DENR inks MOA with Guimaras LGU

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) joined hands with the Provincial Government of Guimaras in the protection and conservation of the environment.

Regional Executive Director Celso V. Loriega, Jr. led DENR officials in the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Governor JC Rahman Nava and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Guimaras at the Guimaras Trade Industrial Center recently.

The first MOA entered between the DENR and the LGU of Guimaras was on the establishment of a one-hectare mini forest located at barangay Ayangan, Sibunag, Guimaras. The students, faculty and staff of the Desiderio C. Gange National High School Ayangan Annex will develop the area. Ms. Maria T. Tabio, Principal of the school was present during the signing and assured the sustainability of the project.

Another MOA on Water Monitoring of Sibunag River was signed pursuant to Executive Order No. 192, series of 1987 to ensure a wholesome environment with the Provincial Government of Guimaras undertaking the Water Quality Monitoring Project. The DENR thru the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) shall provide technical assistance on sampling identification and collection while at the same time training provincial personnel how to use the laboratory facilities. EMB will also assist in the preparation of report and interpretation of data/laboratory results.

The provincial government will formulate mechanism and ensure effective partnership among participating stakeholders, extend financial administrative and operational support (chemicals, apparatus and related laboratory supplies) needed in the monitoring of the river water quality in the province while initiating education, communication and public awareness in the conservation of the province river resources. It shall also provide assistance to DENR in ensuring effective environmental program particularly in its river resources and expenses relative to the project and allow DENR to use the monitoring results in its pursuit for river classification. This is part of the environmental code of the province.

Since the Province of Guimaras is presently engaged in the Mineral Resource Assessment, a third MOA was entered into by the DENR thru the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), to provide the technical personnel and expertise during the evaluation and conduct of the mineral resource assessment to ensure a balanced and healthy ecology. In line with this, the province shall incorporate a Mineral Resource Assessment report in its economic profile date base and provide Php20,000.00 for equipment, supplies and materials to fund  the operational expenses of the MGB.

In his message, Director Loriega, Jr.  said that DENR welcomes this undertaking with the local government of Guimaras. He believes in the partnership and strong collaboration of the DENR with the LGUs. He said that DENR couldn’t stand in isolation in the protection/conservation of the environment since we are all stakeholders and people should be involved and take active participation in this endeavor. “The MOA signing”, he said, “ is sharing responsibility and empowering our people”.

In response, Governor Nava thanked the contribution of DENR in the province because he is convinced that the environment plays an important role in the future development of Guimaras. He assured DENR of the active participation of LGU and disclosed that his office is serious in pursuing corrective measures on the protection and conservation of the environment.

A consultation dialogue followed where issues and problems affecting the province were raised to the attention of DENR officials headed by RED Loriega, Jr.,  EMB Regional Director Bienvenido L. Lipayon, MGB Regional Director Leo Van V. Juguan, Regional Technical Director for Land Management Services, Antonio Luis and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Oscar G. Oliveros. (ehb/RPAO)