TACLOBAN CITY- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here in the region is gearing up for the global celebration of International Day of the Forests (IDF) on Thursday (March 21).
DENR-8 Regional Executive Director Crizaldy Barcelo said that the department prioritizes forest protection and end of illegal logging operations this year.
Thus, DENR’s forest protection activities all relate to the objectives of the celebration of IDF which is to raise awareness on how sustainability managed forests contributes to the environment Barcelo added.
Barcelo disclosed that forest secure the soil and water resources, mitigate climate change, provide habitat for animals and livelihood for human; thus, its relevance could not be underestimated.
To enhance public awareness and strengthen forest protection in Eastern Visayas, Barcelo ordered DENR field officials to conduct massive information, education and communication campaigns, strictly monitor timber poaching activities in their areas of responsibility, and closely coordinate with apprehending authorities for the conduct of anti-timber poaching operations.
Their office has also intensify in the implementation of a biodiversity protection system using advanced technology called LAWIN Protection System.
Using mobile application called cyber tracker, users and patrollers from DENR report real-time environmental abuses from the site.
This system is used in identifying threats within forest conservation areas such as cutting, perennial farming, forest fires, and pests and diseases, as well as in recommending immediate action to identified threats during patrol works.
Barcelo vowed to run after individuals and groups destroying the forest of region 8.
“In instances of apprehension and confiscation of forest products, it is regrettable that trees were already cut, but the department is sending a strong message to the culprits that their action will not be left unpunished” the DENR regional executive director said.
Sanctions will be imposed to violators of forestry laws as a way of emphasizing to the public that forests are important.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar stressed anew that discussions on the country’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) is moot as Philippines has never been a party to the Hague-based tribunal and even if it were, ICC has no cause to intervene because the country has a capable and robust justice system.
In a phone patch interview on Monday with Magik Tacloban, Sec. Andanar reiterated the Palace’s position that Philippines was never a party to the Rome Statute, which created the ICC, because the treaty was never published in the Official Gazette or any newspaper of general circulation.
The treaty thereby failed to meet the publication requirement for a law to become effective in the country under the New Civil Code.
The PCOO Chief remarked, “Ignorance of the law excuses no one but only if the law is published and everyone was given the time to read the law. So kapag hindi mo na-publish, ibig sabihin hindi binigyan lahat ng pagkakataon na malaman kung ano ang nakasaad dito sa [Rome Statute]. Therefore, hindi po talaga tayo kasama sa ICC just like the US, China, Russia at napakarami pang bansang di kasali d’yan.”
“Naglabas po ng statement ang US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at sinabi nga po n’ya na kung sinuman ang mga ICC personnel na pumasok sa America para imbestigahan ang kanilang mga diumano’y war crime or human rights violations sa Afghanistan ay di po bibigyan ng visa,” he added.
The Communications Secretary also noted that ICC can only act if the state party is unwilling or incapable of dispensing justice. This is not the case, however, in the Philippines. He emphasized, “Ang ating justice system ay gumugulong…gumagana po. Lahat ng human rights violations ay kinakasuhan. Kita niyo naman, ‘yung pumatay kay Kian dito sa Caloocan ay kinasuhan na. Walang exempted sa batas dito sa ating bansa.”
A Caloocan court has already sentenced three cops for killing Kian Loyd delos Santos during one of the government’s anti-illegal drugs operations in the area.
The Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute became final on Sunday, a year after the country formally submitted its letter of withdrawal. As stated in its letter to the ICC, the Philippines decision to withdraw was a “principled stand against those who politicize and weaponize human rights.” (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The El Niño phenomenon may have a positive effect on the fishing industry here in the region, so says the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
BFAR Regional Director Juan Albaladejo said that due to the warm temperature, fishermen will have more fishing hours that will lead to increase on fish catch.
“Fishermen will have more fishing days and the warm water will make fish approach the shore and shallow area,” he said.
The warm water would result for more plankton that is the main source of food for fish and other marine animals, Albaladejo added.
However, even there is a positive effect of El Niño to the fishing industry, still it may still result to a red tide bloom.
“It’s easy to bloom with very high salinity, then with sudden drizzle and also the temperature that makes it very conducive for plankton growth,” Albaladejo explained.
Albaladejo added that he already made instructions for the personnel of the bureau to conduct active surveillance on bays that were hit by red tide.
BFAR personnel will conduct surveillance and gathering of water and shellfish samples three times a week.
The surveillance covers Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; Irong-Irong Bay, Maqueda Bay, Villareal Bay, coastal waters of Daram, and San Pedro Bay, all in Samar; Carigara Bay in Leyte; and Biliran waters in Biliran province.
Red tide alert is still up in San Pedro Bay and Cancabato Bay as of this week.
Aside from shellfish, the El Niño will also affect fresh water aquaculture like those who are into tilapia cultivation. Excessive heat results for a rapid water evaporation.
“Tilapia growers must ensure that they will have enough and stable water supply,” Albaladejo advices.(ROEL T. AMAZONA)