MA. ANTONIA YULO-LOYZAGA
DENR XII - PENRO South Cotabato inaugurates a 2 million project of 2.5 km. Bamboo-Naci Dike Technology in Norala
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In a bid to combat climate change, floods, and soil erosion, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – XII Provincial ENRO South Cotabato inaugurated a 2 million project of 2.5 km. Bamboo-Naci Dike Technology, in Brgy. Simsiman, Norala, South Cotabato, on April 3, 2025.
A total of 7,500 bamboo poles, each estimated to be 13-14 feet tall, will be installed six (6) feet below the riverbank soil level to accumulate sediments following a quincunx planting pattern to maximize stability and soil reinforcement. Within the 120-day operation, Napier grass will be lodged alongside the dike, and 2,500 bamboo propagules will be planted along the riverbank to further stabilize the soil, preventing erosion and enhancing the area's suitability for agricultural use.
Said project is funded by the River Basin Control Office (RBCO), which was awarded to the D’ Rice Bowl Irrigator’s Association People’s Organization within the community, which aims to mitigate the impact of flash floods and siltation in Banga River and precautionary measures on the vulnerability of lives and properties in the area.
This initiative highlights the department’s commitment to integrating nature-based solutions in addressing climate change challenges while ensuring that rehabilitated areas remain productive and beneficial for local communities and agriculture.
Present during the launching were DENR XII Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Engr. Mama Samaon, PENR Officer Dr. Rosalinda Cortez, Franklin Lebrilla of Community ENRO Banga, Engr. Dominador Escucha, Jr., representing the Mayor of Norala, Nevard Zambra of D’ Rice Bowl Irrigators Association, Brgy. Chairperson Carl Vee Darano of Brgy. Matapol, Chairperson Alberto Aritalla of Simsiman with their respective councilors and representatives from AVLDA, project manager Peter Carbon and project officer Rey Periera, Commission on Audit auditors Norraina Abubacar, Jasmin Mampao, and Gierwyne Bulaclac, together with PENRO South Cotabato staff and selected personnel.
(With reports and photos from JVoro PENRO South Cotabato IO Designate)RSCIGK
“Amyak Maleh” – Linggo ng Mt. Matutum 2025 kicks off with an opening salvo, announces winners of the video-making competition
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SOUTH COTABATO—The much-awaited “Amyak Maleh”- Linggo ng Mt. Matutum 2025 has finally kicked off through an opening salvo and Protected Area and Management Office (PAMO) Day at Tupi Municipal Gym on March 17, this province.
A week-long celebration of environmental consciousness, cultural appreciation, and sustainable development brought together local officials, environmentalists, and other stakeholders in acknowledging Mt. Matutum's richness in beauty and biodiversity.
One of the highlights of this year's celebration is the Cinema22m Promotional Video-Making Competition, which showcased advocacy for the protection and conservation of Mt. Matutum and the creativity of the participating schools.
The Notre Dame of Dadiangas University emerged as the overall champion; the 1st placer was the South East Asian Institute of Technology, the Poblacion Polomolok National High School secured 2nd place, and the Maltana National High School claimed 3rd place.
The opening salvo was graced by Dr. Rosalinda B. Cortez, PENR Officer of South Cotabato, and Mr. Siegfred M. Flaviano, PENR Officer of PLGU South Cotabato, alongside Municipal Vice Mayor Hon. Glenn C. Hatulan.
Included in the event was an overview of Amyak Maleh presented by Engr. Estelita L. Corpuz of PENRO South Cotabato, its biodiversity component by Ms. Melanie J. Lambac, and sustainable practices tips by Mr. Ernie Gagno of The Good Farm. Other activities included the Pinta Matutum Canvas Painting Competition, where local artists demonstrated their skills and works of art depicting Mt. Matutum's ecological importance.
(With reports and photos from MMApatan PAMO-MMPL IO Designate) | RSCIGK
PENRO South Cotabato conducted monitoring and surveillance in Barangay Bula, General Santos City
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General Santos City, October 24 – In support of the operationalization of environmental law enforcement in the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS), the PENRO South Cotabato conducted monitoring and surveillance in Barangay Bula, General Santos City, on October 23, 2024.
The activity aimed to detect illegal activities, particularly in the mangrove area within the barangay. Observations during the monitoring revealed an accumulation of solid waste, including plastic waste, single-use plastics, footwear, and food packaging, washed ashore due to recent heavy rains and tidal activity caused by Typhoon Kristine.
In response, the team initiated an initial coastal clean-up effort, collecting three sacks of solid waste, which were turned over to Barangay Bula’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF).
During a coordination meeting with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Barangay Bula, the team was informed that a coastal clean-up activity would be held the following day as part of the “Araw ng Bula” celebration. The monitoring and surveillance activities are conducted quarterly to detect and deter illegal environmental activities within the nine coastal barangays of General Santos City.
PENRO South Cotabato and AVPL kick off the year with community outreach, strengthen environmental campaigns
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Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) South Cotabato through Allah Vallet Protected Landscape (AVPL) kicked off 2025 with an outreach program with a theme; “New Year Hope”, on January 14 at Protected
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) South Cotabato through Allah Vallet Protected Landscape (AVPL) kicked off 2025 with an outreach program with a theme; “New Year Hope”, on January 14 at Protected Area Management Office- AVPL nursery in Sitio Lower Talubek, Brgy, Lamlahak, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
The said event aimed to strengthen ties with the environmental advocacies with the local indigenous community and provided much-needed assistance to over 100 participants through the distribution of rice, toys, bags, footwear, and a feeding program for children and their families. The program also conducted an information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign highlighting the allowable and prohibited activities within protected areas (PAs).
Said initiative is in partnership with People’s Organizations — Lake Sebu Upland Development Association (LASUDA), Talubek Unified Development Association (TUDA), and Lake Sebu Ancestral Domain Community Association (LASADCA)— and support from the BLGU of Lamlahak and MENR Officer of Lake Sebu Cyril Dongon. (With a report from JVOro PENRO South Cotabato IO Designate | Photos by PAMO-AVPL)
Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for MMPL Ranger Monitoring Station
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Brgy. Kablon, Tupi, South Cotabato, August 21, 2024 – The Protected Area Management Office of Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (PAMO-MMPL) reached a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new Ranger Monitoring Station, to be built in a parcel of land under agreement with Mira Farms at Brgy. Kablon, Tupi, South Cotabato.
In her welcome reamrks, Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Josephine Liberato emphasized that the new Ranger Monitoring Station is a significant milestone of DENR through PAMO-MMPL. She highlighted that this project reinforces their commitment to control and address illegal activities entering the Protected Area (PA). She added that the project is expected to be completed within 120 days, marking a substantial advancement in their conservation efforts.
