Courtesy: DENR R2

To intensify initiatives on solid waste management, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 recently held a partnership meeting with various government agencies in Tuguegarao City as part of the National Zero Waste Month celebration this January.

The main agenda of the meeting was the conduct of a regionwide simultaneous cleanup drive where DENR Cagayan Valley Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan urged the 32 regional directors and representatives of partner agencies and institutions within the regional government center to take active roles in cleaning their surroundings and maintaining a waste-free government center.

In line with this, a proposed memorandum of agreement for the installation of 26 sets of waste bins donated by FCF Minerals Corporation, was presented to the group where selected agencies will oversee their maintenance.

Director Bambalan also sought continued maintenance and protection of the green spaces within the government center established in September 2023. Underscoring the “one government” approach in program implementation, she thanked the Bureau of Fire Protection for its support in watering the seedlings during the summer season.

According to the latest report of the Conservation and Development Division of DENR Region 2, these green spaces, covering over 23,000 sq m planted with more than 400 indigenous tree species, have a 98 percent survival.

To assist government agencies in acquiring land ownership and to ensure compliance with environmental laws in future projects, the DENR discussed the requirements for the issuance of special patents for government sites and the environmental compliance certificate.

The meeting was also highlighted with a discussion on the proposed reorganization of regional executives which is an avenue for sharing information and collaborative efforts to address regional development issues.

In her video message, Career Executive Service Board Chairperson Urdujah Alvarado emphasized the importance of collaboration among government executives. She also expressed support for the proposed reorganization of regional directors in Cagayan Valley.#