ERDB NewsletterVol. 4 No. 4 October - December 2010

DENR

Director’s Engagements

INSIDE: n3 Rattan research presented in the 6th National Biotech Week n3 UPLB Biotech research paper on bioremediation n4 Lecture series on ENR Youth Environmental Awareness and Education n5 ERDB Annual Employees’ General Assembly n7 REDD-Plus Workshops n7 SFFI celebrates its 62nd Anniversary, holds National Convention n8 Gender Program holds seminar on social protection n9 Conference on forestry education at SEARCA n10 GDAERD participates in policy conference at Congress n10 CHED accredits Sylvatrop as research journal

October 201026-27 - NAST Bioremediation Workshop, Traders Hotel, Pasay City

November 20104 - Consultation Workshop on Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management, Antipolo City

December 20101-2 - National Consultation Workshop on the Updating of ENR RDE Framework Heritage Hotel, Pasay City 3-4 - 3rd DENR Research Sector Management Conference, Heritage Hotel, Pasay City 6- 10 - Asia and the Pacific Symposium on Vulnerability Assessment to Natural and Anthropogenic Hazards, Traders Hotel Manila, Pasay City12-16 - ITTO Council Session Meeting Yokohama, Japan

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Two “back to back” workshops were held last Dec. 1-2 and 3-4, 2010 at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay

City, namely, National Consultation Workshop on the Updating of ENR RDE Framework for 2011-2016 and the 3rd DENR Research Sector Management Conference.

In the National Consultation Workshop on the Updating of ENR RDE Framework for 2011-2016, the Regional Technical Directors of the 16 regions were tasked to review, update and refine the ENR RDE Framework for 2011-2016. The outputs of the workshop were the validated programs and projects, the identified strategies for implementation, and proposed strategic actions for mainstreaming RDE in the plans and in policy formulation.

Research Sector National Workshops held

Participants of the National Consultation Workshop on the Updating of ENR RDE Framework for 2011-2016 held on Dec. 1-2, 2010 at Heritage Hotel, Pasay City.

ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. together with DOST, DA and DOH officials graced the opening ceremony of the

6th National Biotech Week (NBW) held on November 22, 2010 at the Events Room of the Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center of SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

The annual celebration has the theme “Bioteknolohiya para sa Kalikasan, Kalusugan, Kagandahan, Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran,

6th National Biotech Week at SM MOA

DENR-ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. (2nd from right) cutting the ribbon during the opening of exhibits at the 2/F of IMAX Open Area. Also in photo are DOST-PCARRD Exec. Dir. Patricio Faylon, DA Usec Segfredo Serrano, and FDA-DOH Director Dr. Nazarita Tacandong.

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Research Sector ... from page 1

The participants of the ENR RDE Framework Workshop were composed of staff from the DENR Central Office, FASPO, Land Management Bureau (LMB), Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Forests and Natural Resources Research Society of the Philippines (FORESPI), Philippine Chamber of Mines, Philippine Wood Producers Association (PWPA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippine Council for Agricultural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) , University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and the ERDS Regional Technical Directors from Regions 1-12 and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Caraga and National Capital Region (NCR).

Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. delivering the welcome remarks during the 3rd DENR Research Sector Management Conference on Dec. 3-4, 2010, Heritage Hotel, Manila.

Prof. Fortunato dela Peña, Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services of DOST discussed the crafting of the National Research and Development Priority Program (NRDPP) 2010-2016 specifically the R&D prioritization process and the guidelines and criteria in selecting the 10 priority areas for S&T. In his discussion, he said that the priority areas for ENR are very generic and it is up to the sector to pin down on specific concerns on conservation and protection. He also mentioned that research funds are available at DOST and DA. He, likewise, noted that if the project has strategic importance, it will surely merit high priority for funding.

Dr. Lilia SD. Raflores, Chief of the PPD-PPSO of DENR presented the RDE requirements/needs under the ENR Sector Framework Plan. She said, “researches should be implementable on the ground and geared towards the improvement of ENR.”

ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. presented the DENR RDE framework plan based on the logical framework of RDE sector and conceptual framework on operationalization of ENR-RDE agenda. He likewise provided the identified issues and concerns, gaps and challenges and researchable areas by sector. He also stated ERDB’s vision/mission which is “to strive for excellence in RDE on ENR in the Third Millennium” by providing relevant technology and information through research towards the sustainability and enhanced productivity of the natural resources and the protection of the environment for the improvement of the quality of life of the Filipino people.

Dr. Editha P. Eusebio, Chief of PMISU presented the workshop mechanics. The participants were divided into six (6) workshop groups as follows: Forest Resources and Watersheds; Protected Areas and Biodiversity; Coastal, Marine and Freshwater; Environment; Mines and Lands; and Water Resources. A 30-minute open forum opened after

Ok ang 5K sa Biotech: Pagyamanin, Ito ay Atin”. For this year, two secretaries are assigned to head the NBW committee with Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje as the Chair and Co-Chair, respectively.

For 2010, the NBW organizing committee is chaired by Dr. Aida Adalla, Director of the DA-Biotechnology Program office and co-chaired by Ms. Veronica O. Sinohin, Supervising Science Research Specialist of the ERDB-DENR.

During the program, the opening music was rendered by the SM MOA Band and the National Anthem was led by Rizal High School.

Mr. Steven Tan, AVP of SM Mall of Asia delivered the opening remarks. He congratulated the organizers of the event for their commitment in promoting biotechnology in the Philippines and hoped that the exhibit will generate sincere

and promising interests on biotechnology.

Hon. Proceso J. Alcala, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture underlined the importance of biotechnology particularly for the fisheries and agriculture sector. He also congratulated everyone involved and expressed his interest for new discoveries.

DA Undersecretary Segfredo R. Serrano presented the weeklong

6th National Biotech Week ... from page 1

Jan Ferry Bartolazo, singing the NBW theme song titled “Yakapin ang Pagbabago”.

activities of the NBW. He acknowledged the efforts of the different government departments and NGOs in promoting biotechnology. He also thanked the young people for their

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Two ERDB researches were presented during the Scientific Forum on Climate

Change and Biotechnology which was held on Nov. 24, 2010 at the Events Room, Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. The forum was one of the activities during this year’s celebration of the 6th National Biotech Week.

The first paper was titled “Isozyme analysis of Limuran (Calamus ornatus: Palmae: Palmae calamoideae) from three provenances“ by Dr. Ma. Theresa A. de los Reyes, Science Research Specialist II of ERDB.

Rattan research discussed at the 6th National Biotech Week

Dr. Ma. Theresa de los Reyes conducts a lecture on “Isozyme analysis of Limuran from three provenances”. Students from the City of Mandaluyong Science High School, Antonio Villegas High School and Rizal High School were among the audience.

Dr. de los Reyes presented the research significance, data collection, analysis and interpretation, research results and summary and conclusion of their study.

The second paper was titled “Non-mist propagation technique in the production of vanishing indigenous species for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation”. Dr. Nina M. Cadiz, Professor of the UPLB Institute of Biological Science and Asst. Project Leader presented the paper in lieu of Dr. Rafael Cadiz of ERDB.

Dr. Nina M. Cadiz tackled the uses of dipterocarp, causes of forest depletion, and what must be done to control climate change. She also explained the concept, major benefits and approaches in cloning. In addition, she

mentioned the reasons on the use of dipterocarps, clones and non-mist propagation including the general procedure in non-mist propagation.

Dr. Marilyn Q. Landicho of ERDB served as emcee during the program. The ERDB choir led the singing of the National Anthem while Ms. Veronica O. Sinohin, Section Chief of The Technology Verification and Utilization Section of TDD, ERDB introduced the participants.

The participants of the forum were the students from the City of Mandaluyong Science High School, Antonio Villegas High School, Rizal High School, representatives of the different government agencies involved in the National Biotech Week and the private sector. Marla V. Cambay, TDD

As a kick-off activity in the celebration of the 2010 National Biotechnology Week, two researchers

from Biotech in UPLB presented their research findings on Nov. 17, 2010 at the ERDB Auditorium. They were Dr. Jessica F. Simbahan, University Researcher II and Dr. Lorelei C. Trinidad, University Researcher III of Biotech in UPLB.

ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. gave the opening remarks during the program. He thanked the resource persons for giving their time in imparting new information on how to deal with new concerns on the environment.

He likewise recognized the efforts of the organizers in coming up with the forum.

The first paper was titled “Bioremediation of High Lipid Wastewater” by Dr. Jessica F. Simbahan. The topics she tackled were: Advantages of Bioremediation, Why Use Thermophilic lipase?, Methodology, Summary and Future Research Directions.

The second presentor was Dr. Lorelei C. Trinidad. Her paper was titled “Biogenic Hydrogen Sulfide for Bioremediation of Heavy Metals from Industrial Wastewater”. Her paper discussed heavy metals – classification and toxicity, treatment options; definition of bioremediation and phytoremediation, its advantages and disadvantages; and experiences.

An open forum followed the presentations. The emcee/moderator during the seminar was Dr. Carmelita Villamor. Marla V. Cambay, TDD

UPLB Biotech researchers present papers on bioremediation

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In line with the implementation of the Youth Program on Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Awareness

and Education, the Ecosystems Research and Development (ERDB) conducted the lecture series and technical assistance on school forest park tree planting on October 21-22, 2010 at Caliraya, Lewin and Lumban Elementary schools, Lumban, Laguna. The objectives of the youth program are: (1) encourage schools/academic institutions to become more actively involved in environmental concerns in practical way at the local level; (2) develop skills and understanding among students, faculties, and administrators in initiating active responses on ENR concerns; and (3) increase school-community awareness and participation.

In support to these activities, the Youth Coordinators and Youth Desk Officers of the DENR central office, bureaus, and selected regions acted as resource speakers. They were composed of: Ms. Magnolia Q. Danganan and Ms. Carmela D. Santiago, Special Concerns Office, DENR; Dr. Aurora S. Jose, ERDB; Mr. Gerardo F. Lita, PAWB; Ms. Maria Theresa M. Datu, EMB; Ms. Alicie Robles, LMB; For. Jemuel Peras and Ms. Rosalia Maraňa, Region VI-A; Ms. Jean Min R. Ladia, EMB R-IV B; and Mr. Venancio Nillo, PENRO Los Baňos.

A total of 250 elementary pupils from Grades IV, V and VI attended and participated in the lecture series and tree planting activities. Of the 250 students, 161 are girls and 89 are boys with ages ranging from 9 to 13 years old. Twenty-two faculty members and teachers also joined the lecture presentations.

The modules for the said activity were:

(1) Environmental Leadership. This topic educated and equipped the students with popular and effective leadership principles, concepts and ideas vis-à-vis the vision for a safer and greener world. Through this topic, the youth were able to develop a sense of passion and motivation to become responsible stewards of the environment and advocate joining in ENR school-community programs.

(2) Genesis in Reverse. This topic talked about the dos

and donts during man-made and natural disasters.

It portrayed the historical antecedent of the earth’s creation and the recent events that captured the dreadful wrath of nature through its progressive developments.

(3) Documentation on “Ang Sulat na Ginawa sa

Taong 2070”. This topic discussed the importance of sustainable and prudent use of nature and its resources. This topic was published in “Cronica de los Tiempos” on April 2002 and translated to “Tagalog” to enable students to understand the current issues and problems on ENR.

(4) Environmental Storytelling or “Mga Kwento ng Kalikasan”. This module sought to broaden environmental knowledge, sharpen environmental awareness and enhance environmental attitude of elementary pupils using a different approach – that is, through environmental stories. This course further helped encourage students towards environmental action through simple ways such as throwing garbage properly, turning off lights when not in use or planting trees.

(5) Biodiversity through “Dalaw Turo”. A participative learning approach educating students through games. A role playing biodiversity knowledge-based learning and interactive techniques were applied.

(6) Video filming presentation of “Klima at Kagubatan: Ang Nagbabagong Panahon” and “Signos”.

Another activity conducted by the team of youth coordinators and desk officers was the tree planting. A total of 212 forest tree seedlings, namely: 112 balitbitan, 49 narra and 51 bitaog were planted by Grades IV, V and VI elementary pupils in their school campus. Of the 212 forest trees, 49 narra and 62 balitbitan were planted at Lumban; 40 balitbitan were planted at Lewin; and 51 bitaog and 10 balitbitan were planted in Caliraya schools. This activity is in line with the program on “A Graduate Plant A Tree” and “School Forest Park” as per DepEd Administrative Order No. 33 series of 2008.

These three (3) elementary schools will serve as pilot sites to assess the impacts of the ENR youth program of the bureau and department. Aurora S. Jose, FERD

ERDB conducts lecture series on ENR Youth Environmental Awareness and Education

every three (3) group outputs.

Director Amaro presented the next steps in the preparation of the final copy of the National and Regional ENR RDE Framework for 2011-2016.

The synthesis was provided by Forester Manolito U. Sy, Section Chief of FERD - ERDB. The emcees during the program were RTD Edgardo E. Vendiola and RTD Emma E. Melana.The plenary moderator was Asst. Dir. Levi V. Florido.

Research Sector ... from page 2For the second part of the conference, the 3rd DENR Research Sector Management Conference was held on Dec. 3-4, 2010. In his welcome remarks ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. said, “we are the foundation of R&D, like those of the pillars of the house, hidden but serving as foundation of important structures that withstand the test of time”. He also added that in order to move on to 2011, “we should free ourselves of unfinished tasks such as terminal reports and settle financial obligations to close this year’s chapter”.

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ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. and Asst. Dir. Levi V. Florido cutting the ribbon during the opening of the bamboo gallery at ERDB. Also in photo are Dr. Aida B. Lapis, Deputy Proj. Director of the ITTO Rattan Project and Bro. Nestor Edrozo of the St. Therese Parish Church in UPLB.

Rev. Leony de Jesus of the Church among the Palms in UPLB blessing the newly-opened bamboo gallery at ERDB.

ERDB Director and Project Director of ITTO Rattan Project, Dir. Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. together with Deputy Project Director of the ITTO Rattan project, Dr. Aida B. Lapis viewing the exhibit at the ERDB bamboo gallery.

ERDB Annual Employees’ General Assembly

Theme : Makabagong Pananaw sa Makabuluhang Pagkalinga

sa Kapaligiran at KalikasanDec. 17, 2010

Mr. Vic Sumeguin and Ms. Blesilisa Marquez impersonating Asst. Director Levi Florido and wife Mrs. Helen Florido in a dance number.

Asst. Director Levi V. Florido receiving the plaque of recognition from ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. Also in photo are the members of the ERDB Executive Committee.

Lunch time for the ERDB Employees’ Assembly.

The honoree delivering his retirement speech during the program.

AD Florido’s grandaughter, Cheska Florido singing “Tomorrow”.

Well-wishers congratulating the honoree.

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More photos...photos...

Green Team (ages 56 - 65), “Young Once” and their dance number.

Red team (ages 46-55) “Ice Breaker” team with their performance.

Pink team (ages 36-45) “Bagets”team performing the Madonna, Michael Jackson, Hagibis and the Bagets Medley.

Yellow team (ages 26-35) “Cute 2010” team doing their pantomime and dance number.

ERDB Service Awardees (40 years and above years of service) (clockwise) Ms. Ching Mendoza, Ms. Ces Condez, Dr. Manny Bravo, Mr. Aureo Lobina and Ms. Praxy Silvoza.

Blue team (ages 25 below) “Jacob and Friends” performing their dance numbers.

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To enhance the competence of some ERDB staff for REDD-plus development and implementation,

Foresters Manolito U. Sy (FERD), Gregorio E. Santos, Jr. (CZFERD), and Jose Allan A. Castillo (CZFERD), and Ms. Liberty Asis (TDD) attended separate workshops organized by the Working Group on Capacity Building and Communication of the Philippine National REDD-plus Strategy (PNRPS).

Foresters Manolito U. Sy, and Jose Allan A. Castillo participated in the “Basic Forest Mensuration and Introduction to Carbon Measurement and Monitoring Course” held on October 26-29, 2010 at the UPLB-TREES, College, Laguna. This course is part of the “Measurable, Reportable and Verifiable (MRV)” component (one of the seven components) of the PNRPS. The course included orientation/introduction of the participants to REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation), REDD-plus, and PNRPS; basic forest mensuration (equipment and field application), and carbon measurement and monitoring. The 37 participants came from various non-government organizations (NGOs), Peoples Organizations (POs), the academe, and DENR field offices where REDD-plus demonstrations sites would be put up. Aside from reducing emission from

ERDB staff attend REDD-Plus Workshops

deforestation and forest degradation, REDD-plus also involves conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stock.

Ms. Asis, on the other hand, participated in the two-day (November 9-10, 2010) “Communication and Media Planning Workshop” held in San Pablo City to validate the activities lined-up for the November 22-26, 2010 workshop of the same title but involving a bigger number of participants. Thus, the seven participants in the 9-10 November workshop served as facilitators during the November 22-26, 2010 workshop on “Communicating REDD-plus in the Philippine Enhancing Competence for REDD-plus Development and Implementation “held at the Fersal Place Hotel, Quezon City. This activity involved (1) communication and media planning, (2) organizational identification of community practitioners, and (3) REDD-plus courses programming. In addition to the participants of the first two workshops, the representatives from Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Local Government Units (LGUs) were also present in this workshop.

The invitiation on these workshops came from For. Marlea P. Muñez, President of Women’s Initiative for Society, Culture and Environment, Inc. (WISE), CoDe REDD Philippines Participant and PNRPS-WG on Capability Building and Communication. Manolito U. Sy, FERD

The Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc. (SFFI) celebrated its 62nd Foundation Day Anniversary cum National

Convention and Forum at the Dakak Park and Beach Resort in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte on November 11-12, 2010.

SFFI National Council President, Forester Renato A. de Rueda welcomed the participants during the opening program held at the Convention Center of the Resort which is situated at the tip of Northern Zamboanga. Other luminaries who gave their messages were Vice Mayor Patri Bajamunde Chan of Dapitan City and Provincial Board Member Hanna Jalosjos (representing her Congressman-father Cesar Jalosjos).

DENR Undersecretary Ernesto D. Adobo, Jr. delivered the keynote address in behalf of Sec. Ramon J.P. Paje. FMB Assistant Director Neria A. Andin also graced the occasion.

The convention also included the presentation of 13 papers, to wit: (1) “The Proposed Sustainable Forest Ecosystems Management Act: Towards a Better Philippine Forestry” by Dr. Antonio Carandang, (2) “Climate Change Initiatives & REDD+ Activities in the Philippines” by For. Lourdes Wagan, (3) “The Writ of Kalikasan: Protector of the Environment” by Atty. Roberto Oliva, (4) “Governance in a Post-Modern World: Challenges for Science and Politics in the Philippines” by Dr. Antonio Contreras, (5) “Ethics of Professional Practice for Sound Forestry Governance” by Dr. Rolando Metin, (6) “The Role of Science in Sound Forestry Management” by Dr. Terencio Sarigumba, (7) “Engineered Bamboo and Other Emerging Products from NTFPs: Governance Issues” by Dr. Ramon Razal, (8) Forest Policy and Piloting of REDD Measures” by For. Marlea Muñez, (9) “National Certification and Chain-of-Custody as Tools of Forestry Governance” by Dr. Manuel Bonita, (10) “Community-Based Forest Management: the Kalahan Experience” by Pastor Delbert Rice, (11) “Protected Area Management: the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park Experience, (12) “Forestry Management in the Corporate Sector: the SPLC Experience” by Mr.

SFFI National Council President Renato de Rueda welcomes the participants to the convention. Seated at the presidential table are (L-R): RED Adorable, Asst. Dir. Andin, Usec Adobo, Vice Mayor Chan, and Board Member Jalosjos.

SFFI celebrates 62nd Anniversary, holds National Convention

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As part of the continuing efforts and gender advocacy and promotion program, the ERDB GAD Focal Point

System conducted a seminar on “Policies and Programs on social Protection” on September 30, 2010 at the ERDB Auditorium.

The increasing population of employed women in informal work and the Gender and Development’s clamor for adequate protection system prompted the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) to conduct a seminar on the awareness on social protection.

Participating in the seminar were representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Region 4A and ERDB employees.

ERDB officials led by Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. attended the event. The event started with a brief opening remarks from the ERDB Director. Also present was For. Levi V. Florido, Assistant Director of ERDB. Forester Monette S. Santos, ERDB GAD Focal Point, explained the rationale of the seminar and introduced the resource speaker.

Ma. Theresa E. Caasi of the Philippine Commission for Women (PCW) was the resource speaker during the Social Protection seminar. She discussed the key findings from recent studies on social protection and noted that the Philippines falls into a group of countries in Asia with a below average Social Protection Index (SPI). She defined Social Protection as the policies and programs that can

Gender Program holds seminar on social protection

reduce poverty and vulnerability to risks and enhance social status and rights of marginalized by: 1) promoting and protecting livelihood and employment; 2) protecting against hazards and sudden loss of income and; 3) improving capacity to manage risks.

Caasi also explained the four components of Social Protection namely: labor market programs, social insurance, social welfare and social safety nets. She discussed the laws, policies and programs on social protection in the Philippines. Aside from that, she mentioned the various development programs of PCW on women who are considered as informal workers in the country and stated their partner agencies in the government including DENR, DOST, DSWD, Philhealth and other private agencies like SSS among others. PCW in cooperation with these agencies provide capacity building and livelihood assistance services on women workers.

The resource speaker also discussed the principal issues of women informal workers such as exposure to occupational safety and health hazards including sexual harassment, exploitation by unscrupulous employers, vulnerable jobs occupied by women and discriminatory practices because of sex. She conveyed the need to review policies and programs and make them suitable to the needs of women. “When you develop a service or program, it should be based on the need and not on the capacity to pay,” she added.

After the lecture, an activity demonstrated the risks and vulnerability of our forest ecosystem while strategies and actions were formulated by the participants. The activity concluded with a meaningful message from the speaker. She said, “there is no tool for development more powerful than the empowerment of women”. Monette S. Santos, UFERD and Luife Pasta

Director Amaro further noted that the research sector needs to be aggressive in including S&T and policy linkages in the results to make them relevant. He also said “the framework can influence planning and policy on nationwide clonal nursery development, upland development program and charcoal briquetting model development for the zero waste program of LGUs.”

USEC Manuel D. Gerochi, Undersecretary for Staff Bureaus and Project Management of the DENR delivered the keynote address during the program. He advised the researchers to “draw the lessons from failed projects which are usually undocumented”. He also encouraged the researchers to anchor their research towards ENR’s direction in order to provide support for development. He further said “correct decisions must be science-based because this is the only hope for our nation”. As a final point, he said “the challenge is with you because we are just cheerers and you will be the implementors.”

The workshop mechanics was presented by Dr. Editha P. Eusebio, Chief of PMISU. The participants were grouped by clustered regions to identify and prioritize the program

that would represent their region’s needs, for funding and implementation in CY 2011. Forms were distributed to prioritize the programs and subprograms into low, medium and high and determine manpower requirements per region. The question and answer followed after 2-3 presenters.

Mr. Rey O. Macalindong, Project Management/Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist conducted a lecture on Logical Framework. His presentation includes: Background on Log Frame; Contents of a Log Frame Matrix; Importance of each Component; Hierarchy of Objectives; 6 Steps to Follow; and Purpose of Monitoring, Evaluation & Adjustments (M, E & A).

Dr. Editha P. Eusebio presented the actions taken on the previous sectoral conferences. She reminded the submission of the revised terminal and other reports requested from the regions. She also mentioned that 6 out of the 12 targeted activities were accomplished related to the preparation of the ENR RDE Framework Plan for 2011-2016.

The masters of ceremony for the second part were RTD Bighani M. Manipula and RTD Perfecta B. Hinojosa. Marla V. Cambay, TDD

Research Sector... from page 4

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interest to become advocates of biotechnology and wished everyone a productive biotechnology week.

Jan Ferry Bartolazo sang the theme song of the Biotech Week titled “Yakapin ang Pagbabago” which is an original composition of Ms. Ma. Elizabeth Sanchez, member of the KATHA Organization of Filipino composers.

This was followed by the launching of the NBW Coffeetable Book. DA Asst. Sec. Robert Dizon, representative of DOST, presented a copy of the book as a reference material for the biotechnology sector.

Finally, ERDB Director Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. representing the DENR Secretary, together with DA Undersecretary Segfredo Serrano, declared the opening of the exhibit and rendered the ribbon cutting at the SM MOA IMAX 2nd floor lobby.

The event is celebrated annually through Presidential Proclamation No. 1414 declaring every last week of November of every year as National Biotechnology Week. Activities during the weeklong celebration include the scientific forum on biotechnology and climate change, biotechnology conference for teachers, public forum on healthcare biotechnology, forum on natural ingredients and film showing on biotechnology. Marla V. Cambay, TDD

6th National Biotech Week ... from page 2

Ten ERDB researchers/staff joined the “International Conference on Forestry Education and Research

for the Asia-Pacific Region” held on November 23-25, 2010 at SEARCA, College, Laguna. The conference was organized by the UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources (UPLBCFNR), the Forest and Natural Resources Research Society of the Philippines, Inc. (FORESPI) and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Studies and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). They actively participated in the preparation and during the conference proper. This was the culminating activity of the UPLB CFNR’s celebration of its Centennial year. The conference focused on the following themes: (1) Current developments in forestry research; (2) Forestry education and research interface; (3) Advancing the forestry education and profession; and (4) Forests and climate change. This event was attended by 137 professionals and students from Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Korea, China, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Iran, United States of America, and the Philippines.

On the first day of the conference, Dr. Aida B. Lapis acted as facilitator of one parallel session under Current developments on Forestry Research. On the second day, Dr. Antonio M. Daño and Dr. Evangeline Castillo presented technical papers on “Hydrologic behavior of watershed affected by mining in Samar Island” and “Investigations on tree foliage morpho-anatomy and stomatal patterns: their implications on plant response to atmospheric pollutants”, respectively. Some were given tasks under various committees as follows: For. Florita E. Siapno, Registration Committee Chair; Dr. Simplicia A. Pasicolan and For. Marilou Reyes, Financial Committee members; For. Alicia Calderon, Resource Generation Committee member; Ms. Belen B. Belina, For. Romana Mauricio and Ms. Sheila Dequina, Transportation Committee members; and Mr. Angelito B. Exconde coordinated with ERDB for its poster presented during the conference.

The conference aimed to strengthen the contribution of forestry education and research towards sustainable forest management in the context of the changing priorities and needs of the Asia Pacific Region. Specifically, its objectives

Conference on forestry education held at SEARCA

were to: (1) assess the state of forestry education and research in the Asia Pacific Region; (2) identify major issues and challenges confronting the forestry education and research sectors; and (3) initiate the process of charting the future direction of forestry education and research.

One of the highlights of the conference is the presentation of papers by keynote speakers for the various themes. They were Dr. Hendrayanto, Dean, Faculty of Forestry, Institut Pertanian Bogor (Forestry Education), Dr. Manuel Guariguata, Principal Scientist, CIFOR (Forestry Research); Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz, Dean, UPLBCFNR (Current Developments in Forestry Research), Dr. Rodel D. Lasco, Country Coordinator, ICRAF Philippines (Forests and Climate Change), Dr. Don Koo Lee, Professor, Seoul National University (Challenges in Forestry Education and Research), and Dr. Bessie Burgos, Manager, Project Development and Management Department, SEARCA (Forestry Education and Research Interface: The SEARCA Experience). Also, Dr. Youqing Luo, Vice President of Beijing Forestry University made a presentation on the Program Framework of Asia-Pacific Dean’s Meeting Mechanism, APFnet.

Among the challenges in Forestry Research identified by Dr. Don Koo Lee were: (1) lack of capacity among scientists to implement research; (2) lack of good facilities including high-technology equipment, insufficient research funds; (3) little communication among scientists; and (4) unavailability of information. These could be addressed by increasing the capacity of researchers through trainings/workshops, etc., educating people to undergo research with impact to attract funding from various donors; strengthening communication through various means of media; sharing research outputs; journal publication, and presentation in conferences, meetings, etc.; and institutional collaboration. On the other hand, he also mentioned the challenges in forestry education to include the declining quality of education and number of students, closure/merger of forest departments/colleges, obsolete curriculum, unavailability of employment opportunities, mismatch in the needs of forest industries and quality of graduate students produced. Florita E. Siapno, GDAERD

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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

Photographer : Gino S. Laforteza

ERDB NewsletterOctober - December 2010

DENR

Vol. 4 No. 4

Antonio Avelino, and (13) Forestry Management at the LGU Level: the Tungawan Experience” by Ms. Jocelyn Luna.

Cultural dances were presented during the evening at the convention site. A visit to the Gloria Fantasy Land in Dapitan City where the participants enjoyed the rides was likewise part of the gathering and celebration.

Dr. Aida B. Lapis and Dr. Evangeline T. Castillo, Division Chief and Chief of Hydrology and Management Section

of GDAERD, respectively, acted as resource persons on the Policy Conference and Workshop on Restoration, Rehabilitation and Management of Forests along Waterways and Land Areas affected by Mining Activities in the Philippines. This joint activity held last October 20-21, 2010 was organized by the Forestry Development Center, CFNR-UPLB, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Forest Management Bureau and Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau of the DENR and the Natural Resources Committee, House of Representatives of the Philippines. This was done with support and in collaboration with the Australian Government – AusAID, Public Linkages Program and CSIRO, Australia.

During the policy conference, experiences and research initiatives of the different agencies involved in restoring lands affected by mining activities were presented and discussed. Mining act, policy issues, problems and gaps on restoration, rehabilitation and management of forest lands affected by

GDAERD participates in policy conference at Congress

mining activities were also given emphasis. Likewise, policy actions/reforms and programs were proposed.

Dr. E. T. Castillo presented a topic on restoration strategies for mined areas: the ERDB experience. Dr. A. B. Lapis presented her observations on policies and technologies on Australian rehabilitation of mined areas. Lecture on Mine Rehabilitation: Policy, Principles and Practices was conducted by Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco, Jr. of Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and Socio-institutional Aspects on the Restoration, Rehabilitation and Management of Forest Land affected by Mining Activities was delivered by Dr. Nicomedes D. Briones of School of Environmental Science and Management of UPLB and Dr. Bibiano P. Ranes discussed about the Mining Forest Program of Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation of Rio Tuba, Bataraza in Palawan.

In response to the critical issues and concerns identified in this policy conference and workshop, the participants resolved to renew their commitment towards responsible management, restoration and rehabilitation of forests in areas affected by mining. Marita W. Briz, GDAERD

SFFI celebrates ... from page 7

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recently accredited the Sylvatrop journal, a regular publication of

ERDB through its Memorandum Order no. 9 series of 2010 as one of its refereed journals for 2009-2012. In accordance with the memorandum, the Commission through its CHED funds agreed to support 50% of the Sylvatrop journal’s printing cost as an accreditation privilege.

About 1,100 foresters from the 17 SFFI Regional Councils throughout the country attended this annual event. ERDB was represented by Foresters Levi Florido, Honorato Palis, Rafael Cadiz, and Manolito Sy. The group was part of the CALABARZON contingents headed by the Regional Council President, For. Eduardo Principe.

The annual celebration of the SFFI Anniversary and National convention is held on a rotation basis in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Hosting is also among the different Regional Councils where the occasion is held. This year’s host is Region 9 under the leadership of RED Arleigh Adorable. Last year, the venue was at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel, with the NCR Council at the forefront. Region 6 will have its turn in 2011 when the annual event will take center stage in the Visayas. The Society of Filipino Foresters was formed on February 14, 1948 and it was duly incorporated under the laws of the Philippines on August 26,1948. Manolito U. Sy, FERD

CHED accredits Sylvatrop as research journal

In view of this, an application for the publication’s financial support was given for processing. This is in accordance with the pertinent provision of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 7722, otherwise known as the Higher Education Act of 1994 for the purpose of promoting/enhancing the research productivity of higher education institutions (HEIs) and pursuant to CHED Memorandum Order No. 13 series of 2009 on the Guidelines for CHED Accreditation of Research Journals and Providing Incentives Therefor, and Resolution No. 477-2009.

Likewise, Sylvatrop was among the 17 CATEGORY A-1 Journals included in the Thomas Reuters Master Journal list (formerly ISI) in May 2009. Carmelita G. Reyes and Flora B. Palicpic, TDD