Lito Atienza's Blog
THE DAILY TRIBUNE – Atienza top performer among Cabinet officials, survey shows
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Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (left) inspects part of the P27 million-worth of assorted undocumented timber seized by forestry officers of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 7 during a six-month-long sustained offensive from January to June 2009. Atienza ordered the offensive against illegal logging, which netted some 24,634 board feet, in the wake of reports that timber poachers were active in the forested areas in San Isidro and Luboc towns in Bohol, using the coastal town of Panglao as their transport route. Assisting Atienza during the inspection at the compound of the local DENR office in Talibon, Bohol is DENR-Region 7 Executive Director Leonardo Sibbaluca (right).
THE DAILY TRIBUNE – METROFILE May 2009
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza maintained his top spot on the recent nationwide performance rating survey among Cabinet officials with a rating of 63 percent done by the Asia Research Center in partnership with HKPH Public Opinion and Research Center conducted last April 1 to 15, followed by Tourism Secretary Ace Durano with 58 percent. Placing third behind Durano was Health Secretary Francisco Duque, 56 percent; Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral, 54 percent, and Agriculture head Arthur Yap, 50 percent. The survey revealed Atienza’s performance rating increased significantly from 59 percent (October 2008) to 63 percent, for a +4 percent net satisfaction. With an exceptional background as the mayor who brought Manila back to life, Atienza not only flourished Manila but also penetrated the national scene on environment protection when he was assigned by Her Excellency to head the DENR. A man of action, Atienza brought many firsts to DENR. He implemented a Supreme Court decision which, for various reasons, has not been executed for 40 long years, redefining the boundaries of the Zobel de Ayala’s Calatagan hacienda; he negotiated the fast-tracking of the setting up of wastewater treatment facilities by Manila Water and Maynilad and dismantled illegal fish pens and fish cages in the Cavite bay portion of the Manila Bay as well as in Laguna de Bay. He proved his faith on the youth of today when he forged an agreement with the alliance of law students to monitor environmental cases in various courts following the establishment of Green Courts by the SC and worked closely with the Green Ombudsman led by its head, Merceditas Gutierrez. The same survey revealed House Speaker Prospero Nograles with 61 percent performance rating while at third place is Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile with 53 percent performance rating. Speaker Nograles’ ratings have been consistent due to the balanced system he implements which works effectively within the members of the House of Representatives. As for Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, it may even be indeed a well-deserved rate since Enrile showed effective leadership and management of the Senate after he won the Senate coup over Manny Villar in November of 2008. According to Jonn Marvine Dadan, project manager of HKPH Public Opinion and Research Center, survey groups will be conducting regular surveys to pulse the political climate in the Philippines especially now that the elections are fast approaching.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CLIMATE CHANGE LAW – SECRETARY LITO ATIENZA
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Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (front row, 3rd from left)) reports on the country’s initiatives on climate change during the recent East Asia Climate Forum held in Seoul, Korea. Atienza, who was invited by Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-soo to be the lead discussant in the forum, said that the Philippines now ranks seventh in the world in terms of the number of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects, with a total of 27 projects endorsed and registered with the CDM Executive Board of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The projects are expected to prevent the emission of 1.36 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent into the atmosphere every year. Attended by ministers and senior officials from 63 countries, the forum discussed the shift towards low-carbon green-growth for East Asian region.
The Climate Change Act of 2009, which President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed into law, puts local government units into the center stage of governance, given the important roles city, town, and barangay leaders play in the implementation of whatever plans and programs on climate change adaptation and mitigation measures that will be crafted by a body tasked under the new law.
The substance and efficacy of Republic Act (RA) 9729 will only be as good as those executing climate change measures. The new law may even be a potent tool in bringing about a stronger green-minded electorate because of the centrality to local elected officials in mainstreaming the climate change agenda into their platforms of governance at the provincial and down to the barangay level.
While Section 13 of RA 9729 calls for the formulation of the “National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP),”Section 14, on the other hand, mandates local government units to be “the frontline agencies in the formulation, planning and implementation of climate change action plans in their respective areas” in accordance with the NCCAP and the provisions of the Local Government Code.
The declaration of principles and codes of practice enshrined in RA 9729 set the tone and conduct of how all local government officials will be held accountable to their constituencies morally and politically, if not legally.
The new law has, in effect, brought the matter of climate change to a personal and moral level given the fact that it recognizes the concept of climate justice in a manner that the Supreme Court’s continuing mandamus to rehabilitate the Manila Bay recognizes the concept of intergenerational responsibility as of paramount importance to the life of our nation as a people.
Viewing the climate change problem as a personal and moral problem brings all sectors into the domain of dialogue, discussion and participation regardless of political, ethnic, economic or religious affiliation. In one single presidential act, President Arroyo has made all the boundaries that separate these lines porous.
Rather than being seen as management problems that the government or experts can solve for us, when seen as a personal problem, they become problems for all of us to address, both as political actors and moral agents.
DENR SECRETARY LITO ATIENZA ON THE NATURAL WEALTH OF THE PHILIPPINES
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SECRETARY LITO ATIENZA WARNS OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL THROMBOSIS IN LAGUNA LAKE
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Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (2nd from right) points to the extensive proliferation of fishpens and other illegal aquaculture structures that crowd the 92,000-hectare Laguna Lake which need to be demolished. The illegal structures occupy up to 36,000 hectares or around 45 percent of the water body. Also in photo are from left: DENR-Region 4A Executive Director Nilo Tamoria, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission Executive Director Deogracias Tablan, Jr., DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Eli Quinto and Laguna Lake Development Authority General Manager Edgardo Manda.
An environmental thrombosis in Laguna de Bay will inevitably occur unless decisive steps are taken against illegal fishpens that are clogging Laguna de Bay. We have clogged the heart of Laguna de Bay with fishpens.
I am reiterating my consistent stand against the proliferation of these aqua structures. Fishpens now occupy as much as 58 percent of the total area of Laguna Lake , exceeding the 10 percent limit set for fishpen belt based on the lake’s Zoning Management Plan.
The Lake has the potential to jumpstart sustainable development in the whole region of Metro Manila, Southern Luzon, and even portions of Central Luzon. It is providentially shaped like a heart but is presently suffering from a thrombosis because of its clogged arteries.
The Pasig River , which connects to Manila Bay , is likewise clogged with silt and is also in need of drastic cleaning efforts. The Pasig river is now being dredged by the DENR and the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission.
There is only one exit point to from Laguna de Bay and that’s the Pasig River, a slight vein that goes out to Manila Bay.
I am disputing claims by other groups that the dismantling of fishpens in the lake would adversely affect some 300,000 fishermen. In reality, there are around 18,000 fisherfolk and some 76,000 families dependent on the lake who will benefit from a fishpen-free Laguna de Bay.
There are studies made on the lake that prior to the proliferation of fishpens in the area, fish catch was up to 82 million kilos or 82,000 metric tons, including 240 million kilos or 240,000 metric tons of shrimps and mollusks. Today, there are no more shrimps or shells, except janitor fish.
There is also a bleak scenario for outlying towns around the lake still submerged in floodwaters. The ebbing of floodwater may take longer than expected unless the DENR’s recommendation against the structures are taken, especially by concerned local government officials.
I’m sorry to say but these areas will remain flooded and will just depend on evaporation unless we clear the passage ways and allow the waters from the lake to flow free.
At the start of the 3rd Senate hearing on climate change, Senator Rodolfo Biazon called my attention to information relayed to him by Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane who said that Laguna Lake rose by 10.4 meters as a result of typhoon “Ondoy,” and that for every 18 inches in the rise of the level of the lake, it will take six months to subside.
The DENR is not focusing on Laguna de Bay alone with respect to the fishpen issue, noting that the situation is same in other important water bodies like Taal Lake , Lake Sebu , Manila Bay , Pampanga River , Bulacan River and Sampaloc Lake .
This has been allowed for the past three or four decades. This is an accumulation of our common neglect. So I hope and pray that the Senate Committee on Climate Change comes up with a very strongly worded recommendation to save our water bodies. This is chaos, anarchy and environmental destruction just waiting to explode again.
DENR SECRETARY LITO ATIENZA WELCOMES SENATE AMENDMENTS TO THE FREE PATENT LAW
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Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (in tropical shirt) conveys to visiting World Bank (WB) and Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) officials led by Keith Bell (3rd from right) the government’s sustained implementation of projects under the Land Administration and Management Project 2 (LAMP 2) funded by WB (US$19 million loan) and AusAID (Aus$34 million grant). Bell’s party paid a courtesy call on Atienza after a three-day mission last October to assess the implementation of LAMP 2’s key programs designed as a poverty alleviation tool through improved land distribution and titling system which includes the integration into a single agency of the Land Management Bureau and Land Management Services of the DENR, National Mapping and Resources Information Authority, Land Registration Authority and Registry of Deeds. Also in photo are AusAID Counselor Sam Sappio (2nd from right) and DENR Assistant Secretary for Local Government Concerns and Lands Gerardo Calderon (to Atienza’s left). (Photo by Jun Morales)
The DENR welcomes the reforms introduced by the Senate in the amendatory bill of the free patent law. The proposed reduction in the eligibility for land titling to 10 years will benefit thousands of landless Filipinos.
The Philippine Senate has once again ably responded to the call for social equity. No less than 39 million Filipinos will gain from this policy reform, especially the farmers whose only source of livelihood and pride is their small piece of land.
Aside from reducing the eligibility period, Senate Bill No. 3429 also extends the coverage of the free patent to residential and commercial land, provided the land does not exceed 1,000 square meters and has been determined by the local government as residential and/or commercial use and not needed for public service or public use.
Under Commonwealth Act (CA). No. 141, also known as the Public Land Act, the required period of occupancy is at least 30 years. The law likewise provides that any land patent shall be issued only to agricultural lands.
Extending the coverage of free patent to commercial and residential lands offers an efficient and effective land titling procedure that can be availed of by most of the residential landowners since this is inexpensive and affordable.
I expressed optimism of the bill’s passage into law because it is going to be a giant step forward in reforming the land administration and management program in the country. It will bolster the approval of other land-related laws such as the Land Administration and Reform Act (LARA) that will lay the foundation for a responsive and efficient land administration and management system in the country.
I would also like to acknowledge the leadership and persistence of the many individuals, organizations and policy makers namely Senator Richard Gordon and Congressman Antonio Cerilles who have championed the said legislation.
It is estimated that 46% of the 24.2 million parcels of land in the country remain untitled. Of these, 70% or 7.8 million are residential lands.
Most of the residential parcels in the country remained untitled because the current legal infrastructure limits the issuance of title over these lands either through judicial confirmation (PD 1529) or administratively through sales (CA 141).
Using these methods of land titling, Executive Director of the Land Administration and Management Project Phase 2 Samuel R. Peñafiel said that it would take 1,300 years to title the 7.8 million residential land parcels working on an average of 5,000 titles issued per year.
“It is in this perspective that amending certain provisions of the Public Land Act has been proposed to include residential lands in the administrative adjudication,” Peñafiel stressed.
Peñafiel also pointed out that the inclusion of residential and commercial lands in the free patent system would lessen complications arising from the transfer of land ownerships to heirs which often results in conflicting claims over a land parcel.
“Its implementation will surely facilitate the buying and selling of lands and, at the same time, open up wider access to title holders to credit facilities with their titles as collaterals.
The grant of free patent will also increase investments and entrepreneurial activities with the acquisition of capital through borrowings and contributes to better urban planning and development; and increases tax base for improved tax collection, Peñafiel said.
Tags: DENR, environment, Free Patent, Land Reform Act, Lito Atienza, manila, mayor, Mayor Lito Atienza, Philippine Politics, politics, Secretary, Secretary Lito Atienza
SEC LITO ATIENZA: RECENT CALAMITIES CAN BE CATALYSTS TO SOLVING RP’S GARBAGE WOES
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Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza underscores the need to liberate Laguna Lake of fishpens and other illegal aqua structures not only to allow for the country’s biggest lake to rehabilitate but also to provide small fisherfolk an opportunity to benefit from its bounties. Atienza made the remark during a dialogue with Laguna Lake stakeholders (lower photo) at the DENR Social Hall in Quezon City. Also in photo with Sec. Atienza are (from right) DENR Assistant Secretaries David Suarez, Juan Miguel Cuna and Mark Allan Jay Yambao (standing).
The nation’s coming to terms with the garbage problem as a major national concern is a positive side to the recent disaster.
With public sentiments still fresh from typhoons ‘Ondoy’ and ‘Pepeng’s wrath, this would be the best time for local government authorities to clean esteros and other important water bodies of illegal structures and garbage which aggravated the recent flooding in Regions 3 and the National Capital Region.
Once and for all, let us all take drastic steps in saving our environment even as I am cautioning all government units against taking a laid back attitude on the problem and that the lessons from the recent calamities should never be forgotten even when things have normalized.
Ito na ang pagkakataon nating lahat. The wakeup call came in a very violent manner and took everyone by surprise despite repeated calls to local government officials to pay serious attention to the garbage problem, particularly on the implementation and enforcement of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act No. 9003).
The havoc ‘Ondoy’ and ‘Pepeng’ wrought the past weeks maybe just a precursor of things to come which would leave the poor to suffer most due to inept local leadership in addressing their constituency’s garbage issues.
Often, the high cost of these calamities are caused not so much by lack of knowledge or resources as by poor governance.
A case in point is what I describe as a knee-jerk reaction by many to use the population issue as a scapegoat for the proliferation of illegal settlers along the shoreline of Laguna de Bay and the presence of illegal fishpens in the bay’s waters. Ang nangyayari, palaging nasisi ay ang bilang ng tao. Pero ang tunay na pagkukulang ay nasa kawalan ng pagpaplano, tamang pagpapaganap, pagpapatupad ng batas. So, huwag nating sisihin yung bilang ng tao sa pagkukulang ng namamahala.
On the recurring issue of fishpens in Laguna Lake, the operators of the structures have benefited from the lake for the longest time and that ridding the lake of the structures will not only translate to higher fish catch of poor fisherfolk, but would, at the same time, help prevent a repeat of the ‘Ondoy’ experience.
Fishpens are a major factor why the 90,000-hectare inland water body is already close to the limits of its capacities and the effects of climate change may push the lake beyond its coping capacities unless real efforts are made to prepare for changes in climate.
Scare tactics employed by fishpen operators who say that this campaign against the structures will eventually result in lowering of fish supply in Metro Manila and would trigger the shooting up of prices of fish.
Tama na. Sobra na. Sobra-sobra na ang kinita nila for so many decades since the 70’s.
SEC LITO ATIENZA CALLS ON PUBLIC FOR ATTITUDE, LIFESTYLE CHANGE
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Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (3rd from right) leads the Rotarians in planting 30 seedlings of indigenous species such as ebony, molave, ipil, balitbitan and kupang at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Nature Center in Quezon City following the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the DENR and the Philippine Rotary Districts for the implementation of the RotaTREE Planting Project, which seeks to plant one million trees nationwide. Joining Atienza in the activity are (from left): Past District Governor and Zone Coordinator Lyne Abanilla, District Governors Connie Beltran and Dulce Coyukiat, Club Past President Sonny Japay, District Governors Sid Garcia and Ding San Diego. At the back is Club Past President Pepot Sto. Domingo
I am calling on all Filipinos for a change in attitude and lifestyle in an effort to address the various environmental problems besetting the country, including global warming and climate change. Putting the blame on the government every time a calamity strikes the country will not help; what is needed is a change in our attitude towards the environment.
A change in attitude is what we need. The solution must start within ourselves. Throwing garbage anywhere and driving smoke-belching cars contribute in accelerating the destruction of the ozone layer and the human species.
It is high time that people, even without prodding from the government, start protecting the environment to avoid the adverse impacts of climate change. “Typhoon “Ondoy” is a clear example of what climate change and global warming can do to humanity if we continue to show indifference to nature.
Both the natural and man-made drainage systems did not work during the onslaught of “Ondoy” because of garbage blocking waterways that resulted in the flooding of the whole of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna.
If majority of our countrymen practice waste segregation and recycling, the number of dumpsites will be reduced, thereby cutting on methane gas emission. Methane gas is more potent than any other greenhouse gases that destroy the ozone layer.
I am also urging the public to plant more trees and conserve energy. Planting trees is one of the most effective mitigation efforts in combating climate change. A single tree can absorb 0.56MT of carbon dioxide in its lifetime.
During the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the DENR and the Philippine Rotary Districts and launching of The RotaTree Planting Project, I emphasized that the agreement with the Rotary Districts to plant more trees is very timely after “Ondoy”. The Rotarians have committed to plant a million trees nationwide in three years, even as they planted 30 seedlings of indigenous species such as ebony, balitbitan, molave, ipil, guijo, dao and kupang in the ceremonial tree planting at the grounds of Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Nature Center, launching RotaTREE Planting Project.
Under the MOA, the DENR will identify suitable areas for the tree planting project through global positioning systems (GPS) and assist in preparing the organization’s 3-year development plan, in accordance with DENR’s upland development program.
The DENR has also agreed to provide technical assistance and guidance in species-site matching, plantation establishment and proper maintenance of planted tree seedlings.
The Rotary Districts, on the other hand, will implement the project in the designated areas consistent with the approved development plan.
The Rotary Districts also agreed to provide counterpart resources intended for labor, materials and other contributions for the implementation of the program and conserve existing vegetation both man-made and natural and promote biodiversity conservation in the project areas.
DENR SECRETARY LITO ATIENZA ORDERS LLDA TO BAN REPAIR OF RUINED FISHPENS IN LAGUNA LAKE
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Aside from sharing the same birthday, August 10, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (left) and Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales are both ardent environmentalists. In a meeting at the Residencia del Arzobishpo in Manila, Atienza briefed the bishop on the continuing degradation of Laguna Lake’s waters. In turn, Archbishop Rosales, himself a licensed forester, expressed support to Atienza’s efforts to liberate the country’s largest lake of fishpens and other illegal aqua structures in a twin-move to fasttrack the rehabilitation of the lake and rationalize the benefits it provides with all stakeholders, especially the poor fisherfolk.
As DENR Secretary I have ordered the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to impose a total ban on the repair or reconstruction of fishpens and other aqua structures ruined or submerged at the height of typhoon ‘Ondoy.’
This, even as I have expressed frustration over the LLDA’s inability to take control of the lake after my continued directives, thus receiving mere alibis for failure.
I have personally instructed LLDA General Manager Edgar Manda to make sure that destroyed, including submerged fishpens, will not be allowed to be repaired or reconstructed by their operators and owners.
In a memorandum, I have directed GM Manda to impose a total ban on the reconstruction or repair of fishpens either ruined or submerged by typhoon ‘Ondoy.’
Nature herself has done the gargantuan work for us in liberating the lake of fishpens and fishcages, adding that it is now imperative for the LLDA to learn from typhoon Ondoy’s lessons.
This is the best time, more than ever, to take advantage of what nature has initiated, reminding us of the consequences brought by abuse on the environment by some influential, powerful and wealthy individuals and groups. Failure to carry out the memorandum would constrain the Department to take administrative action.
In the memorandum, I have also directed the lake agency to refrain from issuing new permits or renewal of permits for the construction of fishpens and fishcages. In implementing the order, LLDA officials can call on any DENR office, the police and the military for assistance.
The unprecedented volume of rain that befell Metro Manila and neighboring provinces was caused by climate change. However, the massive flooding experienced was the result of man’s irresponsibility to allow garbage and illegal structures to block the country’s man-made and natural drainage systems.
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