Lito Atienza's Blog
33,387 UPLAND FARMERS GIVEN JOBS UNDER DENR’s UPLAND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
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Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (center) is flanked by jubilant new land owners during the launch of the Regional People’s Hour at Pangasinan State University in Lingayen, Pangasinan. Atienza awarded more than 200 land patents, covering some 77 hectares, to farmers in Pangasinan under the DENR’s “Handog Titulo” Program.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has so far awarded 33,387 job contracts or “Letters of Agreements” (LOA) to upland farmers under its Upland Development Program (UDP), representing 64 percent of this year’s target goal.
Another 7,200 applications or “Letters of Intent” (LOI) are presently being processed at various DENR field offices and are expected to be issued with LOAs within June or early July.
At the rate the UDP is moving, I wouldn’t be surprised if our target of providing ‘green collar’ jobs to residents in the uplands as well as in coastal areas is attained within the third quarter of the year, noting that the latest figureas on LOIs and LOAs issued altogether represents 77 percent of UDP’s targeted 52,425 jobs.
Launched last February, the UDP is in support of the government’s “Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program” (CLEEP), which is part of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s efforts to curb the country’s unemployment rate being aggravated by the current global economic crunch.
The DENR has already released a total of P724 million to its 15 regional offices nationwide, including the DENR-Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, following the issuance of a “Special Allotment Release Order” or SARO by the Department of Budget and Management last June 11 for the release of UDP funds amounting to P1.5 billion.
This is in sync with NEDA’s formula on accelerated government spending on job creation to keep up, if not overtake, the rate of lost jobs as a result of the global financial meltdown.
The accelerated implementation and improved monitoring of CLEEP programs is one of NEDA’s recommendations for the government’s economic stimulus package to go well.
Through the UDP, the DENR aims to reforest or boost with agro-forestry activities some 50,000 hectares of denuded upland areas and about 2,000 hectares of mangrove areas.
Such opportunities will help give our upland families economic resiliency in dealing with the impact of the current global financial crisis while enabling them to take active part in fighting global warming.
As much as one hectare will be allotted to every UDP beneficiary to develop into an agroforestry farm, with a yearly projected earning of around P23,000 from the proceeds of his agro-forestry activities, including a monthly allowance of P3,270.
Under UDP’s reforestation scheme, each UDP beneficiary will likewise be given a hectare to plant and maintain trees suitable to the area. Each worker will get as much as P19,400 to defray the cost and services for seedling production (P8,500) and planting and maintenance (P10,900).
Areas for UDP’s reforestation component include denuded areas in watersheds, stream banks, mangrove areas, and open and denuded forestlands outside of any DENR-issued tenurial instrument like community-based forest agreement but needing immediate rehabilitation.
At least 22 million forest and fruit-bearing trees are expected to be planted in the undertaking.
The upbeat employment figures recently released by the National Statistic Office (NSO) and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) as indication that President Arroyo’s economic stimulus plan is indeed gaining headway by mobilizing government resources to open up job opportunities especially in the countryside.
According to NSO, the unemployment rate reached 7.5 percent as of April this year or an improvement from eight percent rate posted within the 1st four month period in 2008.
President Arroyo’s broad-based approach resulted in the employment growth posted as of April this year which particularly benefited economies in the provinces. NEDA figures showing a total of 408,000 new jobs were created in agriculture, fishery and forestry sector or 3.4-percent employment growth for the period compared to its 2008 record.
NEDA said that in April this year, total employed persons increased to 34.99 million from 33.54 million in the same period last year.
Tags: DENR, environment, Lito Atienza, manila, mayor, Mayor Lito Atienza, Secretary, Secretary Lito Atienza
More LGUs link up with DENR to fast-track “Zero Basura Program”
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Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (extreme left) urges all mayors to become partners of the DENR in the mitigation and fight against climate change. Atienza also assured local executives of DENR’s support for environmental programs such as geohazard mapping for disaster preparedness, seedling production and reforestation, solid waste management and mineral resources development. Atienza was among the Department secretaries who served as panelists in the dialogue with mayors who attended the general assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) held November 19-21 at the Tent City of the Manila Hotel in Manila. Other panelists were (L-R) National Defense Secretary Gualberto Teodoro, Health Secretary Francisco Duque, representative of Philippine National Police Chief Jesus Versoza and International Labor Organization Director Linda Wirth.
More local government units (LGUs) have been showing an improved compliance to the Solid Waste Management Act or Republic Act 9003, citing an increase in the number of established materials recovery facilities nationwide to 4,260 as of June 15,2009.
The increase is about 75%, from last year’s number of 2,428 MRFs however, the latest count remains small when compared to total number of barangays in the country which is 42,000. RA 9003 provides for the establishment of at least one MRF in every barangay.
We will continue to strengthen DENR’s partnerships with our local government units to give more teeth to our campaign to solve the country’s garbage problems.
The DENR has been intensifying its waste management programs, particularly the establishment of materials recovery facilities (MRFs) in various cities and municipalities to reduce waste from the source – beginning in households – through segregation and recycling.
It has launched last January its “Green Movement Agenda: Our Strategy for Local Action” in support to government campaign on climate change, which focused on a “Zero-Basura Caravan” involving LGUs.
Dubbed as “Strengthening Local Actions through FOURmula 1-Zero Basura Caravan,” the caravan is a sequenced intensive, information, education (IEC) campaign that will pass through provinces, cities and municipalities starting in Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon, with the intent of cascading its key programs and strengthening DENR-LGUs partnership in solid waste management.
The information caravan has so far resulted positively, with more than a thousand local executives committing to close their dumpsites and convert it into eco-parks, establish more materials recovery facilities (MRFs) and to pass local legislations mandating waste segregation in all households.
The caravan has started its Luzon leg in Baguio City (May 5) and is currently in Tacloban as part of its Visayan leg. It is targeted to finish its last and final leg in Mindanao this July.
The ‘zero-basura’ caravan was designed purposely to improve the law’s enforcement and implementation at the local government level.
According to him, the caravan serves three purposes – as a venue for LGU consultation, for information campaign and for data gathering.
The caravan made way for LGUs and the DENR to iron out issues and pledge to work together in solving environmental problems, particularly solid waste, which is one of the largest contributors to global warming.
DENR records showed that as of June 2009, sanitary landfills have increased to 49, of which 25 are already operating while the 24 are now in various stages of development following the issuance of their environmental compliance certificates (ECC) by the DENR. The number of MRFs has also increased to 4,260.
We cannot allow the continuing violations of RA 9003, as we have already announced then that the three-strike policy is on. The first notices have been sent out, after which second notices will be sent. After which, the final notices will besent. If the LGUs have not complied by now, we will just have to start filing charges.
An updated report from the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) cites 658 non-complying LGUs nationwide whoa are candidates for 2nd strike out of the 1,042 LGUs that were given the 1st strike warning letters (as of June 9).
The ‘zero basura’ caravan is spearheaded by the DENR in coordination with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines.
Tags: DENR, environment, Lito Atienza, manila, mayor, Mayor Lito Atienza, Secretary, Secretary Lito Atienza
DENR TO SIMPLIFY PROCESSING OF ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS
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Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (right) inaugurates a new DENR building in Koronadal City. In his message to DENR local officials and employees, Secretary Atienza underscores the Department's policy direction toward effective and efficient protection of the country's environment and proper management of natural resources to benefit all Filipinos, especially the poor and other marginalized sectors.
In a move to rid the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of corruption and hasten the flow of investment, I am calling for the immediate review of procedures and requirements in the issuance of environmental permits, including environmental compliance certificates (ECC).
We need to hasten the process, simplify it, ease unnecessary requirements so that investors, both foreign and local, will eventually flow in upon getting the necessary clearances.
This drastic streamlining that we will be doing will also remove occasions of graft and corruption and hasten the sustainable development of our natural resources. By streamlining processes in ECC acquisition and other requirements, we can help generate more investments and this will lead to more jobs for our fellow countrymen.
It normally takes a year for an Environmental Compliance Certificate application to be approved, 17 weeks for mining permits and about three months for a Certificate of Non-Coverage. The ECC streamlining definitely cuts through all the red-tape and bureaucratic delays that companies experience in getting their ECCs approved.
ECCs are part of the requirements for all development projects in the country as an assurance that the planning, construction and operations of these projects do not adversely affect the environment and human health.
Presidential Decree No. 1586, which established the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System, mandates that all environmentally-critical projects (ECPs) as well as projects that are located in environmentally-critical areas shall undergo thorough environmental impact assessment (EIA) to ensure the protection of the environment as well as the communities living within or near the project site.
Such projects may include, for example, building a hydroelectric dam or factory, irrigating a large valley, or developing a harbor, which may generate impacts on flora, fauna, air quality, landscape and other features of the environment.
Critical mine structures include tailings dams, waste dumps and small-scale mining areas, while geohazard areas refer to areas that are susceptible to landslides, floods, liquefaction, ground subsidence and other ground instabilities.
Prior to the issuance of the ECC, project proponents are required to undertake an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to determine possible adverse environmental impacts of their proposed projects or activities and to come up with measures or strategies to reduce such impacts on the environment.
Atienza supports Church call to petition Manila officials to revoke pro-oil depot ordinance
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His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Archbishop of Manila, (left) warmly welcomes Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (in tropical shirt) and officers of the Earth Day Network Philippines (EDNP), during a courtesy call at the Residencia de Arzobispo in Intramuros, Manila. Atienza briefed Cardinal Rosales on the Department’s upland development program that would boost the country’s reforestation efforts while providing alternative livelihood to upland families through tree planting and other related activities. Also in photo (to Atienza’s left) are officers of EDNP, namely, Odette Alcantara, Howard Belton and former DENR Secretary Elisea Gozun.
I am supporting the call of the Catholic Church for the people to rally against the continued stay of the Pandacan Oil Depots.
I welcome the move of the Church in urging the people to start a signature campaign to petition the local officials of Manila to revoke City Ordinance 8187 to protect the environment and the health of the residents.
Cardinal Rosales’s call is not only moral but also legitimate as its intent is to protect the environment and the life of the people in the city. The Church’s vast influence over its parishioners on matters of general well-being of the people cannot be underestimated.
As environmental chief, I am reiterating my opposition to this ordinance as it allows highly pollutive and extremely hazardous industries to proliferate and operate in the most populated area in the city.
I, along with some Manila councilors, recently filed a case at the Supreme Court (SC) against Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno and majority councilors for approving City Ordinance 8177 which allows the continued stay of the oil depot in Pandacan.
The 51-page petition submitted to the SC questioned the validity and legality of the ordinance as it defies the Constitution which guarantees each and every Filipino the right to a clean and healthy environment, in harmony with nature.
Cardinal Rosales, in his latest pastoral statement on the issue, stressed that “the oil depot is a threat to human life and its integral growth.” The Cardinal also said that the continuous operation of the oil depot in the densely populated area of Sta. Ana and Pandacan poses as a grave threat to the well being of Manila residents.
PRO-OIL DEPOT ORDINANCE QUESTIONED BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT
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Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (in tropical shirt) submits to the clerk of court of the Supreme Court (SC) in Manila documents pertaining to charges he filed against Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno and majority of the city’s councilors for approving Manila Ordinance No. 8187 which allows highly pollutive and extremely hazardous industries and the oil depot to permanently stay in Pandacan. Atienza also filed a petition to the Supreme Court for the issuance of a restraining order to prevent the implementation of the controversial ordinance. Accompanying Atienza are Manila 6th district councilors Joey Uy (center) and Bonjay Isip-Garcia
Being true to my commitment to protect the country’s environment and natural resources, I, as a resident and former Mayor of Manila, filed charges before the Supreme Court against Mayor Alfredo Lim, Vice Mayor Isko Moreno and majority councilors for a Manila ordinance allowing “highly pollutive and extremely hazardous” industries, including the oil depot to permanently stay in Pandacan.
The pro-oil depot ordinance which these local officials passed makes Manila the toxic capital of the country that will kill Manilans. Not only do I find this local legislation illogical and irresponsible, I believe it is illegal.
In a 51-page petition submitted to the Supreme Court on World Environment day, I questioned the validity and legality of Manila Ordinance 8187 (formerly draft ordinance 7177) for it certainly defies the Constitution which guarantees “each and every Filipino the right to a clean and healthy environment at all times.”
Especially now that climate change has become a global issue drawing more human awareness and concern, nowhere in the world can an ill-crafted piece of legislation, welcoming blatantly defined highly “pollutive and extremely hazardous industries” in a city be accepted.
It would be recalled that despite a final Supreme Court decision mandating the relocation of the oil depot and the strong opposition of the church led by no less than Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales, Manila majority councilors, headed by Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, still “railroaded” draft ordinance 7177, disregarding the obvious grave threat it poses on human lives and the environment.
Then, Mayor Alfredo Lim eventually signed the local measure, thus making it city ordinance 8187, contrary to what he publicly announced earlier to veto the draft legislation once it reaches his table.
City ordinance 8187 amended Manila ordinance 8027 passed during my term as Mayor of the capital city which ordered the transfer of the oil depot from Pandacan. Ordinance 8027 was upheld and supported by the Supreme Court, saying “the right to life enjoys precedence over the right to property.” The reason is obvious: life is irreplaceable, property is not.
Other petitioners included Manila 6th district Rep. Benny Abante, Councilors Bonjay Isip-Garcia, Joy Dawis-Asuncion and Che Borromeo.
The majority councilors charged were Arlene Koa, Moises Lim, Jesus Fajardo, Louisito Chua, Victoriano Melendez, John Marvin Nieto, Rolando Valeriano, Raymundo Yupangco, Edward Maceda, Roderick Valbuena, Josefina Siscar, Salvador Phillip Lacuna, Luciano Veloso, Ernesto Rivera, Danilo Victor Lacuna Jr., Ernsto Isip, Honey Lacuna-Pangan, Ernesto Dionisio Jr. and Erick Ian Nieva.
DENR issues notices of violations to 96 companies surrounding Manila Bay
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Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza (in tropical shirt) and Cavite Gov.Ireneo “Ayong” Maliksi (right) oversee last Wednesday (Feb. 4) the dismantling of one of 12 newly-built fishcages that had been demolished in Cavite last year to rid the Cavite side of the Manila bay of illegal structures. The recent demolition is part of government’s efforts to clear the entire bay area of illegal structures mandated in a recent Supreme Court decision calling for the full rehabilitation of Manila Bay. Also in photo is Mayor Florencio Bernabe of Parañaque City where 25 illegal fishcages, including 60 others in Las Piñas, were also dismantled.
A total of 96 companies surrounding the Manila Bay area were issued notices of violations (NOVs) by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) arising from their wanton discharge of untreated wastewater and for lack of environmental compliance certificate (ECC) and other valid permits.
The Environmental Management Bureau, a line agency under the DENR, has stepped up its monitoring of firms along the Manila Bay region in light of the Supreme Court decision last year for the immediate rehabilitation of the country’s premier bay famous for its golden sunset.
We want these companies to know how serious we are in improving the state of Manila Bay and protecting public health. Companies that refuse to clean up their acts will be closed down and will never be allowed to operate.
Of the 96 companies issued with NOVs, 43 were located in Metro Manila, 31 were within Region 3 and 22 in Region 4A.
In Region 3, 22 companies were cited for operating without environmental compliance certificates in violation of P.D. 1586 or the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System; 17 for violating the Clean Air Act (RA 8749; eight for violating the Clean Water Act (RA 9275) and two for violating the Toxic Substances and Hazardous Waste Act (RA 6969). The rest of the companies in Metro Manila and Region 4A were generally cited either for discharging wastewater that exceeds the DENR standards for effluent or for operating without the required permits.
I have also directed the EMB to institute measures to assist the polluting companies to upgrade their environmental performance through technical conferences. However, companies who continue to defy DENR orders will be dealt with accordingly.
We are not against development. We support Filipino companies and we want them to succeed in their business ventures because they provide livelihood to our people and revenues for the government. But, at the same time, we want them to improve on their environmental performance because there is no other way for the country to move forward and attain sustainable development but for all of us to do our share in protecting our environment.
In its 36-page decision in December last year, the SC has directed the DENR and 10 other agencies of the government to fulfill their mandates “on a continuing mandamus” to clean up, rehabilitate and preserve Manila Bay, and restore its water quality.
The SC also specifically ordered the DENR to fully implement its Operational Plan for the Manila Bay Coastal Strategy (OPMBCS). Through the OPMBCS, the DENR aims to reduce adverse impacts from land-based activities and revive Manila Bay.
For decades, the degradation of Manila Bay continues to take place as it has become the “septic tank” of industrial and domestic wastes from the National Capital Region and other neighboring regions.
The high court took note of the on-going environmental degradation of Manila Bay that is why it emphasized the extreme necessity for all concerned agencies to immediately act and discharge their respective official duties and mandates on a continuing mandamus.
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