ERDB NewsletterVol. 4 No. 3 July - September 2010
DENR
Director’s Engagements
INSIDE: n 3 Climate Change Adaptation in the ENR agenda n 3 ASEAN experts converge on herbal and medicinal plants n 4 SYLVATROP conducts 3rd Writeshop n 5 ERDB sponsors Intellectual Property Rights Seminar n 6 ERDB joins Bañamos Festival 2010 n 6 Youth Desk Officers’ Workshop held in Koronadal City n 7 LBSCFI inducts 2010 officers n 8 4th International Conference of ARSA held in Legaspi City n 9 ERDB personnel attend MGB GADFPS seminar n 10 FORESPI announces Search for 2010 Outstanding Scientist/Researcher Awards n 10 ERDB launches 2 new books on rattan
New RDE agenda crafted at 2nd DENR Research MANCON
Regional Rattan Conference held at Dusit Hotel
July 20101 & 2 - REDD+ Workshop, Innotech, Quezon City6 - Resource Person, DZLB, UPLB26-30 - ASEANSeniorOfficials-ASEANExpertsGroup(ASOF-AEG) Conference,ManilaPeninsulaAugust 20101-7- EstablishmentAgreement(EA)of theASEANCentre forBiodiversity(ACB),Hanoi,Vietnam17-18- ClimateChangeForum,HeritageHotel19-20- MANCON-ResearchSector,HeritageHotel24- RoundTableDiscussionASEANClimateChangeInitiativeand PolicyDialogue,DFA,Manila27-Sept.1-RattanRegionalConference,DusitThaniHotelSeptember 20102-3 - MeetingwithSec.PajeandDTISec.withDr.CoosjeHoogendoorn DGof INBARre:Phil.TradeBasedAgreementtoINBAR10 - RoundTableDiscussion/Speaker/Moderator/Reactoron ASEANClimateChangeInitiative(ACCI)14-21&22–Deliberationof BudgetforCY2011
Participants of the 2nd DENR Research Sector Management Conference held on August 19-20, 2010 at the Heritage Hotel, Pasay City.
Participants of the Regional Rattan Conference held on August 29 to September 1, 2010 at Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Centre, Makati City. Front row (from left) former ERDB Director Celso P. Diaz; Mr. Eriberto C. Argete, DENR Director for Planning and Policy; Mr. Li Qiang, ITTO representative; Dr. Coosje Hoogendoorn, Director General of INBAR; USEC Manuel D. Gerochi, DENR Undersecretary for Staff Bureaus and Project Management; ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr., Project Director of ITTO Rattan Project; Dr. Aida B. Lapis, Deputy Project Director of ITTO Rattan Project; and Dr. John Dransfield, Honorary Research Fellow at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
The Regional Rattan Conference was held on August 29 to
September 1, 2010 at Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Centre, Makati City, Philippines. It was organized by the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) in collaboration with the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Forestry and Natural Resources (UPLBCFNR). This activity was co-sponsored by the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), Foreign Assisted and Special Projects Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), International Network on Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) and the Asia Pacific Association of Forestry Research Institutions (APAFRI).
“When everyone is in a hurry, we need to keep up with their pace, lest we will be left behind” - this was the tip of ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr.’s message as he urged the participants of the 2nd DENR Research Sector
Management Conference (MANCON) held on August 19-20, 2010 at the Heritage Hotel, Pasay City. Seventy-three (73) participants representing 15 DENR Regional offices, ERDB personnel and those coming from other DENR sectors.
In his welcome remarks, Dir. Amaro said that the highest priority of research is to draft the new RDE Agenda for
The regional conference was the culminating activity of the ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project. It aimed to provide a venue for sharing successful strategies especially on pilot demonstration establishment involving communities, villages and government agencies; and present and discuss the outputs of the eight (8) research studies under the Rattan
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New RDE agenda ... from page 1
Research Grant Program (RRGP) of this project and the research gaps and other researchable areas on rattan production aspects and utilization technologies. Moreover, it provided the opportunity in presenting the strengths and weaknesses in the project implementation, insights and experiences.
The conference was attended by 36 participants composed of the following: ASEAN Contact Persons and Project Leaders coming from five (5) ASEAN member countries broken down as follows: 2 participants from Indonesia, 1 each from Lao PDR, Myanmar and Thailand, and 6 from the host, Philippines; Project Steering Committee (PSC) Members; resource and guest speakers; and project staff.
The resource persons were composed of Dr. John Dransfield, an Honorary Research Fellow at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Dr. Florentino O. Tesoro, Technical Consultant of the ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project. Their topics discussed were “How many rattans are there?” and “Rattan RDE Directions for the Next Decade”, respectively.
Regional Rattan ... from page 1
DENR Undersecretary Manuel D. Gerochi (third from left) hands over the plaque of appreciation to Dr. Coosje Hoogendoorn, Director General of INBAR and Mr. Li Qiang, ITTO representative. Also in photo is ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. (rightmost).
Gracing the opening activity of the training were Hon. Manuel D. Gerochi, Undersecretary for Staff Bureaus and Project Management of the DENR; Dr. Coosje Hoogendoorn, Director General of INBAR; and Mr. Li Qiang, ITTO representative. The rationale of the conference was discussed by Dr. Aida B. Lapis, Deputy Project Director of the ITTO-Philippine Rattan Project while Dr. Armando M. Palijon presented the composition of the participants.
The highlights of the conference included the presentations of the following: country reports on the pilot demonstration establishment by the respective ASEAN
Contact Persons; results and outputs of the researches conducted under the RRGP by the respective Project Leaders; “Experiences in the Establishment of Rattan Pilot Demonstration in Southeast Asia”; an Assessment Report of the ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project”; discussion of the sustainability of the project through the concept proposal titled “Small-hold Rattan-based Enterprise Development in Asia and the Pacific”; and the declaration of commitment of the Participating SEA Member Countries on Sustainability of Rattans in the Region 2010 which was signed by rattan scientists, professionals and practitioners.
Another highlight of the conference was the launching of the books on rattan namely: “A Field Guide to Philippine Rattans” and “The ASEAN Rattans” authored by Dr. Lapis and Dir. Amaro, respectively. The Rattan ASEAN database was also presented during the conference. Project Management Team, ITTO-Philippines - ASEAN Rattan Project
2011-2016. He also recalled USEC Gerochi’s previous statement that research results generated should benefit humanity.
Director Amaro presented the Research Sector’s Thrust for 2011-2016 based on the draft NRDPP on ENR and the DENR Framework for 2011-2016.
The Director also showed the relationship of the DENR Secretary’s 6-point Reform Agenda of the DENR on: 1) Clean air, 2) Clean water and address the garbage problem, 3) Productive management of forestlands, 4) Climate change mitigation, adaptation and anticipation, 5) Protection of marine resources and 6) Anti-corruption.
In his discussion, the Research Sectors’ Thrust is two-pronged: Environment and Natural Resources. For the Environment the following were identified: 1) Management and disposal of solid waste (including toxic and hazardous waste; 2) Treating liquid waste to improve water quality; and 3) Improving air quality and controlling air pollutants.
For the Natural Resources, the thrusts were as follows: 1) Forest production; 2) Land conservation and management, allocation and valuation; 3) Management of freshwater and improve its productivity; 4) Conservation and management of marine and coastal resources; 5) Improved mining and rehabilitation of mined-out/degraded Areas; 6) Conservation of biodiversity through effective management of protected areas; and 7) Climate change mitigation and adaptation.
For each RDE item, the following impacts were envisioned: sustainable management of resources for the benefit of the common tao; provide livelihood and address poverty reduction.
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The struggle against the widespread issue on climate change is now under the control of the environment
sector of the society.
The leadership of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), the research arm of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), conducted a “Forum cum Workshop on Research, Development and Extension (RDE) on Climate Change Adaptation” last August 17-18, 2010 at the Heritage Hotel, Pasay City.
Headed by ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr., the forum-workshop is a joint collaborative endeavor of the ERDB and the DENR-German Technical Cooperation (GTZ)-assisted Project – Adaptation to Climate Change and Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCBio) thru the Foreign Assisted Special Projects Office of the DENR. Director Amaro noted that “through this workshop, we can chisel out a better defined role of Research that will firm up thrusts in addressing climate change issues through science-based approaches appropriate to various ecosystems”.
The agenda’s focus was on “adaptation”, the anchor strategy where mitigation concerns are included. This was patterned after the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change 2010-2022.
Climate Change Adaptation in the ENR agenda
During the forum-workshop, Director Amaro of ERDB gave the welcome remarks while Hon. Heherson T. Alvarez, Vice Chair of the Climate Change Commission presented the Copenhagen Report and the National Framework Strategy for Climate Change. On the topic “Climate Change Adaptation: R & D Issues”, Dr. Rodel D. Lasco, Philippine Programme Coordinator of the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) presented the paper “Lessons Learned on CCA Practices and Experience in the Philippines”.
Furthermore, Dr. Diomedis A. Racelis, Associate Dean and Associate Professor of UPLB-CFNR discussed the paper “Utilization of Natural Resources for CCA (Climate Change Adaptation)”. Ms. Mayumi Quintos of the Forest Management Bureau tackled the topic “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) in Developing Countries.
In addition, Dr. Honorato G. Palis, Program Leader of the ERDB Banner Program on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation presented the REDD+ R & D Programs in the Philippines.
The topic on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) was discussed by Dir. Juan Miguel T. Cuna, Director of the Environmental Management Bureau of the DENR and CDM Secretariat. Dr. Lelila C. America, Acting Director of FERD, PCARRD-DOST talked about the topic “PCARRD-
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ASEAN experts converge on herbal and medicinal plants
The Thirteenth Meeting of the ASEAN Experts Group (AEG) on Herbal and Medicinal Plants was held
on 26 – 27 July 2010 at The Peninsula in Makati City, Philippines.
The meeting was attended by delegates from ASEAN Nations composed of: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines and the ASEAN Secretariat. A representative from the Republic of Korea was also present as an observer.
Mr. Marlo D. Mendoza, Director of the Forest Management Bureau (FMB), DENR delivered the welcome remarks. In his speech, he welcomed all the delegates of the meeting and noted that ASEAN regional cooperation becomes more imperative due to the increasing challenges confronting the forestry sector on a regional and global level. He also highlighted the important key issues under ASEAN cooperation in forestry which include Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) and conservation of natural
resources. He likewise underlined the importance of the spirit of ASEAN unity in strengthening cooperation in forestry sector.
Dr. Graciano P. Yumul, Jr., Undersecretary of the Department of Science and Technology of the Philippines delivered the opening remarks. He expressed his appreciation to all distinguished high-level and senior officials of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Ministry of Forestry and other relevant international forestry agencies for the active participation in the 13th ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry (ASOF) and its related meetings. He hoped that the AEG Meetings will be enjoyable and will have a productive output to strengthen ASEAN cooperation in the forestry sector. He also wished that through a better cooperation and understanding among ASEAN Member States (AMS), the regional block will synergize towards developing its forest products resources, building its knowledge capacity and exploiting innovation gains to become competitive in the global market.
Mr. Demetrio L. Ignacio, Jr., Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Philippines delivered the keynote speech. He recalled that the forests provide a variety of economic,
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Climate Change Adaptation ... from page 3
SYLVATROP conducts 3rd Writeshop
The Sylvatrop Editorial Board (SEB) through its Official Representatives composed of FMB, EMB,
LMB, ERDB, MGB, PAWB, LLDA, NAMRIA, OSEC and DENR-HRDS conducted its 3rd Sylvatrop Writeshop on August 31 to September 4, 2010 at the Hotel Dominique in Tagaytay City.
The objective of the writeshop was to generate articles for publication in the future issues of the Sylvatrop Journal (2011 and beyond). The writeshop was intended for the DENR personnel who needed time and proper venue to prepare the articles for the journal. There were nineteen (19) technical writers from the DENR Bureaus, attached agencies and offices who partipated in the
Participants of the 3rd Sylvatrop Writeshop held on August 31 to September 4, 2010 at the Hotel Dominique in Tagaytay City.
writeshop. Among them are five (5) writers from the DENR Regional Office (three (3) from ERDS Region 6 and two from the ERDS Region 8). Also present were the official representatives of the Board and editorial
staff who served as Advisers and Secretariat in the said activity.
The activity was formally opened by the SEB Chair and concurrent ERDB OIC Assistant Director, Forester Levi V. Florido and the Vice Chair and Deputy Director of the Remote Sensing Department of the National Mapping and Resource I n f o r m a t i o n A u t h o r i t y ( N A M R I A ) , Dir. Jose C. Cabanayan, Jr.
The opening program was followed by a Review of the Basic Statistical Concepts and Some Applications to ENR Research Analysis by Dr. Leuvina M. Tandug. The purpose of the lecture was to provide a framework for the discussion of the statistical theory and methods which can be used in the preparation and implementation of R & D project/studies on environment and natural resources (ENR).
The next day was devoted to the lecture Part I - “Writing for the Sylvatrop Technical Journal” by Mr. Eliseo M. Baltazar, OIC Chief, Technology Development Division (TDD) and Editor of the Sylvatrop Journal. He explained the standard content and structure of writing a technical article. He also gave tips on how to shorten research reports. Part 2 of the lecture was on “How to Prepare a Manuscript” by Ms. Liberty E. Asis. The succeeding session was the writing proper.
Moreover, Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. graced the occasion and shared an inspirational message with the participants.
The major output of the writeshop was the 20 research articles which were presented by the participants for possible publication in the Sylvatrop Journal. Carmelita G. Reyes, TDD
DOST Climate Change R & D Agenda. Lastly, Ms. Agnes Balota, Senior Adviser, ACCBio Project, GTZ Philippines discussed the paper on CABI. The Facilitator Chair of the ERDB Technical Committee was Ms. Rosa Pilipinas J. Fadri-Francisco.
The forum-workshop was attended by DENR key officials, and Regional Technical Directors for research, and focal persons of various agencies like research institutions, funding agencies and the academe.
The cost-effective RDE programs and strategies implemented by the DENR are hoping to increase the communities’ resilience and adaptive capacity against the potential impacts of climate variability and change. The outcome of the forum-workshop is the integrated RDE Framework on ENR for FY 2011-2016 by cluster as follows: 1) Northern Luzon, 2) Southern Luzon, 3) Visayas, 4) Northwestern Mindanao and , 5) Southern Mindanao.
Director Amaro also stressed that “we really need to embark on more projects and it is not just the ERDB but this should involve our Regional Research offices and even other institutions as well particularly in gathering baseline data and information pertinent to observations on climate change impacts or changes in our country”. Dianne Marie F. Cunanan, TDD
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The ERDB through the Technology Development
Division (TDD) held its Monthly Technical Seminar Series (MTSS) at the ERDB Auditorium on August 11, 2010. The seminar was titled “Intellectual Property: Current Policies and Implications to the RDI, Copyright and Patents”.
ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. gave the welcome remarks during the opening program. He said that for many years that ERDB has existed, it had generated many technologies and the problem is on how we are going to proceed with the commercialization of these technologies. Mr. Baltazar, Chief of TDD and moderator introduced the guest speaker, Engr. Luwin M. dela Concha, Intellectual Property Rights Specialist III of the Intellectual Property Office in Makati City. Engr. Dela Concha discussed the Current IP Policy and Implications to RDIS. He also explained Republic Act No. 10055 (otherwise known as the Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009).
In his lecture, Engr. dela Concha defined Republic Act 10055 as “an act providing the framework and support system for the ownership, management, use and commercialization of intellectual property generated by the government and for other purposes”. It was signed into law on March 23, 2010 and took effect on May 9, 2010. He further defined the Objectives of the Law, Main Features of the Law, Key Provisions, Coverage, Ownership of IPs, Revenue Sharing, Role of IP Philippines, Products and Services. He further mentioned the 3 Requirements of Patenting including Novelty, Inventive Step and Industrial Applicability. He likewise enumerated the reasons why we need to promote and protect IP as follows: (1) rewardtalented individuals through the grant of exclusive rights for use, sell, license, export their products; (2) encourage a culture of creation and innovation among Filipinos; (3) help create new jobs; (4) increase the country’s economic growth and (5) enhance the quality and enjoyment of life.
He also explained the requisites for a patent.
Engr. dela Concha further identified the 10 Things you Ought to Know about Copyright. The topics were as follows: What is copyright?; Why do we protect copyright?; How do we protect copyright?; How is copyright acquired?; What is protected by copyrights?; What are the rights under copyright?; Who owns the copyright?; How long does protection last?; Is there limitation to copyright?.
Director Amaro mentioned that aside from the ETRB (ERDB Technical Review Board) another review Board should be created in ERDB to look into the potential of their technologies for patenting under IPR.
During the closing remarks, Asst. Director Levi Florido thanked the resource person, Engr. dela Concha in behalf of ERDB. He noted the importance of Republic Act 10055 which gives importance to research particularly on the technologies that need to be commercialized. He likewise enjoined the researchers to devote their time in the preparation of the documents needed for the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) accreditation. Marla V. Cambay, TDD
ERDB sponsors Intellectual
Property Rights Seminar
Engr. Luwin M. dela Concha (2nd from left), Intellectual Property Rights Specialist III and guest speaker during the Monthly Technical Seminar Series held on August 11, 2010 at the ERDB Auditorium. Also in photo are (from left) ERDB Asst. Director Levi V. Florido, Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. and TDD Chief Mr. Eliseo M. Baltazar.
The priority RDE Programs for 2011-2016 as discussed by Director Amaro are as follows: 1) RDE on Climate Change, 2) RDE on Sustainable Upland and Coastal Areas, 3) RDE addressing Water Resources Management, 4) Development of Standards/Technologies on Land Disposition, Allocation, Land Use and Management, and 5) Technology Transfer and Commercialization Program.
The presentation of outputs of the RTDs for research and their staff followed. The Technical Directors for Research (Regions 1-12, NCR, CAR and Caraga) presented their Regional RDE Framework on ENR for 2011-2016.
Dr. Aida B. Lapis presented the output of the Climate Change Adaptation RDE Forum-Workshop. Dr. Honorato G. Palis discussed the topic “R & D on Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Plus (REDD+) “. Marla V. Cambay, TDD
New RDE agenda ... from page 2
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ERDB joins Bañamos Festival 2010
ERDB participants doing the “kembot “ dance move at the UPLB Freedom Park during the Bañamos Festival parade in Los Baños, Laguna.
Once again ERDB joined this year’s parade during the 9th
Bañamos festival in Los Baños, Laguna on Sept. 18, 2010. The parade coincided with the celebration of the 395th founding anniversary of the town of Los Baños. The parade started from Trace College and ended up at the UPLB Freedom Park. One hundred seventy-one government agencies from UPLB and other civic organizations within Los Baños and other guests joined the activity. This year’s celebration was led by the Los Baños municipal government headed by the newly elected Mayor Anthony Genuino. The theme of this year’s anniversary is “A Celebration of Life, Talents and Skills: Facing Progress Towards a New Los Baños.” Among the visitors present were UPLB Chancellor Luis Rey Velasco, Congressman Justin Chipeco, former PAGCOR Chair Ephraim Genuino, former Los Baños Mayor and now Laguna Vice Governor Caesar Perez, 2nd District of Laguna Board Member Neil Andrew Nocon and Los Baños Vice Mayor Josephine Sumangil.
Another activity during the parade was the “kembot” (swing with hips) dance move where each group of participants was required to dance to the tune of a song originally composed by Mr. Andrew E. (famous Filipino artist) which was titled “Los Baños Kembot Song” at designated dance stations. Seven “kembot” dance stations were built from Trace College up to the UPLB Freedom Park.
Other activities were the skydiving and drill exhibition by the Philippine National Police, awarding of the most outstanding citizens of Los Baños and unveiling of the new Los Baños seal. Marla V. Cambay, ERDB
Participants of the DENR Youth Desk Officers’ Annual Assessment Workshop held on July 6-10, 2010 at the Del Rio Splash Resort in Koronadal City.
Youth Desk Officers’ Workshop held in Koronadal City
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Youth Desk Officers Annual Assessment
Workshop was held on July 6-10, 2010 at the Del Rio Splash Resort in Koronadal City. The workshop was hosted by the DENR Regional Office-12. This year’s workshop focused on the theme “Be the Change: New Solutions for the Youth.”
Seventy-three (73) Youth Desk Officers (YDOs) participated in the said workshop which were composed of 14 YDOs from the DENR Central office, bureaus and attached agencies and 59 YDOs from the DENR regional offices.
The five-day activity aimed to: (1) assess the regional youth programs/projects/activities and identify priority plans and programs for CY 2011; (2) know and learn the experiences on the youth activities/projects of other stakeholders; (3) have field exposure on the community-based youth programs in relation to protection and conservation of the natural
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Youth Desk Officers’ ... from page 6
Los Baños Science Community Foundation Inc. (LBSCFI)
inducted its members as part of the 2010 LBSC-NSTW R & D (Los Baños Science Community- National Science and Technology Week Research and Development) Symposium on July 27, 2010 at the SEARCA (Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Studies and Research in Agriculture) Auditorium in Los Baños, Laguna. This year’s theme is “Filipinnovation: The Way Forward”.
The LBSCFI is a unique organization in the Philippines consisting of 22 public and private development institutions in Los Baños with diverse, yet complementary strengths in the sciences, arts, business and social services.
LBSCFI’s member-agencies include the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB), UP Open University (UPOU), UPLB Foundation Inc (UPLBFI), University of the Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB), SEARCA (Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Studies and Research in Agriculture), Philippine Rice Research Institute (Philrice), Philippine High School for the Arts, Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), BPI-Los Baños National Crop Research Development Center (NCRDC), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region IV, Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU), Laguna Water District, Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Los Baños LGU, Los Baños Freshwater Fisheries Research Station, Philippine Agriculture and Resources Research Foundation (PARRFI), Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) and Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD).
The symposium likewise gave way to the video presentation of three (3) winning papers for the LBSCFI Outstanding Research
and Development Awards. The PARRFI R & D Awards (Research Category) was given to Antonio J. Alcantara, Moises A. Dorado, Eduardo V. Casa and Raquel S. Huliganga of the University of the Philippines at Los Baños for their research titled “Performance of Anaerobic Digesters in Small-to Medium-Scale Swine Farms in Calumpang River Watershed Batangas, Philippines”.
The second awardee of the Elvira O. Tan Memorial Award for Best Published Paper in Marine Fisheries was awarded to the paper titled “A Pilot Study on the Genetic Variation of Eastern Little Tuna (Euthynnus affinis) in Southeast Asia” by Mudjekeewi D. Santos, Grace V. Lopez and Noel C. Barut of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute and Ateneo de Manila University.
The last winning paper was titled “A Genetic Change during Mass Selection for Growth in Nile Tilapia, Oreochomis niloticus (L) assessed by Microsatellite”, by Ma. Rowena R. Romana – Eguia, Minow Ikeda, Zubaida U. Basiao, and Nobuhiko Tanaguchi of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Tohuku University.
A representative from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) gave the opening remarks in behalf of Dr. Robert S. Zeigler, IRRI Director. In his speech, Dr. Zeigler relinquished the presidency of LBSCFI to the UPOU (UP Open University). During his 2-year term, Dr. Zeigler enumerated IRRI’s accomplishments for the LBSCFI projects such as the math enhancement for school teachers and the mitigation of biodegradable waste through sustained implementation of the solid waste management program and home-based enterprise.
LBSCFI inducts 2010 officers
The new DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo (left corner) leads the oath taking of Heads and representatives of LBSC member-agencies.
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resources and environment; (4) make critical analysis on the Youth ENR programs/projects/activities and plans; and (5) draw recommendations for an effective implementation of DENR Youth program.
Regional Technical Director Sacaruddin L. Magarang gave the message about the role of youth as a catalyst for change in behalf of Regional Executive Director Raquil-Ali M. Lucm. He said, “Ang mga kabataan ay instrumento at haligi ng pagbabago. Sila ay may papel na ginagampanan upang mapaunlad ang ating mga natitirang likas yaman.” (The
youth is an instrument and pillar of change. They have a role to play in developing our remaining natural resources.) DENR XII Youth Desk Officer Dr. Noel V. Dungca who came from the host region welcomed the participants. He stressed that the creation of the Youth Desk in the DENR structure plays a vital role in coordinating and facilitating youth environmental and natural resources awareness and education. Ms. Magnolia Q. Danganan, DENR National Youth Desk Officer cited that the DENR Youth Desk functions as a “one-stop-shop” to coordinate and monitor youth activities, issues and concerns significant to environment and natural resources sector. “The youth can be tapped to become the
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LBSCFI inducts ... from page 7
The 4th International Conference of the Asian Rural Sociology Association (ARSA) was held on
September 7-10, 2010 at Bicol University, Legaspi City, Philippines with the theme “The Multidimensionality of Economy, Energy and Environmental Crises and their Implications to the Rural Livelihoods.” The said conference was attended and participated in by Dr. Aurora S. Jose, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), Department Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
This conference served as a forum to: (1) share experiences in implementing innovative rural development programs in response to the energy, economic and environmental crises in Asia; (2) discuss the role of rural sociology in the energy, economic and environmental discourse; and (3) discuss the climate change issues and their impacts to the rural livelihoods. To achieve the objectives, the conference was structured with plenary and concurrent simultaneous paper presentations. The oral presentation revolved around the following sub-themes:
l Innovative rural development programs in response to energy, economic and environmental crises;
l Locating rural sociology in energy, economic and environmental discourse; and
l Climate change issues and their impacts to the rural livelihoods.
One hundred twenty-eight (128) participants from Asian countries attended the said conference broken down as follows: 44 Japanese, 36 Filipinos, 25 Thais and the rest of the 23 delegates were from Malaysia, Korea, and Laos.
In this conference, Dr. Jose presented the paper entitled “Vulnerability Assessment to Environmental Changes of Watershed Areas in Sta. Maria, Laguna, Philippines.” The paper highlighted the results of the vulnerability assessment of Sta. Maria watershed to environmental changes. It also addressed the question on what factors contribute to the vulnerability of the watershed areas, and the strategies and policies that need to be developed to cope with the environmental changes.
4th International Conference of ARSA held
in Legaspi City
Two (2) major activities were undertaken in this conference, namely: (a) the 3-day presentation of various papers, 5 keynote papers and 87 papers in the parallel sessions; and (b) one-day sociological familiarization tours in Albay (San Miguel Island; Putsan, Tiwi; Malinao-Paraputo Road; Mayon Rest House; Cobo Cutleries; Cagsawa Ruins; and Lignon Hill Viewdeck and Park). The five (5) keynote papers discussed were:
1. Emerging Trends in Rural Sociology in Asia by Dr. Lutgarda L. Tolentino, Director, Agroforestry and Associate Professor of Agricultural Systems Cluster, UPLB
2. Socioeconomic Reality of Agricultural/Rural Development and Rural Sociologist’s Roles in Globalizing Era by Dr. Yoshio Kawamura, President, Japan Association for Rural Studies and Professor of Agricultural/Rural Development Economics, Faculty of Economics, Ryukoku University, Japan
3. The DBP Forest Program: Responding to the Call for Environmental Protection and Poverty Alleviation by Ms. Aurora C. Maghirang, Senior Assistant Vice-President, Development Bank of the Philippines, Makati City, Philippines
4. Climate Change, Energy, and Rural Livelihoods: Planning for Resilience by Graeme Lang and Joan Chow, Department of Asian and International Studies, City University of Hongkong
5. Agribusiness and Public Policies: Navigating the Dramatic Changes in the Agri-Food Systems in the Asia-Pacific Region by Mr. Jayson Cainglet, AAI-Asia Knowledge Network and International Studies Department, Miriam College, Philippines
In the simultaneous/parallel sessions held on Sept. 7-18, 2010, eighty-seven (87) delegates presented their research results revolving on the various themes which deal with rural development.
All abstract of papers and keynotes were compiled in the “Book of Abstracts” prepared by ARSA. The knowledge gained was the application of the results of scientific inquiry to the improvement of the quality of rural life. At the same time, the experiences through the exchange of ideas on their generated scientific findings capacitated the participants in the diverse fields. Aurora S. Jose, FERD.
Dr. Patricio S. Faylon, PCARRD Executive Director introduced the keynote speaker in the person of Hon. Secretary Mario G. Montejo, the new Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). In his address, the new DOST Secretary mentioned his advocacy for the development of science and technology. Being an engineering graduate of UP Dilliman and also an inventor himself, he mentioned about his vision to have our own local mass transit system and to develop our own windmill. Secretary Montejo likewise mentioned DOST’s vision for making science and technology work for the people especially for those who have less in life.
Dr. Melinda Lumanta, UPOU’s Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration delivered the acceptance speech in behalf of UPOU’s Chancellor Grace Javier Alfonso. In her speech, Dr. Lumanta thanked the UPLBCFI for the confidence given to the UPOU. She also mentioned UPOU’s challenge in making projects accessible to people especially the offering of courses on educational videos for public elementary and high school students to equip the teachers. He also congratulated the Best Paper awardees and expressed their continued support to researchers. Finally, the Vice Chancellor gave gratitude to the LBSCFI and looked forward in making Los Baños a model community where scientific knowledge is put to serve the people.
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ERDB News
Vol. 4 No. 3
ERDB’s continued efforts to strengthen GAD awareness among its personnel gave the opportunity
to four women staff, namely, Juliana B. Zuñiga, Rowena Paulina C. Payuan, Vienna O. Austria and Carmelita G. Reyes to attend the GADFPS-sponsored seminar on “Role of Mining and Geology in Everyday Living” held on July 15, 2010 at the Crispin Hall, PetroLab, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
Other participants present in the seminar were the official representatives from various DENR offices, bureaus and attached agencies. While the MGB geologists and experts served as the resource persons.
The lectures presented provided the participants a bird’s eye view of the importance of geology specifically rocks, minerals and fossil fuels to people’s daily lives. The common types of geohazards like earthquake, volcanic-related, landslides and flooding were discussed and why these occur in a geohard-prone country like the Philippines. Geohazards, according to the experts, are frequently occurring in the country because of its geographic location within the Circum-Pacific Ring of Fire, where earth’s movements are active. Other reasons for these events are the presence of numerous active faults, trenches, volcanic belts, active volcanoes, generally mountainous terrain and steep slopes. Numerous typhoons and extended rainy seasons exacerbated by silted rivers and clogged waterways in urban areas, denuded forests and poor selection of settlement sites are the best ingredients for a great disaster. The seminar emphasized the prevention and mitigation measures needed when the three commonly experienced natural hazards in the country strike.
MGB has widen their information and education campaign by providing geohazard maps and posters to the local government units and conducting conferences in villages that are hazard-prone. They involve the local government and local people because they believe that the bits of information are the most potent tool to help save lives and properties when geohazards happen.
After the seminar the participants were given a short geologic tour around the MGB museum and laboratory facilities for another educational and new experience on gender and development. Carmelita G. Reyes, TDD
ERDB personnel attend MGB GADFPS seminar
The participants of the seminar “Role of Mining and Geology in Everyday Living” held on July 15, 2010 at the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Diliman, Quezon Ctiy.
Youth desk officers’ ... from page 7
agent of change as well as the recipient of any development intervention”. Mr. Antonio Veneracion, District Governor of Rotary International District 3860 presented the Rotary’s Program for the Youth in the Visayas-Mindanao Area. Mr. Veneracion mentioned the various activities of the youth such as: adopt-a-mangrove project, agroforestry, marine sanctuary development and nursery establishment. These projects are geared towards environmental protection and a notable accomplishment in empowering the youth sector. Other topics discussed were: Development Interventions of Private/Business Organizations in the Youth Sector and SMI Mining Policy and Updates by Mr. Ismael Ngitngit of Sagittarius Mines, Incorporated in Tampakan, South Cotabato; and Development Interventions of Indigenous People’s Youth: The T’boli Youth by Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Arnulfo Manaay of T’boli, South Cotabato. Regional Youth Desk Officers from Regions 1 to13 including CAR & NCR presented their 2009 DENR Youth Program accomplishment reports and the work and financial plan
for the calendar year 2011. A critical review and analysis of these accomplishments and work plans were made by the Sectoral Youth Desk Officers. The activity was also highlighted with field trips, as follows: Lake Sebu and Seven Falls at the Municipality of Sebu; the Environmental Conservation and Protection Center at the Provincial Capitol, Alabel, Sarangani Province; and Barangay Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province. Aurora S. Jose, FERD
social and ecological services like timber and non timber forest products, livelihood, medicine, water, food, habitat for people and animals and carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change. On the other hand, forestry is faced with the challenge of the increasing demand for goods and services and growing population. It was mentioned that there is the need for the development of forest products in the region to fulfill the demand of goods and services from the forest.
Ms. Neria A. Andin, Assistant Director of the FMB-DENR, introduced the exhibit that was jointly developed by the Forest Products Research and Development Institute
ASEAN experts ... from page 3
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ERDB News
Vol. 4 No. 3
Contributions from all employees are welcome as per guidelines set in ERDB Memo. dated Aug. 31, 2007. This Newsletter is produced quarterly in coordination with all Offices, Divisions and Units of the ERDB.
Executive Adviser : Marcial C. Amaro, Jr.
Editorial Adviser : Eliseo M. Baltazar
Managing Editor : Marla V. Cambay
Assistant Editor : Carmelita G. Reyes
Layout : Liberato A. Bacod
Proofreading/ : Flora B. PalicpicCirculation Eduardo M. Tolentino
Printing : Celso A. Luna
Photography : Gino S. Laforteza
ERDB NewsletterJuly - September 2010
DENR
Vol. 4 No. 3
LBSCFI inducts ... from page 8
The Forests and Natural Resources Research Society of the Philippines, Inc. (FORESPI) announced its
Search for the 2010 Outstanding FORESPI Scientist/Researcher Awards. The Best Scientist Awards are in the field of forest production, forest utilization, and socio-economic and policy research in two categories – scientists who are 41 years old and above, and junior scientists who are below 41 years old by November 25, 2010.
The set of criteria for evaluation nominees is as follows: 1) professional competence, 2) productivity output, 3) other impact-significant achievements in R & D and S & T and, 4) personality traits.
The awardee for each field category will receive five thousand pesos (P5,000) and a plaque. Each nominee will be given a Certificate of Recognition.
The deadline for the submission of nominees is on October 15, 2010. As for the guidelines and criteria for evaluation of nominees as well as the recommended template of curriculum vitae, interested parties can contact the Office of the Director, ERDB. Marla V. Cambay, TDD
FORESPI announces Search for 2010 Outstanding Scientist/Researcher Awards
Two new books were launched on rattan titled “A Field Guide to Philippine Rattans” and “The ASEAN
Rattans” authored by Dr. Aida B. Lapis and Dir. Marcial C. Amaro Jr., respectively. The launching was done on August 30, 2010 at the Boardroom of the 2nd Floor of Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Center, Makati City. Dr. Aida B. Lapis, Supervising Research Specialist of ERDB and Deputy Project Director of the ITTO-Philippine Rattan Project authored the first book “A Field Guide to Philippine Rattans”. The book is a visual guide to identifying most of the Philippine rattans. It is also intended to suggest the improved management of rattans in the Philippines. The second book “The ASEAN Rattans” was written by ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro Jr., and Project Director of the ITTO-Philippine Rattan Project. It intends
to disseminate pertinent resource information on ASEAN rattans. The publication presents general information about each of the 10 ASEAN countries and showcases their non-timber forest products and their rattan resources including their taxonomy, distribution, ecology and uses. Marla V. Cambay, TDD
ERDB launches 2 new books on rattan
SEARCA Director Dr. Gil Saguiguit, Jr. gave the closing remarks. He congratulated the winners of the Best Paper Awards. He likewise thanked the outgoing President for a job well done and for ably leading the LBSCFI for the past two years.
The Philippine High School for the Arts rendered the doxology and intermission numbers with a song and piano and violin presentations, respectively during the program. The master of ceremonies was Mr. Mario M. Movillon, Manager of Philrice Los Baños. Marla V. Cambay, TDD
of the Department of Science and Technology (FPRDI-DOST) and the three bureaus of the DENR, namely: Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) and Forest Management Bureau (FMB). The exhibit shows the Philippine initiatives to pursue environmental and natural resources development, rehabilitation and protection while ensuring the improvement of the socio-economic conditions of stakeholders.
Mr. Marcial C. Amaro Jr., Director of ERDB-DENR of the Philippines and Mr. Joffre bin Haji Ali Ahmad, Forestry Officer, Forestry Department, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources of Brunei Darussalam were unanimously elected as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Meeting, respectively, in the absence of delegates from Thailand and Vietnam.
The 14th ASOF and AEG meeting on herbal and medicinal plants was scheduled to be held in Thailand next year 2011. Marla V. Cambay, TDD
ASEAN experts ... from page 9
