ERDB NewsletterVol. 3 No. 3 July - September 2009

DENR

Director’s Engagements

Ü page 2

Ü page 2

INSIDE: 3 GDAERD spearheads Seminar-Workshop on Grazing Lands n 4 ERDB team evaluates ERDS-5 projects n 5 LBSCFI celebrates 2009 NST week n 5 Uncovering ERDB Zoo lab n 6 DENR field personnel attend biosafety and biosecurity seminar n 6 Bagacay mines, abandoned no more- DENR-ERDB n 7 ERDB employees attend lecture series on Magna Carta of Women

July 200930 - Aug 1 - PCAMRD Governing Council Meeting, Sultan KudaratAugust 20095-6 - National Bamboo Congress, Maria Cristina Hotel, Iligan City12-13 - Bicol Region Visit of ITTO Project Site18-21 - Bangkok, Thailand, APN-SPG Meeting28 - Airport Courtesy Meeting, UNIDOSeptember 20091 - PCCRD (Philippine Coordinating Council for Research and Development) Interagency Meeting, Department of National Defense7-8 - Airport Courtesy, UNIDO10-12 - INBAR-3rd TWG Meeting, Beijing, China14-15 - Budget Hearing, Batasang Pambansa17 - Bañamos Festival, Los Baños22-23 - Budget Dry Run, Senate Issues24-25 - In-House Review, ERDB30 - PCAMRD Governing Council Meeting, DOST, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila

DENR Sec. Atienza opens flora and fauna exhibit at WTC

DENR Secretary Jose L. Atienza Jr. and Miss Philip-pines Earth Runner-up, Ms. Grezilda Adie Adelan-tar during the opening of the DENR Exhibit on the Philippine Endemic Flora and Fauna at the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay City on July 17, 2009 (Photo by Nestor Leviste)

DENR Sec. Jose L. Atienza led the opening of the DENR Exhibit on the Philippine Endemic Flora and

Fauna at the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay City last July 17, 2009.

Among the guests during the occasion were: Ms. Grezilda Adie Adelantar, Miss Philippines Earth Runner-up and Miss Camille Villar, daughter of Senator Manny Villar, and other DENR officials and staff.

A short video entitled “Pilipinas kong Mahal” was shown to guests and a ceremonial toast was led by Miss Ecotourism.

In his speech, Sec. Atienza mentioned that our country has rich natural resources. He said “we have 15,000 flora and more than 57% of these are endemic to the Philippines”. For the fauna, he mentioned, “more than half of these are also endemic to the Philippines.”

“Our flora and fauna must be utilized for the benefit of the future generation so that we will develop confidence and we will use these resources for everybody’s benefit.” We should all work hard in performing our individual duties so that the future generation will harvest the fruits of our labor”, he added.

Among the participants in the exhibit were: Villar Foundation Inc., EDSA Garden House, Philippine Nature Plant Conservation Society. Philippine Horticultural Society, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Green Peace Southeast, Asian Regional

ERDB, FPRDI employees attend Seminar on Disaster Preparedness

In the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month, the 151st Battalion of the

Philippine Army headed by Capt. Rommel H. Marquez conducted the Seminar/Demonstration on Disaster Response Preparedness and Management on 30 July 2009 at the ERDB. The group came from Fort Bonifacio Taguig, Metro Manila.

The seminar had two parts: Part I was a lecture on disaster management while Part II consisted of a demonstration on disaster preparedness and management.

ERDB Newletter Vol 3 No.3.indd 1 10/12/2009 4:02:45 PM

2

ERDB News

Vol. 3 No. 3

Ü page 7

DENR Sec. Atienza ... from page 1

ERDB, FPRDI Employees ... from page 1

Technical University, East West Seed Company, Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp., EWK aviaries and other pets shops; DENR-ERDS Regional offices (Reg. 1- CAR), and other small and medium enterprises. Other employees of the DENR such as ERDB (Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau), PAWB (Parks and Wildlife Bureau), EMB (Environmental Management Bureau), and MGB (Mines and Geosciences Bureau) distributed publications during the exhibit.

The emcees during the program were: Mr. Chris Delon D. Lozano and Ms. Zhiela A. Alcantara of the TDD while For. Gregorio D. Reyes gave the welcome remarks.

For. Jun Santos of the CZFERD introduced the guest speaker. He also thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for sending over their representatives.

Miss Philippines Ecotourism Adie Adelantar led the ceremonial toast of the juice extracted from wheat grass prepared by the EDSA Garden House. It was a toast for “protecting Mother Earth”.

Dir. William Ragos and other representatives from the DENR led the offering of plants. On the other hand, the representatives of the youth sector led by Bonju Reyes released the young ostrich to symbolize the youth.

The expo was opened to the public from July 12-19, 2009. Marla V. Cambay, TDD

Some members of the rescue team of the Philippine army demonstrating some rescue strategies while saving a victim from a high-rise building by rapelling at the ERDB’s wall.

ERDB Newletter Vol 3 No.3.indd 2 10/12/2009 4:02:46 PM

3

ERDB News

Vol. 3 No. 3

The Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) through its Grassland Hydrology &

Management Section (GHMS-GDAERD) spearheaded the conduct of the National Seminar-Workshop on the DENR Assessment Procedures for Grazing Lands held last 30 June to 02 July 2009 at the ERDB Auditorium. This seminar-workshop is the one of the major activities of the project “Rationalization on the Disposition of Pasture and Grazing Lands in the Philippines” which a collaborative undertaking of the ERDB and FMB. This project primarily aims to determine the current status of the pasture leases, review the renewal and cancellation system and violations of the Forest Land Grazing Lease Agreement (FLGLA) and Forest Land Grazing Management Agreement (FLGMA) to improve the productivity and environmental soundness of pasture and grazing areas.

Twenty-eight (28) representatives from FMS and ERDS in selected regions including CAR, Regions 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 6, 10, 12 and 13 attended the seminar. It started with the welcome remarks from the ERDB Assistant Director, Dr. Lope A. Calanog, who stressed the need for the rationalization on the disposition of pasture and grazing areas in our country. He said that DENR should be more responsive to address the issues/concerns pertaining to grazing land management and development through the development of a standard assessment procedure and rationalization of the permitting system. For. Levi V. Florido discussed the rationale/importance of the seminar-workshop and suggested that the group should come up with inputs for the amendment or revision of the current regulation on grazing lands to bolster the standardization of the guidelines in assessing our grazing areas.

During the workshop proper, Dr. Welllington Z. Rosacia provided a brief presentation of the project. Highlights of the seminar-workshop are the: (1) presentation of standardized Assessment Tool which incorporate (a) Suitability, (b) Performance, and (c) Sustainability, done by Dr. Wellington Z. Rosacia (ERDB) and For. Elpidio Molinyawe (FMB); (2) review of existing DENR Grazing Lands Regulations; and (3) preparation of the Action Plan by region in relation to the assessment activity to be conducted during the second semester of CY 2009. In addition, lectures on the Determination of the Carrying Capacity and Use of Soil Test Kit on Soil Fertility test were done by the project leader and Dr. Evangeline T.

Castillo. Likewise, a demonstration on the use of soil test kit, and establishment of minimal area and harvesting herbage sample were conducted.

ERDB Director Adeluisa G. Siapno cited the success of the seminar-workshop during her closing remarks. For. Florita E. Siapno and Mr. Juan B. Ebora served as the emcees/moderators of the said activity.

The project is composed of the following staff: For. Levi V. Florido (Project Coordinator), For. Ma. Lourdes C. Wagan (Co-Project Coordinator), Dr. Wellington Z. Rosacia (Project Leader), For. Elpidio M. Molinyawe (Co-Project Leader), Dr. Evangeline T. Castillo, For. Florita E. Siapno, Mr. Juan B. Ebora, Ms. Marilou Avanzado, For. Marita Briz, For. Juliet Tolentino, For. Eva Guzman and For. Edna Nuestro. Marita Briz, GDAERD

GDAERD spearheads Seminar-Workshop on Grazing Lands

Ms. Adoracion T. Guy ( 2nd from right) of the UPLB Soil Department demonstrates the use of the Soil Test Kit.

Dr. Willie Z. Rosacia (leftmost corner) demonstrates how to establish the appropriate quadrat size by minimal area plot.

ERDB Newletter Vol 3 No.3.indd 3 10/12/2009 4:02:46 PM

4

ERDB News

Vol. 3 No. 3

The Agency In–House Evaluation Team for DENR-ERDS Region 5 composed of For. Gregorio D.

Reyes, team leader, together with Dr. Aurora S. Jose, For. Monette S. Santos, and Mr. Roberto Devanadera from PCARRD evaluated the researches and extension activities of ERDS Region 5 in Bicol. The evaluation was held at the DENR Region 5, Multipurpose Credit Cooperative Hall in Rawis, Legaspi City on August 18, 2009. Field evaluation of selected sites in Sorsogon and vicinities was also conducted.

In the opening program, the Chief of the RDE Division, Mr. Efren Operio Jr. gave the welcome remarks and the information on the list of completed, ongoing and newly–implemented projects/studies to be presented in the said in-house review.

Regional Technical Director for Research, Dr. William Palaypayon gave the inspirational message in place of the Regional Executive Director, Mr. Joselin Marcus Fragada, who came later during the day. RTD Palaypayon informed the group that the research sector is not only involved in RDE but also with other non-research related concerns such as integrity tasks, and technical assistance to SCUs (State Colleges and Universities). Ms. Lida Borboran, Chief of the TTD (Technology Transfer Division) of ERDS-V introduced the participants and the evaluators while For. Gregorio Reyes explained the rationale and mechanics of the In–House Review. At about 11:00 am, RED Fragada gave the inspirational message where he expressed full support to the research and development undertakings of the ERDS. Reporting was done by respective project/study leaders

under the various banner programs implemented by the DENR - ERDS V. Thirty minutes were allotted for each project: 10 minutes for the presentation and 20 minutes for the open forum. Presentors followed the NARRDS format for completed and ongoing projects. Powerpoint presentations were rendered by the project leaders or presentors.

Out of the eleven (11) RDE projects that were presented, three (3) were completed with terminal reports and eight (8)

are still ongoing. The eight ongoing projects were recommended for continuation.

One development project on agroforestry was likewise presented highlighting the technical assistance provided by ERDS V to the DENR – Forestry Service on the implementation of the Tao – Kalikasan Foundation of the Philippines (TKFPI).

The project on Carrying Capacity of Mt. Mayon won the 3rd place on the best research paper during the program. However, no research paper won the first and second place since the study entitled “Determination of Carrying Capacity of Mayon Volcano Natural Park for Ecotourism” was already presented in the Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Sector in the Regional Research and Development Symposium.

On August 19, 2009, the Team together with For. Lida Borboran, Chief of the TTD ERDS-5, and Mr. Jose Roco Jr. proceeded to Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon, two hours away from Legaspi, Albay for the field evaluation of selected sites of the projects “Adaptation Strategies on Climate Change Impacts to the Coastal Ecosystems” (BP4) and “Survey, Inventory and Documentation of Selected Biofuel Species” (BP8). On the Biofuel project, the group observed that it has the biggest bitaog tree which is also considered a century tree. The tree is one of the biofuel species found in the area which has medicinal value. Other biofuel species found are bani, botong, and kapok. Aurora S. Jose, FERD and Monette S. Santos, UFERD

ERDB team evaluates ERDS-5 projects

Participants of the RDE evaluation and monitoring held at DENR Region 5 Multipurpose Credit Cooperative Hall in Rawis, Legaspi City on August 18, 2009.

ERDB Newletter Vol 3 No.3.indd 4 10/12/2009 4:02:46 PM

5

ERDB News

Vol. 3 No. 3

LBSCFI celebrates 2009 NST week

The celebration of the Los Baños Science Community Foundation, Inc. (LBSCFI) National

Science and Technology Week opened on July 21, 2009 with the cutting of the ribbon at the main entrance of the UPLB Baker Hall. The officials from the LBSCFI member-agencies were led by UPLB Chancellor Luis Rey I. Velasco. Other guests included Dr. Carol M. Yorobe, DOST Secretary and OIC of the Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations; Dr. William G. Padolina; Deputy Director-General for Operations and Support Services of IRRI; Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III of PCARRD; Dr. Lope A. Calanog, ERDB Assistant Director; Dr. Felix Tamolang, FPRDI Director and other officials from UPLB.

Students from the Philippine High School for the Arts opened the program at the UPLB Baker Hall with a doxology and singing of the national anthem. Dr. William G. Padolina gave his welcome remarks followed by a message from Atty. Jenilyn Soriano, Administrative Officer of the Los Baños Municipal Office, in behalf of Mayor Cesar Perez. In her speech, Atty. Soriano said that LBSCFI has become the partner of the Los Baños Municipal Office in addressing the problem on waste segregation, waste disposal and in developing several machineries to address the solid waste problem of the municipality. She expressed her hope that this relationship with LBSCFI will also address the problem on climate change. She gave assurance that the Los Baños Municipal Office will continue to work closely with the LBSCFI agencies.

Dr. Carol M. Jorobe delivered the message in behalf of DOST Secretary Dr. Estrella F. Alabastro who was not able to come due to an urgent cabinet meeting. She

congratulated and extended her appreciation to the LBSCFI Committees for all those who made the event a success. Furthermore, she expressed her hope that this year’s celebration can provide a good opportunity for Science and Technology. She also mentioned that a greater budget this time was given by the government to science and technology.

To end the program, students from the Philippine High School for the Arts rendered a song and instrumental number while the UPLB Filipiniana Dance Troupe performed a Pangasinan Folk Dance.

In the afternoon, Dr. Mariechel J. Navarro launched her book “Communicating Crop Biotechnology: Stories from Stakeholders” published by the International Science for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAA).

Mr. Justino C. Buendia of the Forest Products Research and Development Institute demonstrated the making of handmade paper and novelty products. Engr. Santiago R. Baconguis of ERDB conducted a lecture on Charcoal Briquetting Technology.

The Laguna State Polytechnic University and the Los Baños Central Elementary also rendered cultural presentations.

Five papers were presented at the R & D Symposium on the status of water resources in Los Baños and nearby municipalities at the NCAS (New College of Arts and Sciences) Auditorium, UP Los Baños, College, Laguna on July 23, 2009. Carmelita G. Reyes, TDD

What’s inside the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau’s (ERDB) zoology

laboratory?

The ERDB Zoology Laboratory was established in 1978. It serves as a repository of wildlife collections which have been collected by the researchers since the time of the Forest Research Institute (FORI) (now ERDB) until it was reorganized in 1987.

Through Special Order No. 54 dated September 04, 2008, Dr. Ma. Lourdes Q. Moreno was assigned as Officer-in-Charge of the ERDB zoology laboratory. Through Dr. Moreno’s initiative, the animal collections that have been neglected for a long time have gained attention and proper maintenance. Initially, she conducted an inventory of the stuffed animal collections, verification of the labels and retagging and cleaning/disinfecting of specimens considering that

Uncovering ERDB Zoo Lab

Dr. Ma. Lourdes Q. Moreno, (leftmost corner) in-charge of the ERDB Zoology Laboratory explaining the importance of the laboratory.

Ü page 8

ERDB Newletter Vol 3 No.3.indd 5 10/12/2009 4:02:47 PM

6

ERDB News

Vol. 3 No. 3

Biosafety and biosecurity seminar conducted for DENR field personnel

Ü page 8

Twenty-one participants from the eight regions of the DENR-ERDS participated in the Training on

Biosafety and Biosecurity Approaches in Relation to the Release of Genetically-Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Introduction of Potentially Harmful Exotic Species (PHES) which was held on August 17-20, 2009 at the ERDB Auditorium.

The seminar aimed to: 1) enhance the knowledge and awareness of the participants on the basic concepts of biotechnology/GMO development and species introduction and their direct and indirect effects/impacts on the environment and biodiversity; 2) level-off with the regions on the mandate and critical role of the DENR in promoting biosafety and biosecurity including the regulatory framework that governs GMOs and exotic species, 3) orient the participants with environmental risk/impact assessment tools applicable to GMOs and exotic species; and 4) provide a venue for the consultation of the draft guidelines for the biosafety and environmental impact assessment of GM forest and wildlife resources including GM products intended for bioremediation.

The first day of the seminar consisted of four topics. Lecture 1 dealt with “Introduction to Biotechnology Development of GMOs” by Dr. Evelyn Mae Tecson-Mendoza of the Crop Science Cluster of the University of the Philippines at Los Baños. Lecture 2 focused on the “Biosafety and Biosecurity: What and Why” by Dr. Carmelita Y. Villamor. Lecture 3 was titled “Guidelines for Regulation of GMOS under Contained/Confined

Experiment delivered by Ms. Julieta Fe L. Estacio from the Department of Science and Technology while Lecture 4 was delivered by Ms. Merle B. Palacpac of the Bureau of Plant Industry of the Department of Agriculture who presented the topic “Guidelines for Regulation of GMOs under Field Test and Propagation”.

On the second day of the seminar, Ms. Veronica O. Sinohin lectured on Environmental Risk Assessment and the Receiving Environment. On the other hand, Mr. Abraham J. Manalo of the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines discussed the Socioeconomic Consideration in Biosafety Decision Making Process. In addition, Dr. Carmelita Y. Villamor of ERDB presented two papers: Experiences in the Conduct of Biosafety Research and Consultation of the DENR Administrative Order on Biosafety Assessment and Environmental Impact of GMOs.

During the 3rd day, Dr. Simplicia Pasicolan of ERDB focused on the Biosecurity: Principles, Regulations, Issues and Concerns while Mr. Horacio San Valentin and Dr. Elpidio Rimando, both from ERDB, lectured on Biosecurity in Agriculture and Biosecurity in Forestry, respectively. In the afternoon, Mr. Jose Isidro Michael T. Padin, also from ERDB, tackled Biosecurity in Fisheries while Dr. Carmelita Y. Villamor presented the Action Plan on Invasive Alien Species.

Finally, a field visit to IPB-UPLB, Bay, Laguna and San Pablo City was conducted during the last day of the seminar. Marla V. Cambay, TDD

A rehabilitation project in Bagacay Mines, Hinabangan, Western Samar is being implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (DENR-ERDB) with its regional counterpart, DENR-Ecosystems Research and Development Services (DENR-ERDS) Region 8, in collaboration with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

As part of Secretary Jose L. Atienza’s DENR programs through the leadership of ERDB Director Adeluisa G. Siapno, the implementation of the project “Rehabilitation Strategies and Ecotourism Development for Mine Tailings Areas in Bagacay” in Hinabangan Western Samar is ongoing. This project is an expansion of the formerly implemented remediation project in Bagacay mines which was also conducted by DENR-ERDB, DENR-ERDS Region 8 in collaboration with MGB.

Bagacay mines, abandoned no more- DENR-ERDB

The project is being funded by MGB with the help of a loan provided by the World Bank. The project’s coordinators are Mr. Angelito B. Exconde and Dr. Rafael Cadiz of ERDB together with other researchers from the bureau.

A closer look at the surviving Mani-manian species a year after outplanting.

ERDB Newletter Vol 3 No.3.indd 6 10/12/2009 4:02:47 PM

7

ERDB News

Vol. 3 No. 3

ERDB employees attend lecture series on Magna Carta of Women

ERDB, FPRDI Employees ... from page 2

ERDB employees in the person of Dr. Aurora S. Jose, Ms. Fe T. Ociones and Ms. Josephine B.

Tanudtanud attended the lecture series on “Magna Carta of Women” which was held on September 28, 2009, 3:00 P. M. at the Multipurpose Hall of the DENR in Quezon City. The “Magna Carta of Women”, otherwise known as Republic Act. No. 9710 was signed by President Gloria M. Arroyo on August 14, 2009 and published in various newspapers. Its effectivity is on September 1, 2009. The law was promulgated to address the lingering discrimination against WOMEN or UN-CEDAW and to make these aspects directly applicable to the Philippine Legal System.

This lecture was an advocacy activity of the GAD Focal Point System of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) providing updates about the various laws of empowering women. It was spearheaded by the Policy Unit of the Planning and Programming Services Office (PPSO) in collaboration with the National GAD Focal Point System.

The participants came from the different units/offices and six (6) sectors of the Department, as well as the members of the National/Bureau’s GAD Focal Point System.

Assistant Secretary for Foreign Assisted and Special Projects and Vice-Chairperson of the NGADFPS, Ms. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh discussed the salient features of the law as well as the background information on the process of promulgating the said law. She said that the new Act, otherwise known as “Magna Carta of Women” was crafted by many women groups who advocated the comprehensive law of women with the integration of RA 7192 “ Women in National Building” and RA 9262 “Anti-Violence Against Women and Children”. She

also mentioned the importance of the law relative to its implementation that it should be re-echoed and shared among the other constituents and co-employees in the Department and other external entities to understand the various provisions particularly the rights of the women in the society.

Ms. Teh likewise explained the use of the word “of” in the statement “Magna Carta of Women” which according to her means that the women groups drafted the law to protect the rights of the marginalized or powerless women sector in the society.

In her lecture, she summarized the important features of the 48 provisions stipulated in the law and its major milestones. She emphasized that this law was a charter and serves as an official document in providing rights to women who are marginalized in the society. Her lecture was supported with facts about the situation of women in different concerns such as education, health, employment and other significant accomplishments/contribution, its role in the development, decision making and planning process in the society.

In her final statement she quoted Charlotte Whitton in saying that “Whatever women do, they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good.” The quotation means that women do more and most of the time encounter hardships to do a certain task. She further mentioned that there should be equality among men and women regardless of the number.

Lastly, she provided the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of this law since it is at the stage of preparation by the Philippine Council of Women (PCW). The DENR will also be involved in the preparation of the said IRR. Aurora S. Jose , FERD

The participants were composed of selected employees from the ERDB (Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau), FPRDI (Forest Products Research and Development Institute) and the ASEAN Regional Center for Biodiversity Conservation (ARCBC).

In his lecture, Capt. Marquez discussed the history of their battalion. He also gave the vision and mission including their various accomplishments in different rescue operations. Among their remarkable experiences Capt. Marquez mentioned the following: 2008 Araneta Ave. Q.C. flashflood, 2007 Glorietta 2 explosion incident, 2007 Tullahan Bridge flashflood, 2004 Superferry bombing incident and many other rescue operations in the Philippines.

Capt. Marquez also introduced the various equipment used in the different rescue operations. He showed the digital camera which can penetrate and see an image even at a depth of 300 ft. They also demonstrated the proper way of transporting an injured person including the gadgets used by their emergency medical team.

For the water search and rescue, Capt. Marquez presented the materials used in such operations. He also showed the equipment used in collapsed structures for digging dead bodies etc. Likewise, he showed the different types of ropes including the rope which was used in saving lives in the Superferry 14 tragedy.

After the lecture, the Philippine Army personnel demonstrated the proper rescue of a person from a high-rise building. For. Jun Santos of ERDB thanked Capt. Marquez in behalf of the ERDB employees. Marla V. Cambay, TDD

ERDB Newletter Vol 3 No.3.indd 7 10/12/2009 4:02:48 PM

8

ERDB News

Vol. 3 No. 3

Contributions from all employees are welcome as per guidelines set in ERDB Memo. dated Aug. 31, 2007. This Newsletter is produced quarterly in coordination with all Offices, Divisions and Units of the ERDB.

Executive Adviser : Adeluisa G.SiapnoEditorial Adviser : Eliseo M. BaltazarManaging Editor : Marla V. CambayAssistant Editor : Carmelita G. ReyesLayout : Liberato A. BacodProofreading/ : Flora B. PalicpicCirculation Eduardo M. TolentinoIllustrator : Chris Delon D. LozanoPrinting : Celso A. LunaPhotography : Gino S. Laforteza

ERDB NewsletterJuly - September 2009

DENR

Vol. 3 No. 3

Uncovering ERDB... from page 5

Bacagay mines... from page 6

they have not been maintained for quite a period of time.

Since the laboratory re-started in April 2009, she has continuously maintained the repository of animal specimens. Currently, there are 44 families of birds and five families of mammals found in the laboratory. “Most specimens we have in the laboratory are precious, valuable, and hard to collect. At present, they are now prohibited for collection based on the Republic Act 9147, “Wildlife Resources and Protection Act” pertaining to animals”, Dr. Moreno explained.

The other activities done in the laboratory aside from collections of animal specimens are: 1) providing working space for researchers doing animal research such as janitor fish; 2) working on literature review of zoological collection for building database and; 3) reviewing of zoological techniques/methods.

Dr. Moreno plans to completely organize the laboratory especially its taxonomy collection which could serve as future reference materials for scientific inquiries.

“At present, the ERDB Zoology Laboratory caters to ERDB researchers and in the future it will be catering to nearby schools. Information Education Communication (IEC) materials will be provided for the students to know the value of biodiversity conservation, “ she added.

“Our advocacy for biodiversity conservation is to let the future generation learn, experience and feel the beauty of our ecosystems until they pass it on to the next generation. All species have their own role in the ecosystems; when one is gone, other animal species will be affected,” she explained.

The zoology laboratory is not only for collection of wildlife species but also for educating people on how to conserve our biodiversity and its significance to our mother earth. Zhiela A. Alcantara,TDD

“The rehabilitation project aims to rehabilitate the identified problem sites in Bagacay mines in order to minimize soil erosion, stabilize the environment, and improve soil condition using tolerant plant species such as Acacia auriculiformis, A. mangium, Pterocarpus indicus, Narra, Bani, Acacia sp., Kakawate, Akleng parang and other indigenous plants available in the area”, Mr. Exconde explained.

“Bagacay Mines is one of the seven abandoned mines in the country. Previously, it was a copper and pyrite excavation site. The project was approved due to the urgent need for the Bagacay Mines rehabilitation to address the problems of pollution, environmental hazard reduction, and mitigation of unfavorable conditions for floral and faunal growth”, Dr. Cadiz added.

According to Dr. Cadiz, the peripheral Bagacay mining area will undergo the process of site characterization, nursery establishment and operation, reforestation, research and development, and monitoring and evaluation to ensure the success of implementation.

Dr. Cadiz also said that the project also seeks to restore the productive potential and aesthetic beauty of the site to serve as an ecotourism destination.

This project is in support to the government’s National Policy Agenda on the Revitalization of Mining in the Philippines in 2004, prioritizing remediation and rehabilitation of abandoned mine sites to address the negative impacts of past mining activities.

The expanded rehabilitation study started in January 2009 and is expected to end by December. However, monitoring for three to four years will be done afterwards to ensure its success. Once completed, research results may be applied or can become the basis for other abandoned mine-out areas. – Rozhel B. Amante, LBES /Zhiela A. Alcantara, TDD

The experimental plot with Vetiver grass species, a year after outplanting.

ERDB Newletter Vol 3 No.3.indd 8 10/12/2009 4:02:48 PM