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PATLEPAM News
The Official Newsletter of the
PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION of TERTIARY LEVEL EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS in ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Volume 17 Number 1
July 2014
Universities Converge for Disaster Risk Reduction
for Sustainable Development
Universities all over the country are set to converge to discuss disaster risk reduction for sustainable development
during the 19th National Senior Educators’ Assembly on Environmental Protection and Management organized by
the Philippine Association of Tertiary Level Educational Institutions in Environmental Protection and Management
(PATLEPAM), in cooperation with the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (EMB-DENR) on July 10-11, 2014 at the Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex.
The Assembly, themed “Disaster Risk Reduction and Management for Sustainable Development: Issues and Strategies”, is set to further equip higher education institutions with pertinent information and expertise on pressing matters
from disaster risk reduction, post disaster response to climate-resilient reconstruction.
Expected to deliver messages are President Georgina Bordado of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Assistant Director Eva Ocfemia of EMB-DENR, and Dr. George Colorado, Region 5 Director of the Commission on
Higher Education.
Recent Philippine Disasters and Government’s Response will be presented in plenary. These include Typhoon
Yolanda: Leyte Experience (Dr. Dominador Aguirre, Jr. of Eastern Visayas State University; Project Twin Phoenix (Typhoon Sendong) The Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City Experiences and Immediate Response (Chancellor
Sukarno Tanggol of Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology); The Bohol Experience (Dr. Elpidio
Magante of Bohol Island State University); the Siege in Zamboanga (Dr. Jihan Hashim-Adil of Western Mindanao
State University); and The Ecotown Approach for Green Growth and Climate Resiliency in the Upper Marikina River
Basin Protected Landscape (Dr. Nicomedes Briones, of School for Environmental Science and Management-UP
Los Banos).
Parallel sessions of selected presentations on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management for Sustainable Development from educators from universities and colleges nationwide will also be conducted focusing on the following
themes: Hazards, Vulnerabilities, and Risks, Capacities, Tools, and Practices for Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management.
Included in the parallel session presentations are the following: Community-based Disaster Risk Management Intervention in Selected Barangays within the Province of Southern Leyte (Miguel Udtohan, College of Maasin); Solid
(continued on page 6)
PATLEPAM News 1
“Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago”
Changing the Filipinos’ Perspective on Climate Change
Iva Joy A. Borja
Last year, in November, Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) wiped out the whole of Tacloban,
displacing 4.1 million people, leaving 6,300 dead.
No less than United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon underscored the gravity of the impact Yolanda has not
only on Filipinos but the entire world, having stated that the catastrophe is an “urgent warning, an example of changed
weather, and how climate change is affecting all of us on Earth.”
Furthermore, this year, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA)
reported that the country is going to experience El Nino beginning June. This translates to drought, soil degradation,
and forest fires; and in the metropolis, a huge shortage in domestic water supply. Manila has had its hottest at 36.8, as
of press time, and what’s worse -- the temperature is bound to even go higher in the days to come.
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje has long been appealing for all Filipinos to adapt to
climate change, and to accept the “growing intensity of typhoons, as well as the long drought during the dry season, as
the new normal.”
Now, given this scenario, how do we empower people on how to behave on this new normal?
Helping the Youth Embrace the New Normal
In a recent Climate Change Communication Planning workshop convened by the DENR Public Affairs Office, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) revealed the public’s perception towards climate change as being vague – that it is never
one’s own fault, problem, and responsibility, but somebody else’s. Prevailing attitude towards climate change is apathy
(walang pakialam), with people claiming to have a more pressing concern (bringing food to the table), with them even
questioning how relevant climate change is to them, and how relevant are they to the issue, in return.
The call is to inspire cooperation, to foster partnerships, especially with communities, and to weaken public’s apathy – to
move from the “bahala na” and “wala akong pakialam” mindset to “I am able, I can, and I will do something” for climate
change. And so, educators are called upon to help people become more aware that it is high time to not just care but be
involved. By protecting the environment, we protect ourselves
Environmental educators are also encouraged to play a significant role in weakening public apathy to climate change by
positioning and engaging the youth as active proponents, forming and reshaping them to value the environment more.
By molding the “near future” generation, we ensure a greener, more climate-resilient future for all.
Climate-Resilient Schools
Climate-proofing schools and universities is now a solid priority among all educational institutions in the country. Ecofriendly school finalist Don Salustiano Aquino Memorial National High School, through the Youth for Environment in
Schools Organization (YES-O), spearheads tree-planting projects, and conducts symposia on disaster risk reduction
management and climate change adaptation and mitigation. The school also organizes cleanup drives and film-showing
activities related to disasters and climate change.
(continued on page 6)
2 PATLEPAM News
UPDATES from PATLEPAM Regional Coordinating Centers
HEIs in Northern Mindanao Respond to the Challenge of Disasters and Climate Change
Higher education Institutions (HEIs) in Northern Mindanao
are one in addressing the challenges of disasters and climate
change that are periodically affecting our country. Mindanao
State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Xavier University (XU)-Ateneo de Cagayan, Misamis University
(MU), Liceo de Cagayan University (LDCU), Misamis Oriental State College of Agricultural and Technology (MOSCAT),
St. Peter’s College (SPC), and Mindanao State University in
Marawi (MSU-Marawi), during the PATLEPAM Regional Coordinating Center (RCC) meeting on April 11, 2014, agreed to
focus on respective activities/projects in responding to the issues and concerns of disasters and climate change based on
their strengths as an academic institution and the expertise of
their faculty members.
XU’s solid waste generated in campus is now reduced
to 60% as a result of the installation of a Materials Recovery
(MRF) and composting facility. By 2015, XU is targeting
for zero waste. In addition, new policies were adopted in
the management of laboratory waste to avoid accidents and
pollution. XU is now using puncture- proof container to avoid
spillage, buying chemical supplies from accredited sources
to ensure that quality standards are met, and proper storage
of formalin, to name a few. The research and extension activities of XU also include the “ridge to reef” program for the
rehabilitation of the Cagayan de Oro river system and its estuarine ecosystem.
MU ‘s partnership with the local government unit (LGU)
further strengthened the implementation of several environmental rehabilitation programs. For the “Sagip Estero Program,” MU continued monitoring and assessing the
water quality of the esteros, educating the residents inhabiting the area, installation of trash traps and conduct of regular
clean-up activity by the National Service Training Program
students. In the “Save Labo River Program,” MU is continually undertaking research projects, and fund raising for
nursery establishment, tree planting activities, and livelihood
projects. MU also conducted a research on the City’s solid
waste generation rate which became the basis for the loan
by the LGU to finance the city’s sanitary landfill facility. MU
is, likewise, consistently undertaking activities for the “coastal
resources rehabilitation program” through mangrove planting, water quality monitoring of Panguil Bay, introduction of
alternative livelihood projects and installation of septic tanks
in the coastal area of Tudela. Alongside are activities like tree
growing, regular clean-up drives, and information and education campaign on solid waste segregation. Another significant
continuing program of MU is its “Biodiversity Conservation in
Mt. Malindang” which is their main site for collaborative and
interdisciplinary research studies.
MSU-Marawi City already integrated disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) and climate change adaptation (CCA) in the syllabi of various subjects, particularly
in the Forestry, Fisheries, Agriculture, Environmental Science courses. Presently, the University is seriously pursuing
the rehabilitation of Lanao Lake, the largest lake in Mindanao
Participants to the PATLEPAM Regional Coordinating Center X meeting held on
April 11, 2014 at Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Conference Room, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology. The meeting was presided by
MSU-IIT Chancellor Sukarno D. Tanggol.
by undertaking research studies, clean-up activities, and supporting regular “fish stocking” of the lake. In campus, cleanup drive is intensified to exemplify itself as a clean and green
campus.
MOSCAT’s Ecological Park is a demonstration of a sustainable solid waste management that serves the four-fold functions of the College. It has an MRF, an area for processing of
wastes for recycling, reuse and composting, topped with landscaping to serve the functions of a park. Activities/research
projects being done in this park involve students, faculty, and
staff of the College. With this park approach, MOSCAT won
“third place” at the regional level in the DENR’s s National
Search for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools. As a dynamic academic institution, MOSCAT now offers M.S. in Environmental Engineering in response to the needs of the times,
particularly in addressing climate change and DRRM.
LDCU ‘s corporate responsibility undertaken through its Safe
River, Life Saver Foundation, Inc., intensified its Cagayan
de Oro’s river monitoring program after the devastation of
Tropical Storm Sendong. Tree growing, livelihood projects,
IEC on solid waste management, regular clean-up drive, and
river patrol are some of the activities undertaken in partnership with the community and the LGU.
SPC’s small but sure steps in disseminating CCA and DRRM
are geared towards increasing environmental awareness
among students, faculty and staff. This includes integration
of environmental education in the syllabi of science courses,
campus solid waste management system, and participation in
activities for the environment.
MSU-IIT in partnership with the LGUs conducted several activities for CCA and DRRM. These are: Capacity Strengthening of the Five Provincial Government and State Universities
in Integrating CCA and DRRM in the Philippines; Training
Workshop on the Formulation of the Barangay DRRM Plan
Focused on the Seven Barangays of Iligan City; and Capacity
Strengthening on Life Saving, Rescue and Evacuation among
the Six Most Vulnerable Barangays in Iligan City. In campus,
the 1st National Conference on Gendered Development
Intervention focused on DRRM and CCA was conducted
(continued on page 6)
PATLEPAM News 3
UPDATES from PATLEPAM Regional Coordinating Centers
PSU is Newest RCC of PATLEPAM
The Palawan State University (PSU) has become the newest Regional Coordinating Center (RCC) of PATLEPAM. The
launching of PSU as PATLEPAM’s new RCC for Region IV-B or the MIMAROPA Region was held at the PSU Hostel,
Puerto Princesa City on 18 December 2013. This historic event was led by Dr Ruth Guzman, PATLEPAM Chair and Dr
Jeter Sespeñe, PSU President. Aside from the PSU contingent, those present were representatives from the Western
Philippines University (WPU) and Marinduque State College (MSC).
The PATLEPAM held a Board of Directors, Management Committee Members and Regional Center Coordinators’ Meeting on 31 July
2013. During this meeting, a written pronouncement was issued designating PSU as the new Regional Coordinating Center (RCC) for the
MIMAROPA region while the De La Salle University in Dasmariňas
is the new RCC for the CALABARZON region. Dr Michael Pido, vice
president for Research and Extension of PSU, was designated as the
new PATLEPAM Regional Coordinator for Region IV-B.
In his welcome address, PSU President Sespeñe acknowledged the
long-term partnership between PSU and PATLEPAM. The productive relationship between PATLEPAM and PSU started during the time of his predecessor, former President Teresita Salva. PSU participated in the National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools. Being a ‘Regional Winner’ and a ‘National Champion’
PSU is now in the Hall of Fame. President Sespeñe likewise reiterated the utmost commitment of PSU to the PATLEPAM initiatives.
Launching’s Opening Program of Palawan State University (PSU)
as PATLEPAM RCC for Region IV-B: From left to right: Dr. Diosdado
Zulueta, vice president for Research and Extension, Marinduque
State College; Dr Ruth Guzman, Chair, PATLEPAM; and Dr Jeter
Sespeñe,
President, PSU.
PSU is now coordinating with other academic institutions in Region IV-B such as Mindoro State College of Agriculture
and Technology, Romblon State University, Occidental Mindoro National College and Holy Trinity University. It is also
compiling the relevant information about the partner institutions’ program and project initiatives related to the six areas
for Global Universities Program for Environmental Sustainability (GUPES) of the United Nations Environment Programme namely: 1.Climate Change, 2.Ecosystem Services, 3.Disaster Risk Reduction, 4.Ecosystems and Economics,
5.Wastes and Chemicals, 6. Resource Efficiency (Sustainable Production and Consumption).
Abstract: Community-based Disaster Management Intervention
in Selected Barangays within the Province of Southern Leyte
Dr. Miguel T. Udtohan, President
Rev. Joshue Zuriel G. Tiempo, Ph.D.,Vice President for Research, Planning and Development
The College of Maasin – UCCP, Maasin City, Southern Leyte
In times of calamities, affected communities are not the problem to be solved…but they are potentials to be tapped and
appreciated!
The poor and marginalized people in most Philippine communities are the most vulnerable sector in times of disaster
and calamities. With the Guinsaugon tragedy, the Mines and
Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources declared the whole province of
Southern Leyte as calamity and disaster-prone area based on
their barangay hazard and vulnerability assessment report.
The College of Maasin, a church educational institution of the
United Church of Christ of the Philippines, faithful to its system purpose of inculcating to the youth the faith, learning and
action human development framework and contribute toward
the transformation of church and society initiated the Community-based Disaster Management Intervention as the major
focus of its Community and Extension Development Program.
The project aimed to increase community people’s capacity
in community resource management and to address peoples’
4 PATLEPAM News
vulnerability in times of calamities and natural disaster.
The strategies included: a) community-based research e.g.
vulnerability assessment and community planning etc. b)
community organizing e.g. strengthening and organizing of
barangay environment advocates and volunteers and, c)
community education and trainings e.g., capacity building
through trainings on community and environment planning,
disaster response, etc.
The intervention resulted to the development among community people the positive attitudes towards the preservation
and protection of environment, enhanced their inherent spirit
of the volunteerism, invigorated cooperation among people
in the communities and increased their participation in local
governance; of which are considered positive impacts of the
intervention.
The overall intervention has generated and developed the
people’s resource potentials and gave them the opportunity to
re-discover their immense capacity to grow, prosper, change
and develop.
UPDATES from PATLEPAM Regional Coordinating Centers
Seminar-Workshop on Biodiversity
Conservation conducted in Nueva Ecija
ICCEM-CLSU shows support to Biodiversity
Conservation through social media
The Institute for Climate Change and Environmental Management, in cooperation with the College of Business and
Administration of Central Luzon State University (CLSU) organized a Seminar-Workshop on Biodiversity Conservation
and Utilization in Carranglan Watershed, Nueva Ecija. The
activity, with the theme “Sama-samang Pagkilos Tungo sa
Pagpapaunlad at Pangangalaga sa Kabundukan at Tubig
Kanlungan” which was held on March 28, 2014 at CLSU is
one of the components of the project titled “IEC and Technology Transfer on Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization
in Central Luzon” headed by Dr. Annie Melinda Paz-Alberto
as the Project Leader and being funded by the Philippine
Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Department of Science and Technology.
The Central Luzon State University (CLSU), through the Institute for Climate Change and Environmental Management
(ICCEM) in cooperation with its College of Business and
Administration, showed their support to biodiversity conservation and management through social media.
The activity aimed to enhance public awareness and education on biodiversity conservation and utilization in Carranglan Watershed and to possibly create and implement
biodiversity conservation plan in the area. It was participated in by 182 participants from various government and public offices, representing the groups of indigenous peoples’
organizations, local government officials, church workers,
students, researchers, faculty and staff.
Biodiversity and Nature Conservation in the Philippines,
Mining, Kaingin, and Wildlife Hunting and Their Effects on
the Ecosystem, Phytoremediation: A Green Technology to
Remove Pollutants for Soil and Water Conservation and
Anti-microbial Activity of Medicinal Plants for the Common
Pathogen of Animals, Human and Anti-microbial Screening
of Potential Botanical Pesticides were the topics discussed
at the seminar-workshop.
One of the highlights of the activity was the statement of
commitment from the stakeholders. The commitment to
save biodiversity was represented by a tree. Individual
pledges were written on a leaf-shaped paper and each participant read aloud his/her promises before putting them on
the tree. “Tutulong ako sa pagbabantay sa illegal logging;
bilang mag-aaral, susunod ako sa sinasabi ng aking mga
guro sa pangangalaga ng kapaligiran; patuloy na pagsuporta sa pagtulong sa paghinto ng pagmimina at ang zerowaste practice, were among the commitments given.
Senate President Franklin Drilon and TV News Reporter Atom Araullo support Biodiversity conservation and management
Facebook, twitter and instagram accounts were created for
this purpose. Supporters from various walks of life committed to support biodiversity conservation. Senate President
Franklin Drilon, Philippine Basketball Association Players,
Atom Araullo, among others, encouraged everyone to protect, conserve and manage biodiversity.
This endeavor is one of promotional strategies on the project titled, “IEC and Technology Transfer on Biodiversity
Conservation and Utilization in Central Luzon” being funded
by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development. It is headed by
Dr. Annie Melinda Paz-Alberto as the project leader and
with Ms. Shirly Serrrano, Ms. Roann Alberto and Ms. Janice Faye Ang as project staff members.
To show your support to biodiversity, you may visit, facebook.com/g2biodiversity; twitter.com/g2Biodiversity and instagram.com/g2biodiversity.
PATLEPAM News 5
Universities Converge for Disaster Risk Reduction for Sustainable Development
(continued from page 1)
Waste Management Practices of Households in Selected Flood-Risk Barangays of Nabua, Camarines Sur (Ms. Teresa Manzano, Camarines Sur Polytechnic University); Rehabilitation of Mandulog River Watershed in Iligan City: A Key Sustainable
Post-Disaster Awareness and Preparedness in Selected Barangays of Mogpog, Marinduques: A Basis for Enhancement of
Disaster Management Initiatives in the Barangays (Melanie Mendoza, Marinduque State Colleges); and Tools and Practices
for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (Ricky Laureta, Partido State University); Socio-Economic Status and Farming
Practices of Vegetable Growers in Selected Towns in Cagayan North, Philippines(Leonita Garcia, Cagayan State University);
Socio-Economic Profile and Level of Environmental Education Awareness of the DBP Forest Project Farmer Beneficiaries
(Ferdinand Bulusan, Cagayan State University); Rehabilitation of Mandulog River Watershed in Iligan City: A key Sustainable
Post-Disaster Intervention(Gideon Binobo, Mindanao State University) and Evaluating Sustainability of Public School Buildings for Disaster Evacuation (Mr. Diocel Harold Aquino/ Mr. Kevin Jhon Paul Armendez, University of Philippines-Diliman).
Other parallel session papers are the following: Performance Analysis of Drainage System in South Caloocan against Selected Extreme Storm Events Using Synthetic Storm Data for South Caloocan (Engr. Hadji Peejay Aranda, University of the
East Caloocan); Understanding Climate Change :Worldview of UP Open University Earth Ambassadors (Joane Serrano, UP
Los Banos); Estimating Earthquake Risks : A Case Study in Rapid Earthquake Assessment System Application in the San
Jose City, Nueva Ecija (Dr. Annie Alberto, Central Luzon State University (CLSU) ; A Case Study in Rapid Earthquake Assessment System Application in the San Jose City, Nueva Ecija (Dr. Annie Alberto, CLSU); The Role of the Academe in Disaster
Risk Reduction Management (Dr. Leonora Ngilangil, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University); Advocacy and Public
Awareness Campaign on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Zambonaga Peninsula (Fredelino San Juan, Western Mindanao State University); and Participatory Ecosystem-based Approach to Coastal and Marine
Rehabilitation, Development, and Management and Climate Change Adaptation in Masbate Island, Philippines (Dr. Roger
Guzman and Dazzle Labapis, Philippine Federation for Environmental Concern).
The Conference is also being assisted by the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture.
“Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago”
Changing the Filipinos’ Perspective on Climate Change (continued from page 2)
Manukan National High School in Zamboanga, for its Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Program, organized a committee on eco-friendly environment. The said committee is assigned to frame-up school policies regarding eco-friendly environment; coordinate the existing school clubs and organizations in conducting activities and affairs relative to adaptation to
climate change; monitor energy-savings and address water scarcity; and supervise proper waste segregation and disposal.
In Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-North La Union Campus, ‘climate change mitigation and adaptation’ are
integrated into the curriculum in almost all of the curricular programs offered by the University to increase the level of awareness of the students and to cultivate environmental ethics among constituents on these pressing concerns.
With the ever-changing climate, and the future even more seemingly bleak because of catastrophes, more is the need to act,
be a part, and take to our hearts the reality that saving the environment now means saving ourselves.
Nagbabago na ang panahon, panahon na para magbago. There really is no other option.
**This article is a report on the National Orientation Workshop on Climate Change Advocacy Campaign organized by the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources, in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency in May 2014, for a unified National Climate Change Advocacy program.
HEIs in Northern Mindanao Respond to the Challenge
of Disasters and Climate Change (continued from page 3)
last April 24-25, 2014. Other campus events include: Lecture Series on DRRM, Mitigation and Management by Dr. G.P Ganaphaty of India; Forum on DRRM; development of prototype machines for solid waste management; reduction of energy
consumption through installation of compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) in several buildings; continuing health education; and
environmental peace initiatives. Extension activities in the communities are: rehabilitation of Bayug island thru mangrove
planting and growing; lecture and demonstration on the management of household wastes (vermiculture, urban gardening,
handling of household chemical wastes).
The Project Climate Twin Phoenix (Enabling the Cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and the province of Compostela
Valley and Davao Oriental to Cope with Climate Change) of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) involving XU and
MSU-IIT as lead institutions in the planning and implementation of activities and projects in the region conducted two training of
trainers for local partners on DRRM and CCA, the first was for non-government organizations and civil society organizations,
and the second was for LGUs. Several faculty members are involved as trainers, lecturers and facilitators. Subsequently,
conduct of the survey for the establishment of the Climate and Disaster Exposure Database (ClimEx.DB) is currently going on.
6 PATLEPAM News
Promotion of Non-Timber Forest Products for Disaster Resilience
of the Dumagats of Tayabasan Subwatershed, Antipolo City, Rizal
Larry Maurin, United States Peace Corps Response Volunteer
In November, 2013, the Philippine Federation for Environmental Concern (PFEC) began a project titled “Livelihood
Creation from Sustainably-Managed Resources for the Dumagats in Tayabasan Sub-watershed,” supported by the
Non-Timber Forest Products - Exchange Programme NTFP-EP). In accordance with PFEC’s 34-year commitment to
being an advocate for forest conservation and for a ground-up approach to economic development, PFEC designed and
implemented strategies to gather baseline socio-economic data on honey gathering and its connection to livelihood for
the Dumagats. PFEC staff conducted both qualitative and quantitative surveys to evaluate the feasibility of developing
these traditional practices into a viable enterprise.
PFEC Staff, Executive Director, Dr. Roger Guzman; Program Support Staff. Mr. Frankie Duatin Jr. and
Networking and Advocacy Officer, Mr. Dazzle Labapis; along with U.S. Peace Corps Response Volunteer, Mr. Larry Maurin, and NTFP-EP Enterprise Development Officer, Mr. Erwin Diloy, collaborate with
honey collectors in Tayabasan Sub-watershed on enterprise development.
Development of sustainable economic livelihood activities associated with non-timber
forest products, especially bee products, is
one of the most proven methods across the
Philippines to incentivize reforestation and
forest conservation in upland communities.
Forest conservation is an extremely important
component of disaster risk reduction for rural,
subsistence communities, not only because
of their direct exposure to natural disasters,
but because of their economic vulnerability. In the Marikina Watershed especially, so
much is at stake in the effort to reduce the
potential risk of catastrophic flooding and erosion. Development of non-timber forest products helps to promote and sustain a viable
partnership between people and forests, the
most critical linkage for disaster resilience.
The Dumagats in Tayabasan Sub-watershed have traditionally harvested wild honey from the nest of the Giant Honey
Bee (Apis dorsata) for hundreds of years. However, they have historically done little to develop their traditional way of
honey collection to benefit themselves economically. Their honey collection season typically occurs during the summer months of February to May when most native forest trees are flowering. Studies across Southeast Asia, the native
range of Apis dorsata, have shown that the species is reliant on areas of primary forest, presence of a year-round water
source, and large trees for the establishment of its colonies. Part of PFEC's analysis aims to determine the correlation
between forest quality and habitat and the production levels of wild honey.
In developing a socio-economic profile of the community in Tayabasan Sub-watershed, PFEC interviewed 20 families
that incorporate honey collection into their livelihood activities. PFEC gained insight into their traditional techniques
and how much time the Dumagat families spend on honey collection. The honey collectors were trained how to collect
Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates for all of their known historical honey bee nest locations. In addition, they
compiled qualitative information linked to specific nest locations including forest quality and nest tree species. Using this
information, PFEC was able to concretely establish the importance of in-tact forest for honey production.
On April 10, 2014, PFEC hosted a workshop for the honey collectors with Mr. Erwin Diloy, Enterprise Development Officer at NTFP-EP. Outcomes of this workshop included participatory trainings in sustainable honey collection methods,
alternative bee product development, and marketing techniques. The Dumagats have now formed a strong partnership
with the Philippine Forest Honey Network (PFHN). The future of honey collection enterprise development in Tayabasan
Sub-watershed looks promising because of the strong partnerships that have been formed between PFEC, the local
peoples' organization, NTFP-EP, and the PFHN. As part of the PFHN, the honey gatherers of Tayabasan will join a
network of 20 indigenous peoples' organizations in the Philippines having a reliable market to which they can sell their
honey. In the coming years and with guidance from PFEC and other project partners, the Dumagats will be further developing their forest honey product chain, focusing on improvements in sustainable harvesting technique and product
development. These incentives for forest conservation are part of a large scale effort that will help build on the already
growing disaster resilience for the Marikina Watershed.
PATLEPAM News 7
DENR-EMB, Nestle, PATLEPAM NCR Partner
to Educate Teachers on Water
As part of the recently-concluded celebrations of the Philippine Water Week and Philippine Earth Month, the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources partnered with Nestle Philippines and PATLEPAM-National Capital Region to educate close to 80 professors from colleges and universities all
over Metro Manila last March 19, 2014, and April 30, 2014.
Professors from various schools participated in Nestle’s Water
Education for Teachers (Project WET), where they were treated
to fun-filled water-related activities that they could also use as
they teach the same to their students. Engr. Jesus Reyes, Vice
President for Corporate Affairs of Nestle Philippines, who is also
chair of the Environment Committee of the Philippine Chamber
of Commerce and Industry, principally moderated the Project
WET activities.
Among those who joined were teachers from the University of
the Philippines - Diliman, De La Salle University (Araneta, Taft,
and Dasmarinas); Ateneo de Manila University; University of
Sto. Tomas, Trinity University of Asia; St. Mary’s College, Quezon City; La Consolacion-Pasig; University of the East - Caloocan; Chiang Kai Shek College; Arellano University; Eulogio
Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology; St. Paul
College - Pasig; St. Scholastica’s College - Manila; Colegio de
San Agustin - Makati; Polytechnic University of the PhilippinesManila; Miriam College; Technological Institute of the Philippines - Quezon City; Philippine Normal University; Polytechnic
University of the Philippines - Taguig; Rizal Technological University; Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina; Emilio Aguinaldo
College - Manila; University of Rizal System; Feati University;
San Sebastian College; Far Eastern University - Makati; Manila
Central University; Metro Manila College; STI College - Munoz
EDSA; Pamantasan ng Lunsod ng Maynila; Manila Tytana Colleges; Adamson University; International Baptist College; and National College of Business and Arts (Fairview).
The workshop was also done in coordination with the Philippine Association of Tertiary Level Educational Institutions
in Environmental Protection and Management (PATLEPAM) National Capital Region Center Coordinators-- Dr. Maria
Antonia Tanchuling of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, and Dr. Anna Maria Cordovilla of Far
Eastern University in Makati, with PATLEPAM’s chair of its Board of Directors, Dr. Ruth Guzman.
Editorial Advisers
Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna (EMB Director)
Dr. Eva Ocfemia (EMB Asst. Director)
Dr. Ruth Guzman (PATLEPAM Board of Directors’ Chairperson)
Editor
Ms. Elenida Basug (EMB)
Editorial Assistants
Ms. Maria Cristina Francisco (EMB)
Ms. Iva Joy Borja (EMB)
Ms. Bernadita Bondoc (EMB)
Ms. Alicia Sabater (EMB)
Contributors for this
Dr. Annie Melinda Alberto (Central Luzon State University)
Issue
Mr. Larry Maurin (Philippine Federation for Environmental Concern)
Dr. Olga Nuneza (MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology)
Dr. Michael Pido (Palawan State University)
Lay-out/Graphic Artist
Ms. Iva Joy Borja (EMB)
8 PATLEPAM News
The PATLEPAM News is produced by the
Environmental Management Bureau
of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
for the Philippine Association of Tertiary Level Educational
Institutions in Environmental Protection and Management
(PATLEPAM)
Article contributions of the PATLEPAM News may be sent to:
The PATLEPAM Permanent Secretariat
c/o The Environmental Education and Information Division (EEID)
Environmental Management Bureau-DENR
2nd Flr., HRD Building, DENR Compound, Visayas Ave.,
Diliman, Quezon City
Telefax Numbers: 928-46-74; 376-56-10
This issue may also be viewed on-line at:
http://www.emb.gov.ph
and you may e-mail us at:
[email protected]