DENR Davao Region

𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑 𝐗𝐈, 𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐎 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞, 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐃𝐀, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐅𝐏 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬

Driven by a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community empowerment, a significant milestone toward sustainable and inclusive development was achieved through a collaborative meeting among the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), particularly the 60th Infantry Battalion, held on May 6, 2026, for the benefit of communities in Kapalong and Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

During the meeting, Colonel Rosete of the 60IB, Philippine Army, expressed the Battalion’s strong support in mobilizing and organizing communities to ensure the effective implementation of the proposed initiatives, including the establishment of a proposed 5-hectare pilot demo farm envisioned to serve as a model site for livelihood development and sustainable community-based interventions. MinDA, on the other hand, reasserted its commitment to spearhead capability-building trainings and livelihood initiatives aimed at strengthening community resilience, productivity, and self-sufficiency.

Meanwhile, DENR, through PENRO Davao del Norte, headed by PENRO Alberto N. Bandiola and CENRO New Corella under OIC, CENR Officer Maritess D. Jocson likewise restated its commitment to providing technical assistance on site validation, survey and mapping, environmental management guidance, and inter-agency coordination to ensure that all initiatives are implemented in accordance with existing environmental laws, policies, and sustainable development principles.

As preparations continue toward the targeted implementation of the capability-building activities in August 2026, the partnership stands as a powerful reminder that genuine progress is built through unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility in serving both the people and the environment.

𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝟐,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐎𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥

In observance of the “Our Power, Our Planet,” themed Earth Day celebration, a multi-sectoral mangrove rehabilitation initiative, spearheaded by Malita Power Inc. (formerly San Miguel Consolidated Power Corporation) in partnership with the DENR–PENRO Davao Occidental and various stakeholders, was successfully held on April 30, 2026, at Barangay Sto. Rosario, Sta. Maria Davao Occidental.

More than 100 participants took part in the planting of 2,000 propagules of bakauan lalaki (Rhizophora apiculata), including representatives from the 1106th Community Defense Center (CDC), Philippine Army Reserve Command; the 73rd Infantry Battalion (73IB), Philippine Army; the Philippine Coast Guard; the Department of Education; the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Santa Maria; and the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Santo Rosario.

As the lead agency in environmental protection and natural resources management, Forester Redentor G. Magno conducted a mangrove conservation awareness orientation prior to the planting activity. He highlighted the ecological and socio-economic importance of mangroves, particularly in shoreline protection, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation, while emphasizing the shared responsibility of stakeholders in sustaining environmental initiatives.

The propagules of bakauan lalaki (Rhizophora apiculata), is expected to contribute significantly to the rehabilitation and resilience of the local coastal ecosystem.

𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑 𝐗𝐈 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐗𝐈

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region XI, led by Regional Executive Director (RED) Atty. Maria Mercedes V. Dumagan, conducted a series of ocular and site inspections from March to May 2026 in line with its mandate to ensure proper land management and regulatory compliance.

On March 23, 2026, RED Dumagan led the inspection of Foreshore Lease Application (FLA) areas in Davao City involving New Ventures Realty Corporation, Insular Oil Corporation, and Alsons Realty/Aviana Development Corporation, together with Davao del Sur PENR Officer Chamberlain Babiera, CENR Officer of Davao City Juvy Hofilena, and DENR technical personnel from the Licenses, Patents and Deeds Division (LPDD) led by its Chief, Catherine E. Orellan.

On April 16, 2026, the RED also conducted inspections at San Miguel Corporation’s cement and pier facility in Brgy. Darong, Davao del Sur to assess and validate the area under its application for Miscellaneous Lease Agreement (MLA). RED came alongside PENR Officer Chamberlain Babiera, OIC-CENR Officer of Digos City Hilda Ludia, along with the PENRO and Regional Office's land investigators and permitting personnel who provided techinical assistance to the company.

RED Dumagan also led the inspection of the Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) in Panabo City on April 28, 2026, covering pending Foreshore and Miscellaneous Lease Applications (F/MLAs), with DICT First Vice President Giovanni T. Pimentel, PENR Officer Alberto N. Bandiola, CENR Officer Larry A. Ambongan, and DENR technical teams.

On May 7, 2026, RED Dumagan likewise inspected the Therma South Inc. (TSI) Lease Area that spans Brgy. Binugao, Toril District, Davao City and Brgy. Inawayan, Sta. Cruz as part of the agency’s continued evaluation of lease applications. The RED was joined by Assistant Regional Executive Director (ARED) for Technical Services Victor T. Billones, PENR Officer of Davao del Sur Chamberlain Babiera, OIC-CENR Officer of Digos City Hilda Ludia, Asst. CENRO of Davao City For. Mary Jane Cabactulan and the region's technical personnel.

These inspections are in line with the DENR XI’s continued pursuit of strengthening monitoring efforts to ensure compliance of stakeholders’ environmental laws, policies, and land classification guidelines, while promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable land use.

𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐎 𝐎𝐂𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄 𝐃𝐎𝐂𝐔𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐘

The wildlife documentary program Born to be Wild of GMA Public Affairs is set to feature the coastal waters of Davao Occidental in an upcoming episode highlighting marine biodiversity, particularly the dugong (Dugong dugon).

On April 26, 2026, the production team led by veterinarian-host Dr. Nielsen Donato and Program Researcher Harold Nowell R. Perez conducted a field expedition in Malita, Davao Occidental to document reported dugong sightings. The activity was prompted by frequent local reports suggesting a healthy marine ecosystem in the area.

However, diving operations were not conducted due to unfavorable sea conditions. Instead, the team proceeded with shoreline documentation and interviews with key stakeholders.

The expedition was carried out in collaboration with the DENR PENRO Davao Occidental, led by Chief of the Technical Services Division Forester Redentor G. Magno, and researchers from the Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), headed by Dr. Ruth S. Lucero, former SPAMAST president and dugong researcher.

During the interview, Dr. Donato asked about the dugong population status, ongoing DENR initiatives, and existing threats to the species. Forester Magno explained that the dugong population in the area remains undetermined due to their highly mobile behavior, although sightings in Malita are typically of about two to five individuals.
He also emphasized that DENR continues to provide technical assistance to local government units (LGUs) and strengthens Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns in coastal communities. He noted that marine pollution and improper waste disposal remain significant threats to dugong habitats.

The team is expected to return for another documentary coverage in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental to further document dugong sightings. The initial expedition will serve as baseline information for future fieldwork, incorporating community observations on seasonal patterns and peak sighting periods to support more comprehensive documentation efforts.

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐊𝐀𝐘𝐎 𝐏𝐀𝐆-𝐀𝐒𝐀 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓 (𝐌𝐏𝐂𝐅) 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐒 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐁𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐁𝐈𝐎𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐄𝐂𝐎-𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐌 𝐇𝐔𝐁

The DENR XI, through its CENRO Monkayo joins a milestone in forest restoration and biodiversity conservation on April 28, 2026, along with stakeholders gathered at the Monkayo Pag-Asa Carbon Forest (MPCF) in Purok Santol, Barangay Banlag, Davao de Oro.

The 22-hectare site, initiated by the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), has evolved into a thriving restoration and nursery area through sustained collaboration among government agencies, private partners, and local communities. Central to this effort is the Banlag Santol Kinaiyahan Workers Association (BASAKWA), the project’s primary community partner.

Declared as Local Conservation Area in 2023, MPCF now serves as a refuge to several wildlife species. According to PEF Director for Operations Dr. Jason C. Ibáñez, the site has recorded 43 bird species, including 20 endemics that indicate improving habitat conditions and ecosystem recovery.

Restoration efforts continue to expand, with 19,957 native and endemic trees from 96 species already planted. About 200,000 seedlings are currently being raised in the nursery to support future planting activities.
MPCF is envisioned to become the future Philippine Eagle Center of Northeastern Mindanao, serving as a hub for conservation, education, and eco-tourism.
PENR Officer Rita Fe C. Gunn, through OIC CENR Officer Cyrian Anthony S. Durban, reiterated the Department’s commitment to long-term partnerships and ecosystem protection.

A tree-growing activity capped the event, symbolizing the shared responsibility among stakeholders to restore and protect forest ecosystems. As restoration efforts progress, MPCF stands as a growing model of community-driven conservation, demonstrating how strong partnerships can transform degraded landscapes into resilient ecosystems that benefit both biodiversity and local communities.

𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑 𝐗𝐈–𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐎 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐎𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐆𝐈𝐏 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫, 𝐇𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐎𝐧-𝐭𝐡𝐞-𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) XI–PENRO Davao Occidental participated in the 124th Labor Day Celebration and Government Internship Program (GIP) Fair on May 1, 2026, at the ABC Gym in Malita, emphasizing its commitment to youth development and public service.

The event, led by the DOLE Davao Occidental Field Office in partnership with the DILG, PESO Malita, LGU Malita, and the Provincial Government of Davao Occidental, served as a platform to connect job seekers with government opportunities and strengthen inter-agency collaboration.

Representing PENR Officer Luningning M. Dalayon, Ph.D., Administrative Officer IV/HRMO II Jovenal C. Fudadera and Administrative Assistant Arabelle S. Cinchez facilitated the recruitment and selection of applicants. Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator Brett L. Bautista, representing Governor Atty. Franklin P. Bautista, emphasized that employment provides both livelihood and dignity.

PENRO Davao Occidental successfully secured three Hired-On-The-Spot (HOTS) GIP applicants, providing them with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in public service.

The agency’s participation underscores its continued efforts to promote inclusive growth, generate employment, and contribute to poverty reduction while investing in the development of the province’s future workforce.

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐞 (𝐁𝐨𝐢𝐠𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐚) 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐦𝐩 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞, 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥

A notable addition to the biodiversity records of Davao Oriental has been documented following the recent sighting of the Mindanao mangrove snake (Boiga dendrophila latifasciata) within the Baganga Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve (BMSFR). The species was observed on April 21, 2026, by CENRO Baganga’s routine patrol operations.
The snake was found resting on a bakhaw laki (Rhizophora apiculata) tree, underscoring the suitability of the mangrove ecosystem as a habitat for mangrove-associated wildlife. It was identified based on its distinctive glossy black body marked with bold yellow transverse bands.

Ecologically, the species is nocturnal and arboreal, commonly inhabiting lowland forests, riverbanks, and mangrove areas. Its ability to persist even in partially disturbed habitats reflects a degree of adaptability to environmental changes. In addition, the species is rear-fanged and mildly venomous.

Under the Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and their Categories (DAO-2019-09), the species is classified as an Other Threatened Species (OTS), indicating that while it is not currently listed as critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable, it may become at risk due to factors such as habitat loss and other environmental pressures.

The documentation of this species within the BMSFR emphasizes the ecological importance of mangrove ecosystems in sustaining diverse wildlife. It also contributes to the growing inventory of biodiversity in the reserve and reinforces the need for continued conservation, protection, and monitoring efforts in the area.

𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐎 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐖𝐌𝐏 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

CENRO Manay has intensified efforts to update critical environmental data for the Casauman River Watershed due to the need for precise and updated information to support planning and management.

As significant changes in land use, vegetation cover, and actual field conditions have occurred, the existing Watershed Characterization and Vulnerability Assessment needs updating for the effective preparation of a reliable Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP).

Bridging this gap, CENRO Manay conducted soil sample gathering and profiling on April 29–30, 2026, with technical support from the Agroforestry Research Development and Extension Center (ARDEC), the research arm of the DENR-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB).

The activity was led by soil experts John Rey H. Jumangit and Julius Vincent O. Tormis, ensuring that all sampling procedures adhered to required technical standards, while also serving as a capacity-building opportunity for CENRO Manay personnel by strengthening their skills in soil sampling, field data collection, profiling, and watershed assessment methods—capabilities essential for future environmental planning work.

The soil samples are bound for analysis for key physical and chemical properties to assess land productivity, erosion risk, and watershed stability. The results will support the updating of the Casauman River IWMP by providing current data for improved mapping, vulnerability identification, and more effective watershed management, conservation strategies and long-term environmental sustainability.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞

A stranded bottlenose dolphin (𝑻𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒑𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒔) was discovered along the shoreline of Sitio Asinan, Barangay Cadunan, Mabini, Davao de Oro on April 25, 2026, within the Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape (MPLS).

The dolphin, measuring approximately 8.75 feet in length, was first spotted alive by local resident Mr. Goel B. Canda, who immediately reported the incident, enabling authorities to respond swiftly. Despite prompt rescue efforts, the dolphin later succumbed to multiple physical injuries, visible wounds, and parasitic infestation. Cetaceans—including dolphins, whales, and porpoises—play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.

According to the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA), they serve as ecosystem engineers, contribute to carbon cycling, enhance marine productivity through nutrient recycling, and act as sentinel species that reflect the overall health of our oceans. This incident highlights the urgent need for collective action. While strandings can occur due to natural causes, they are often linked to human-induced pressures such as habitat degradation, marine pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, vessel strikes, and disease.

In response, the DENR–Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) of Mabini reaffirms its commitment to strengthening rapid response mechanisms and enhancing marine wildlife monitoring systems. Efforts are continuously being intensified to address the impacts of coastal development and other human activities within critical marine habitats.

Dolphins are among the marine species that are under the protection of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) by virtue of FAO No. 185-1 s. 1992 and FAO No. 185-1 s. 1997.

On the other hand, the public is strongly encouraged to immediately report any marine wildlife sightings, strandings, or violations of environmental laws in accordance with Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001. By working together, we can help safeguard our marine biodiversity and ensure that our oceans remain vibrant and life-sustaining for generations to come.