20 years ago. Angelito Exconde, OIC chief of AFMD, also greeted the participants and expressed his hopes for continuous environmental collaboration with them.

The group spent the first day of the Lakbay Aral by visiting the bamboo and rattan gallery at the ERDB premises. Then, Ms. Veronica O. Sinohin gave the participants a brief introduction about ERDB, as well as its different programs and research centers.

Forester Gregorio Santos Jr. kicked off the second day of Lakbay Aral by sharing his experiences and expertise specifically on bamboo propagation. He also entertained some questions and concerns from the participants. Afterwards, the group headed to LBES wherein different species of bamboos and other plants can be seen. They also visited the premises of the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) where Dr.

Carlos M. Garcia gave a lecture about FPRDI and its functions. He also led the visit on FPRDI’s premises particularly the different equipment used in processing engineered bamboos and other forest products.

Lastly, the group toured around the ERDB’s Special Project Area for the Clonal Propagation Facility and Charcoal Briquette Technology.

Before heading home, the participants expressed their feedbacks and opinions regarding the Lakbay Aral. Councilor Jayson Risico of Brgy. Maligaya said that he has learned a lot from the experience. He specifically cited charcoal briquetting as a possible technology that they can adopt in their community. Likewise, Barangay

Mahabang Lalim Chairwoman Juanita Avellaneda expressed her gratitude towards ERDB for being chosen as participants of Lakbay Aral. As for her, she thinks that bamboo propagation will be a suitable technology for their barangay since they are near the rivers. However, she voiced out her concern regarding the lack of financial provision to support the technology.

Monetary funding to avail the needed equipment was also the main concern of Barangay Batangan Chairman Diosdado Borreo. Though he said that the technologies, especially the charcoal briquetting, will be a very feasible alternative source of livelihood for the residents of General Nakar, the machines are too costly to provide.

LGUs from General Nakar, Quezon visit LBES for Lakbay Aral

The participants and ERDB staff at LBES. Photo by Mathew Frias

Dr. Carlos Garcia entertaining some questions from the participants. Photo by Mathew Frias

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Diverse natural and cultural resources made ecotourism in the Philippines a common practice of

the local government units. In support to this economic activity, the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) Gender and Development Focal Point System (GAD-FPS) conducted an ENR Outreach Program Pantas Aral on May 8, 2015 in San Juan, Batangas. The municipality is known for its beach tourist attraction found in some of its barangays, particularly Barangay Laiya. A total of 50 participants composed mostly of municipal local government officials and personnel, Police Department Head, resort representatives, and Bantay Dagat staff attended the Pantas Aral.

Prior to the lecture proper, Mr. Rodello A. de Chavez, Municipal Tourism Officer, presented Municipal Ordinance No. 02-2013 which is “An Ordinance Prescribing Tourism Ecological Fee and Imposing Penalties for Violation thereof in the Municipality of San Juan.” The provisions and appropriations of the collection from the ecological fee and corresponding penalties were included in the presentation. Currently, ecotourism is a lucrative business in San Juan. According to Mr. de Chavez, a total amount of more or less P5M was already collected from January to April 2015.

Meanwhile, Mr. Juan B. Ebora of ERDB discussed the topics on environmental services, carrying capacity,

ERDB GADFPS raise LGU awareness on environmentaland gender concerns on ecotourism

Mr. Ebora entertains a query from one of the participants. (Photo by Nestor Leviste)

and GAD issues which pertain to ecotourism. The participants highly appreciate the lecture specially the topic on carrying capacity which they found to be applicable in their area. According to Mr. Frank Ilustrado, the Municipal Administrator, it is the incumbent mayor Honorable Rodolfo H. Manalo’s advocacy to protect the environment along with the promotion of tourism in their area. This is the reason why they look forward to more technical assistance that can be provided by ERDB to their municipality. Rowena C. Payuan, UERD

The Management Information Section of the Planning and Management Information Services

Unit (MIS_PMISU) of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) facilitated the upgrading of the Bureau’s internet connection to cater to the growing demand in internet access and to speed up its network utility. Currently, ERDB has two internet service providers namely: (PLDT with 5Mbps static connection and KWIKNET-10 Mbps-dynamic connection). The MIS Section proposed to upgrade the present bureau’s internet to Shared Internet Connectivity (Static IP) with Bandwith Package of KS-2@20Mbps with Upstream up to 6Mbps and Downstream to 20Mbps. It also has a special provision of upgrading the internet

connection to direct internet connectivity via Fiber Optic Link with bandwith package of minimum 10Mbps with same monthly payment terms. The Bureau awarded the contract to Community Cable KWIKNET (CCVC-KWIKNET) effective May 2015. The Contract of Agreement for KWIKNET Hi-Speed Broadband Internet Service and the ERDB was signed by Acting Director Dr. Henry A. Adornado. Aurora S. Jose and Aldrin Q. de Roxas, MIS-PMISU

ERDB upgrades its internet connection

Mr. Jerry de Mesa sets up the KWIKNET apparatus and speed testing of the upgraded ERDB’s internet connection. Photo by Aldrin de Roxas

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The outstanding players of the ERDB Summer Sportsfest 2015 were given

plaques of recognition during the awarding ceremony held during the flag raising ceremony on May 20, 2014. The blue team triumphed in badminton and basketball (men). The green team won in the chess and dart competitions while the yellow team won in the scrabble competition. The red team emerged as the winner in table tennis. Both the blue and red teams tied in volleyball (women), The outstanding players in each sports category were also awarded with plaques of recognition. They are: Emmanuel Cuison (basketball), Jim Padin (chess), Roswin Valenzuela (dart, singles-men), Nora Masajo (dart, singles-women), Ma. Lourdes Reyes (scrabble, single), Julius Bañega (table tennis, singles-men) Eddie Eusebio and Marvin Lobina (table tennis, doubles-men), Kristine Marie Supan and Rose Ann

ERDB awards Summer Sportsfest 2015 winners

Ms. Emma L. Ebora of the Director’s Office receives the plaque of recognition on behalf of the winning team in volleyball for women. Photo by Matthew Frias.

Martinez (table tennis, doubles-women) and Imelda Villamayor (volleyball). ERDB Acting Director Henry A. Adornado awarded the plaques of recognition and tokens to the winners. Also present during the awarding ceremony was OIC- Asst. Director Antonio M. Daño. Marla V. Cambay, TTD

Although ERDB could not deliver the immediate needs of the participants, Dr. Henry Adornado, ERDB’s Acting Director assured that the bureau will give its utmost effort to provide the technical assistance needed by the municipality and the LGUs. He emphasized that even though the main objective of the Lakbay Aral is to raise awareness and educate residents to “use minor forest products instead of major forest products”, ERDB is open to the possibility of providing machines for the partner municipality in the following years.

Based on the results of the Training Needs Survey (TNS) answered by seven participants, the technology they are most interested in adopting is the charcoal briquetting, followed by forest tree species and agroforestry, and lastly, bamboo propagation. For other technologies, nursery techniques for fuelwood was recommended.

As for their part, the participants said that they can support the projects of ERDB in their communities through information dissemination and attendance to trainings and activities. On the other hand, they expressed their “strong desire” for ERDB to conduct trainings and seminars on selected technology, to provide technical assistance, technology for livelihood, and provision of equipment for charcoal briquetting. Melanie N. Ojeda, TTD

LGUs from Gen. Nakar...from page 8 21 Schools join...from page 7

Plenary sessions include topics on: a) Youth Engagement, Essential to Achieve the MDGs and Youth on Inclusive and Transformative New Agenda b) My World and World We Want 2015 c) Philippine Biodiversity and d) Importance of Manila Bay and the role of the Youth in its Rehabilitation.

The same day, a poster making contest, was sponsored and facilitated by the EDNP representatives participated by five participants. Also, group presentations for the Sayaw at Awit Para sa Kalikasan (SAYAWIT) was conducted. Seven groups presented their piece for which the YDO from ERDB, Ms. Vienna O. Austria, facilitated and hosted the said activity. Earth Day was commenced with an ecology walk around the NAPWC. After breakfast, plenary session 4 had the topics on: Eco-Friendly Schools/ASEAN Environment Year, Geo-hazards and The National Greening Program (NGP).

The final day of the camp began with a museum visit at the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB) and a tour at the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) green building along East Avenue, Q. C. The tours were then preceeded by lectures on DENR’s youth, PWD, and volunteer programs.

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The 2015 Philippine International Biomass Conference was held on June 16-18, 2015 at the

Widus Hotel and Casino, Clark Pampanga. The theme of the conference is “Exploring the Market Potentials of Biomass for Bio-based Fuel and Energy” which highlights UPLB’s priority focus on research and development of alternative fuel and energy from local reserves. It also supports Republic Act (RA) of the Biofuels Act of 2006. Mr. Juan B. Ebora, Ms. Rowena C. Payuan, and Ms. Vienna O. Austria together with Mr. Randy Tubal and Mr. Darwin Ablang of the Watershed and Water Resources Research Center (WWRRC) in Baguio City attended the conference. The event was organized and sponsored by the University of the Philippines Los Baños-Interdisciplinary Biofuels Research Studies Center (UPLB-IBRSC), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural

twigs and other waste products. He also explained that the needed information must also be introduced to the farmers on producing bamboo planting materials for the maintenance and protection of General Nakar’s forest resources. Mayor Leovigildo R. Ruzol was also in attendance. He said, “Isang malaking karangalan ng bayan ng General Nakar na ang Direktor ng ERDB ay nagmula sa ating bayan.” He expressed his hope that the livelihood project will be continuously implemented and monitored for the preservation of General Nakar’s natural resources.

For. Gregorio E. Santos, Jr. of ERDB was the resource speaker during the training-workshop. He showed the different types and species of bamboo. He also gave the different uses of bamboo. Different ways of propagating bamboo were also shown to the participants.

On charcoal briquetting, For. Santos explained the causes and effects of climate change, importance of charcoal briquette and process of charcoal briquetting and its impact on the environment. He also showed the process of the collecting liquid smoke.

Actual demonstration of charcoal briquetting was shown by Mr. Niro Villaceran from MGB and Mr. Marvin Archie Lobina from LESD, project staff of the ERDB Laboratory

ERDB partner bond... from page 5

 The participants with Mr. Russel Olan of ERDB. Photo by Lea Domasig.

5 ERDB employees attend 2015 Philippine International Biomass Conference

and Experiment Station Division (LESD). This was followed by the demonstration on bamboo propagation by Mr. Edgardo Castillo, also from the LBES.

As a training output, each of the two groups of participants planted 50 bamboo cuttings. Each participant also produced his own charcoal briquettes. They also presented their action plans for the project on bamboo production and charcoal briquetting.

The last part of the program was the awarding of certificates of appreciation to the resource speakers and participants of the training. This was followed by the closing remarks of MENRO Jing Astejada. Marla V. Cambay, UERD

Research (DA-BAR), Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as co-sponsors.

Around 250 local and foreign participants/delegates from the academe, government, private and business sectors paarticipated in the International Conference. Foreign delegates were from the international companies from the U.S.A., Japan, Spain and Canada. The delegates presented their technologies and competititve business model in the production of power and fuels using biomass and municipal solid waste. The two-day conference was devoted to paper presentation while the last day (June 18, 2015) was a field trip to San Jose City, Nueva Ecija – a plant visit to San Jose City I Power Corporation. A business/interest matching was also conducted on the latter part of the second day. Ma. Vienna O. Austria, UERD

Vol 9 No 312

ERDB Info Journal

Five employees from the ERDB namely: Ms. Ma. Theresa Valencia, Ms. Lea Domasig, Ms. Marita

Briz, Ms. Emma Paunlagui and Mr. Alexander Borja attended the “Testimonials on Women Economic Empowerment through Science and Technology” (TWEEST) Forum and Trade Fair on March 30. 2015 at the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), Los Banos, Laguna.

The PCAARRD conducted the Forum and Trade Fair in celebration of the Women’s Month. During the program, Dr. Danilo C. Cardenas of the Office of the Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services (ODED-ARMSS) gave the opening remarks. The activity highlighted the importance of economic empowerment of women especially in the microenterprises.

Entrepreneurs involved in agriculture and aquatic enterprises shared their experiences on how they became successful entrepreneurs. Ms. Susie Duasi, representative of Ms Perla Escaba, owner of Escaba Food Products, Ms. Benigna Marasigan, a member of Rosario Dairy Raisers Association who sells buffalo dairy products, Ms. Zarah Jane D. Juan, owner of Green Leaf Eco Bags, Ms Sherill R. Quintana, Founder of Oryspa Spa Solutions Inc and Mr. Felimon San Juan

ERDB staff attend “TWEEST” Forum and Trade Fair at PCARRD

L-R. Ms. Ofelia Domingo, host/ Chair, PCAARRD GAD TWG and guests entrepreneurs namely Ms. Zarah Jane Juan, Ms. Benigna Marasigan, Ms. Susie Duasi, Ms. Sherill Quintana and Mr. Felimon San Juan Jr. Photo by Reeza Valencia

Jr, the only male entrepreneur who shared his business experiences in raising Feliza Woodworks/ ARGYLE gave their testimonials.

All the guests also testified how DOST and PCAARRD helped them through the aspects of finance, marketing, and technical assistance. At the end of the program, sample products from the guests were raffled to all the participants. Lea B. Domasig, TTD

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE Yul Bacod-TDPS/TTD

ERDB Info JournalVol 9 No. 3 May - June 2015

Contribution from all employees are welcome as per guidelines set in ERDB Memo dated Aug. 31, 2007. The ERDB Info Journal is produced bimonthly in coordination with all offices, Divisions and Units of the ERDB.

Executive Advisers : Henry A. Adornado Antonio M. DanoEditorial Adviser : Veronica O. SinohinManaging Editor : Marla V. CambayLayout : Liberato A. BacodCirculation : Gliceria B. De Guzman Eduardo M. TolentinoPrinting : Celso A. Luna

(Answers next issue)

The camp was closed with the unison recitation of the “The Panata sa Kalikasan”. Three campers gave their impressions, while the closing message was imparted by Dir. Jesus Enrico Moises B. Salazar. The giving of prizes for the games, distribution of seedlings and IEC materials, and the awarding of certificates of

participation/attendance were followed with the photo opportunity being the last activity. The camp was sponsored by the Earth Day Network Philippines (EDNP), United Nations Volunteer Program (UNVP), Holcim Cement, and the DENR. Vienna O. Austria, UERD

21 Schools join...from page 10

Crossword PuzzleYul A. Bacod