By Charmaine Odong-Pangan
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to strengthen the implementation of its Enhanced National Greening Program (NGP) to rehabilitate denuded lands, protect forests, and mitigate the impacts of climate change, particularly the threats posed by a very strong El Niño phenomenon.
DENR Calabarzon Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Eriberto Saños said that the agency continues to strengthen the implementation of the NGP to rehabilitate forestlands, protect biodiversity, and promote environmental sustainability.
He said the program serves as a long-term, science-based environmental solution to address the challenges posed by climate change and El Niño, and in ensuring lasting benefits for the environment and future generations.
“Isa pong malaking factor ang status ng ating mga kabundukan at kagubatan na siya pong nag-iipon ng tubig, alam po natin na ang mga punongkahoy kapag tag-ulan ay sinisipsip nila ‘yung malakas na daloy ng tubig at kung namang tag-araw, iyon po ay inilalabas nila nang unti-unti. Napakalaki pong factor ay ang status ng ating kagubatan,” Saños stated in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency.
As a banner program of the department, the NGP aims to promote the sustainable management of natural resources through conservation, protection, and enhanced productivity, while consolidating and harmonizing greening initiatives undertaken by the government and private sector.
Saños further emphasized the importance of continuous forest monitoring by forest rangers and field offices, in collaboration with local communities and other stakeholders, to protect natural resources and help minimize the impacts of climate change, including El Niño.
He also explained that forest resource assessments are conducted to identify changes in the landscape, forest cover, and available natural resources. These assessments help determine priority areas for reforestation and rehabilitation to ensure the sustainable management and protection of forest ecosystems.
“Sa pamamagitan po nito ay naa-identify po natin kung alin ang mga lugar na dapat ay pagtuunan ng ating mga reforestation and rehabilitation. Kung malusog po ang gubat, ay maaaring kaunti na lang ang maging epekto ng El Niño,” Saños further stated.
Meanwhile, DENR continues to coordinate with the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) and local government units to ensure the proper allocation and regulation of water resources from rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources, while monitoring and preventing over-extraction and unauthorized water use without the necessary permits.
“Yun pong NWRB ang nagtatalaga ng tamang alokasyon kung sino po ang gumagamit ng tubig. Tulad po ng halimbawa sa Laguna, [Pansol, Calamba City], napakarami pong resort diyan na gumagamit ng tubig, ito po ngayon ay nire-regulate na at hindi naman basta-basta makakapag-extract sila ng tubig sa ating groundwater. Kami po ay isang deputized agency din ng NWRB upang ito po’y ma-monitor at isa nga pong programa ang pagbibigay ng water permit sa mga kumukuha ng tubig sa groundwater natin sa deepwells.” Saños said.
While no reports of drying waterfalls or other bodies of water have been recorded in Calabarzon so far, the DENR remains vigilant in monitoring water levels and the condition of these natural resources amid potential climate-related impacts.
They urged the public to help mitigate the impacts of El Niño through water conservation, proper waste segregation, and other simple practices that protect the environment and preserve natural resources. (COP/PIA CALABARZON)
