DENR-7 lays down priorities for 2009

CEBU, Philippines - Poverty Reduction and hunger mitigation are among the priority programs of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for this year.

DENR Regional Executive Director Leonardo Sibbaluca said they are also socio-economic development, natural resources conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation measures are also in their list.

To counter poverty and hunger, Sibbaluca said programs like upland development and land distribution would be implemented, as reforestation and agro-forestry are seen to help reduce poverty, as well as sustain development of forests in the region.

Aside from these, Sibbaluca said they are also implementing the “Bantay Gubat” project, a cash-for-work program wherein people living near forests are hired to help guard and protect the area. DENR’s forestry division will be hiring 500 workers for the project this year.

The socio-economic plans of DENR include promotion of responsible mining, rehabilitation of Bagacay mines.

Sibbaluca disclosed that establishing a national research center per wildlife act would be established under the biodiversity conservation program to help natural resource conservation.

During a forum with municipal mayors recently, Sibbaluca warned that the effects of Climate Change have becoming more and more pronounced. He said DENR is now conducting a so-called “vulnerability assessment” of certain areas in the province by studying factors such as the rise of sea level.

To help combat the effects of Climate Change, Sibbaluca said solid waste management, air quality management, and water must be prioritized by local government units

The DENR would also help LGU’s in the conversion of open dumpsites into sanitary landfills and in the establishment of material recovery facilities.

He said information dissemination on the ill-effects of Climate Change and campaigning for efforts to abate them would help support and achieve DENR’s goals. — AJ de la Torre/JMO (THE FREEMAN)