DAET, Camarines Norte – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here, enjoined  the public to protect the environment.

In the Kapihan program dubbed  “Talakayan sa PIA”, DENR-PENRO Public Information Officer Ariel Caleon cited that June is considered as Philippine Environment Month.  The World Environment Day is specifically celebrated on June 5.

One of the highlights of the June 5 celebraiton is the conduct of sports fest of DENR- Region 5, together with its provincial offices.  They also planted  mangrove propagules and conducted a clean-up drive in coastal areas. The said activity was simultaneously held throughout the country.

A clean-up drive was also conducted in Arimbay Legazpi City on June 8 for environment awareness by the DENR-Region 5 with its provincial delegates. Caleon said that most of the wastes found in the coast lines are plastic and candy wrappers which are harmful to the marine life and oceanic fauna.   He added that these are "toxic" wastes which might kill the fish and affect the people who in turn will be consuming them. 

Other than the clean-up drive, the  DENR-PENRO here also spearheaded the “Bike, Hike and Plant at the Bicol Natural Park, Camarines Norte on Friday,  June 23.  Over 200 participants planted tree propagules in the area. The activity is in celebration of the Philippine Arbor Day on June 25.

They also distributed Narra and Pili propagules in their community pantry on the same day.  

Winners of the 30th Eagle Quiz Contest, held on Saturday, June 24 will compete for the regional competition. 

The “Saringaya Awards” served as the culminating activity of the DENR-Region 5. The awards were being given to advocates of the environment, he said.

Caleon also cited the department's various priority projects like the National Greening Program which started in  2011 and will continue until 2028 as an Expanded National Greening Program to support the food security of the country. The project will be sustained by planting  fruit-bearing trees in public lands,  especially in denuded forests.  The DENR also provides financial support to people’s organizations who are engaged in the planting and maintenance of trees.

The DENR also promotes  the Clean Air Act which is stipulated under Republic Act 8749 through the office of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB). The said bureau tied up with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) on the anti-smoke belching campaign. EMB also has ambient monitoring stations to monitor air quality on a daily basis;

The DENR also gives priority to thier clean water program in line with Republic Act 9275. In Camarines Norte, they are sustaining the watersheds located at the Abasig Matogdon Mananap Natural Biotic Area (AMMNBA) in Mt. Labo. He also cited that they are pushing for the Labo River Water Shed Characterization covering 90 thousand hectares including some areas in Tagcawayan, Quezon as a water reservoir.

He also urged the public to manage their household's solid waste by segregating bio-degradable, non-biodegradable, and hazardous materials.

Those with alienable and disposable land can avail of the free patent titling of their lands for a very minimal fee.

The DENR also advocates the climate change program and calls on the public to protect the nature to help minimize global warming.

Meanwhile, Camarines Norte Water District through Public Information Officer Cristine Rojas appreciated the efforts of the DENR in the protection of the environment.

She said that they also help in the protection of the AMMNBA as one of their sources of water and they have also adopted watershed areas for the water district protection.

The “Talakayan sa PIA” was hosted by PIA Information Center Manager Rose Manlangit. The video of the discussion was posted on FB PIA Camarines Norte’s page and was aired over DWCN-Radyo Pilipinas on June 26, Monday. (RBManlangit-PIA5/Camarines Norte)