MANILA – Key projects of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will continue even after the resignation of Secretary Roy Cimatu.
Among the projects are the DENR-Department of National Defense partnership for the installation of a cannon replica along the Roxas Boulevard Baywalk in Manila and the rehabilitation of the Marikina Watershed.
The completion and inauguration of the Fort Drum Island cannon near the Remedios drainage outfall will be held during the celebration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on April 9 to serve as a physical reminder of the DENR’s commitment to rehabilitate Manila Bay.
Fort Drum Island, otherwise known as El Fraile Island, is one of the four islands located at the mouth of Manila Bay that served as line of defense and protected the capital city from naval invasion by the Spanish and during World War II.
"This landmark shall depict the three battles in Manila Bay: the Spanish-American War, Japanese-American War and now, the modern battle for Manila Bay," the DENR news release stated on Saturday.
The cannon replica will be 19.04 cubic meters, while the original barrel will be 37 feet and weighs 10 tons. It will stand on a 251.1-cubic meter concrete platform.
Marikina Watershed rehab
DENR-Calabarzon (DENR-Region 4A) likewise joined forces with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for the rehabilitation of the Marikina Watershed through the use of bamboo planting materials.
The program will cover 20 hectares within the Marikina Watershed, which will be distributed under the DENR's Enhanced National Greening Program.
Rotary International District 3830, the Samahang Kawayan ng Karugo Agri Farmers Association, and the Philippine Bamboo Foundation Inc., and DENR Calabarzon, led by Executive Director Nilo Tamoria, signed the MOA at the central office in Quezon City on February 16 to provide program partners with bamboo production technology training and good agro-forest practices to establish bamboo social enterprises while raising crops.
“Bamboo is not just an alternative to construction materials but it also helps in mitigating climate change. This is why I am pushing for the creation of mini bamboo forests in the country which will also spur a vibrant bamboo lumber industry,” said Cimatu, who announced his resignation Friday due to health reasons.
The initial phase of the project will establish a nursery, which includes the raising of bamboo planting materials for a period of six to eight months, while the second phase involves the transplanting of grown bamboo planting materials within the 20-hectare land.
The MOA sets the protection of the land for five years.
During the signing, DENR and Rotary International District 3830 also led the turnover of checks totaling PHP1 million to the Samahang Kawayan ng Karugo Agri Farmers Association for the funding of the rehabilitation project.
The project was initiated by the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council and Task Force Tayo Ang Kalikasan.
The Marikina Watershed, or the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape, regulates water flow and reduces the risk of floods and landslides in downstream cities like Marikina.
Cimatu's departure
Meanwhile, Greenpeace Philippines wished Cimatu good health "as he vacates a very crucial role".
“With only a few months remaining in Mr. Cimatu's unexpired term, we are hoping that DENR, under the leadership of OIC (Officer-in-Charge) Jim Sampulna, will deliver on the agency's mandates, especially in the areas of climate action, solid waste management, and ensuring safe air quality, among others,” Greenpeace Philippines director, Lea Guerrero, said in a statement on Saturday.
“We also hope that in the next administration, the new president will appoint a DENR chief who is fit and committed to implementing policies that prioritize the well-being of communities over business interests, particularly in the face of the climate and environmental emergency. This is especially needed, with communities in (the) Visayas and Mindanao still dealing with the aftermath of Typhoon Odette.” (PR)
