Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office - Surigao del Norte

PENRO Enforcers Undergo Deputation Seminar to Strengthen Environmental Law Enforcement

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENR Office), headed by Oscar M. Pospia Jr., successfully conducted a Deputation Seminar for PENRO Enforcers, gathering around 80 participants from various municipalities in the mainland and Siargao Islands.

The activity aimed to reinforce the knowledge, skills, and legal foundations of deputized environmental enforcers tasked with safeguarding the province’s natural resources.

Delivering an inspiring message during the seminar was Atty. Noel Christian G. Catre Atty. Toti Catre, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources. He emphasized the vital responsibility entrusted to the deputized personnel.

“As deputized enforcers, you stand at the frontline of environmental protection. Your role demands integrity, courage, and commitment. Every law you uphold and every violation you prevent helps secure a sustainable and resilient future for our communities. At the same time, every violation you prevent also protects the coffers of the Provincial Government — ensuring that our resources are properly managed, revenues are safeguarded, and public funds are preserved for programs and services that benefit our people.”

His message underscored not only the environmental impact of enforcement but also its direct contribution to good governance and fiscal responsibility.

The seminar featured comprehensive discussions on key environmental laws and regulatory frameworks by personnel from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau XIII:

Republic Act No. 7942 – “The Philippine Mining Act of 1995” discussed by Engr. Shaira Irica B. Ensomo, Engineer III, the session covered the legal framework governing mineral resource exploration, development, utilization, and conservation.

Laws, Rules and Regulations Governing Sand and Gravel and Quarry Operations
presented by Engr. Cyril Jean A. Tacal, Monitoring Officer. This topic focused on compliance requirements, monitoring mechanisms, and enforcement strategies to regulate extraction activities.

Republic Act No. 7076 – “People’s Small-scale Mining Act of 1991” by
Engr. Jerry V. Sanchez, Science Research Specialist II, and Engr. Christopher A. Rivero, Engineer II, provided insights into policies governing small-scale mining operations and the responsibilities of local authorities in its regulation.

Apprehension, Seizure, Confiscation and Disposition of Illegally Sourced Minerals/Mineral Products and By-products, Tools, Conveyances and Equipment Used presented by Atty. Jet Jacinto L. Tan, Legal Officer, discussed the legal procedures and due process involved in enforcement operations, emphasizing proper documentation, coordination, and lawful disposition of confiscated materials.

The deputation seminar reinforced the province’s commitment to environmental protection, responsible resource management, and strengthened inter-municipal coordination.

By equipping enforcers with updated legal knowledge and operational guidance, the PENR Office continues to ensure that environmental laws are effectively implemented across the mainland and island municipalities.

In celebration of World Wetlands Day, a mangrove planting activity was conducted in the coastal area of Barangay Lakandula, Municipality of Placer bringing together personnel from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office - Placer (MENRO Placer) senior high school students and senior citizens of the local community.

The activity aimed to highlight the importance of wetlands and mangrove ecosystems in protecting coastal areas, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Participants planted a total of 500 mangrove propagules to help strengthen shoreline protection and enhance marine habitats.

Representatives from PENRO and MENRO Placer emphasized that mangroves serve as natural barriers against storm surges and coastal erosion while providing breeding grounds for fish and other marine species that support local livelihoods.

Community members of Barangay Lakandula headed by Hon. Abelardo Lambus actively took part in the planting activity, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable coastal resource management.

This collaborative initiative reflects the continued partnership between the provincial and municipal environment
offices and the local community in safeguarding the coastal ecosystems of Placer, Surigao del Norte for present and future generations. 🌱

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving. “ ~ Mother Teresa

As Christmas approaches, we, at the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office remember the fire victims of Brgy. Taft by sharing our own personal blessings.

May the magic of Christmas fill our homes with love and wonder. Merry Christmas everyone! 🎄🧑‍🎄

The happiest of birthday wishes to one of PENRO’s pride and joy, MIGGY! Wishing you everything good in the year ahead. 🎂🎉

A huge round of applause to our Mr. Sportsfest 2025 INIGO MIGUEL AQUINO. We can’t think of anyone who deserves to be Mr. Sportsfest ! Congratulations, Miggy! 👏🎉

HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY to our dearest boss who’s still rockin’ at 51! Have a wonderful day and a great year ahead, Sir! 🎂🍾🎊🎁

As we celebrate World Environment Day today, the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office spearheaded a clean-up activity at the Nueva Basin and the famous Villa Perlas located in Purok Perlas, Nueva Extension, Barangay Taft.

Villa Perlas is a creek where people swim during high tide as it allows the creek to be filled with water, providing a suitable swimming area. However, it is filled with trash mostly plastics on low tide.

This year marks the 55th anniversary and commemoration of EARTH DAY with the theme OUR POWER, OUR PLANET which emphasizes the need for global renewable energy initiatives and community engagement.

The Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte thru the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office highlighted the celebration with a TREE PLANTING Activity of around 1,000 fruit trees namely Kamansi, Guyabano, Lanzones, and Rambutan at the Ipil Peak.

The men and women of the Philippine Coastguard Surigao del Norte Station, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, DENR-PENRO and members of the Friends of Lyndon actively participated in the said activity.

🏆 BACK2BACK TRIUMPH 🎖️

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office won 1st Prize for the PURPLE YOUR CORNER contest in today’s conclusion of the month- long celebration of National Women’s Month. 🙋‍♀️💜

This marked the second time that the PENRO received an award for this activity.

The Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte through this office and in collaboration with Lgu Tagana-an conducted a Mangrove Planting Activity in celebration of WORLD WETLANDS DAY with the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future”.

Volunteers from the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Coastguard planted over 700 mangrove propagules in Brgy. Banban in order to stabilize the coastline, prevent erosion and protect the community from storm surge.

WORLD WETLANDS DAY is an environmentally related celebration on the second day of February of every year with the adoption of the Ramsar Convention in the City of Ramsar in Iran on February 2, 1971 though it was not celebrated until 1997.