DENR conducts in-house review of project studies

By M Calungsod-Locsin

Koronadal City (8 September) — In support to the 2009 thrust of climate change mitigation and adaptation under the leadership of Secretary Lito Atienza, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) is currently implementing its banner programs in research and development.

In line with this, the DENR in Region XII conducted on August 26-27, 2009 in Koronadal City a two-day in-house review of its on-going and completed project studies. The first day was devoted to field visits to different study sites like Banga, Surallah, and Lake Sebu, all of South Cotabato while the second day was the presentation of highlights of the eight project studies, two of which were already completed. Dr. Leuvina Tandug, ERDB Assistant Director led the team of evaluators.

Regional Technical Director Muripaga Umpar thanked the guests for their presence and further cited the importance of research and development to the economy. “We know for a fact that the progress of our country hinges on the premium that our leaders put on research and development,” Director Umpar said. Likewise, Umpar expressed optimism that the DENR researchers will soon generate not only appropriate technologies, but also scientific breakthroughs given the right support. Director Umpar represented Regional Executive Director Raquil-Ali Lucman who was on an official travel to Manila.

Eight different studies were presented before a panel composed of Dr. Tandug, Dr. Leila America of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), For. Maximo Lanting, Jr. and Concepcion Villanueva, both of ERDB, College, Laguna.

Forester Monib Mamiscal presented the highlights of his study entitled Vulnerability Assessment of Priority Watersheds in Region XII, namely Allah Valley Watershed Forest Reserve Parcel 2, Kabulnan Watershed Forest Reserve (Subwatershed), and Banga Watershed. These studies were already completed except for the Banga Watershed.

Mamiscal reported in his study that the Allah Valley Watershed is associated with three interrelated vulnerabilities of deforestation, flood, and landslide. These vulnerabilities are attributed to the people’s activities within and the biological and physical character of the watershed.

The information and maps generated from the study are important inputs in the preparation of an Integrated Watershed Management Plan and at the same time in promoting awareness on the vulnerabilities of the watershed to develop mitigation and adaptation measures in order to save lives and properties.

Moreover, another DENR researcher in the person of Forester Helen E. Villame presented the salient points for an on-going study entitled Determination of Carrying Capacity of Lake Sebu in Lake Sebu Municipality in South Cotabato. This study aims to determine the ecological carrying capacity of Lake Sebu for appropriate development planning and sustainable resource use.

Ecological carrying capacity is defined by the American Heritage Science Dictionary as “the maximum population of a particular organism that a given environment can support without detrimental effects.”

Other studies presented with their study leaders were: Carbon Stock, Biomass and Volume Assessment of Forest Plantations by Foresters Rolando B. Maglunsod and Javier C. Jaime; Survey, Inventory and Documentation of Selected Biofuel Species by Ms. Elpidia A. Plarisan; Clonal Propagation by Forester Rolando B, Maglunsod; Promoting Bio-safety and Bio-Security by Forester Ruben B. Arnoco; and Demonstration and Application of Production and Utilization Technologies for Rattan Sustainable Development in the ASEAN Countries by Regional Technical Director Bighani M. Manipula, Ph.D. of the Ecosystems Research and Development Service of DENR XII.

Dr. Noel V. Dungca also presented the accomplishment of the Technology Transfer and Extension Division in terms of media linkage, production of technology bulletin; and production, utilization, adoption, and promotion of technologies, including monitoring. (ERDS/DENR XII/PIA SarGen)