In line with its mission to manage and conserve natural resources, the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) carried out a series of successful projects and activities throughout 2024. A major achievement was the recognition of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) Occidental Mindoro as the “Top Performing Provincial/City Mining Regulatory Board in MIMAROPA Region” for the first time. This achievement was made possible through the support of Governor Ed Gadiano and reflects the province’s progress in quarry-related activities.
In line with its mission to manage and conserve natural resources, the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) carried out a series of successful projects and activities throughout 2024. A major achievement was the recognition of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) Occidental Mindoro as the “Top Performing Provincial/City Mining Regulatory Board in MIMAROPA Region” for the first time. This achievement was made possible through the support of Governor Ed Gadiano and reflects the province’s progress in quarry-related activities.
Another key effort of ENRO was the monitoring and supervision of the Eco-Friendly Provincial Nursery in Brgy. Casague, Sta. Cruz, with a budget allocation of Php 450,000.00. The nursery aimed to maintain a 5-hectare site for producing fruit-bearing and forest tree seedlings, while also determining sustainable seed sources. The maintenance of the nursery included clearing debris, identifying plant sources, hauling planting materials, potting, and enhancing nursery facilities. By the end of 2024, a total of 2,237 fruit-bearing seedlings and 3,212 forest trees had been inventoried and made available to the public. The office was also able to dispose 2,696 seedlings to individuals and different organizations—representing a significant increase in production compared to 2023.
Aside from that, one of the important initiatives of ENRO in 2024 was the Tamaraw Month Celebration, which aimed to raise awareness about the conservation of the Tamaraw, an animal endemic to Mindoro, as well as other local flora and fauna. With a budget of Php 138,000.00, the project included the Tamaraw Kick-off event on October 1, 2024, which involved the participation of local government units (LGUs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and national government agencies (NGAs). In addition, the Mindoro Wildlife Quiz was conducted in partnership with the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (MBCFI). The quiz was open to secondary students across Occidental Mindoro, with Abra de Ilog National High School securing first place, followed by Manoot National High School in second, and Occidental Mindoro National High School placing third.
Aside from that, one of the important initiatives of ENRO in 2024 was the Tamaraw Month Celebration, which aimed to raise awareness about the conservation of the Tamaraw, an animal endemic to Mindoro, as well as other local flora and fauna. With a budget of Php 138,000.00, the project included the Tamaraw Kick-off event on October 1, 2024, which involved the participation of local government units (LGUs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and national government agencies (NGAs). In addition, the Mindoro Wildlife Quiz was conducted in partnership with the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (MBCFI). The quiz was open to secondary students across Occidental Mindoro, with Abra de Ilog National High School securing first place, followed by Manoot National High School in second, and Occidental Mindoro National High School placing third.
Additionally, the ENRO also successfully implemented the Tree Planting Activity in celebration of Arbor Day, with a budget of Php 50,000.00. The project was designed to plant 300 agro-forestry seedlings, increase forest and vegetative cover, and reduce soil erosion. The activity was completed by planting 401 forest and fruit-bearing tree seedlings in Sitio Macor 2, Brgy. Casague, Sta. Cruz, covering an area of 2,406 square meters. In addition, the office also conducted a Coastal Clean-Up Activity in celebration of World Coastal Clean-Up Day, with an allocation of Php50,000.00 from the budget. The objectives were to clean up the targeted coastal areas and promote awareness of coastal conservation, marine resources, and solid waste management. This project was successfully completed with a coastal clean-up activity along the shore of Barangay Tayamaan, Mamburao.
In addition to its successful environmental projects, the ENRO has actively participated in water quality monitoring to ensure local rivers meet safety standards. Partnering with DENR-EMB, ENRO conducted water sampling at Calawagan River, following a request from the municipality. This aimed to assess the river’s condition and confirm its classification which are vital for both environmental protection and community health. The ENRO also focused on solid waste management, holding four Provincial Solid Waste Management Board (PSWMB) meetings with local municipalities in the year 2024. Moreover, the ENRO monitored the Sanitary Landfill (SLF) and Material Recovery Facility (MRF) as part of training on ecological solid waste management which was set to improve waste practices and reduce environmental impacts. Furthermore, the quarry collection efforts have also been accomplished, with a total total of Php 16,593,394.04 Provincial share collected by November 30, 2024. This revenue contributes to the province’s ability to support and sustain its ongoing environmental initiatives and projects.
In conclusion, the ENRO’s 2024 activities have made notable development in preserving natural resources and promoting sustainability within the province. Through reforestation, water monitoring, and waste management, the office has encouraged community involvement and addressed key environmental challenges. The continued support for these efforts will ensure a cleaner and a healthier environment for future generations of Occidental Mindoro.
