In the pursuit of its mission to manage and preserve natural resources in the province, the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) successfully executed a series of projects and activities in the year 2023. These efforts aimed at promoting practices that feature sustainability, environmental protection, and responsible resource management within the province.
Prior to the 2023 projects, the ENRO completed the Monitoring and Supervising of Eco-Friendly Provincial Nursery with an allocated budget of Php 450,000.00 and with the goals of maintaining and developing the 5-hectare Eco-Friendly Provincial Nursery in Brgy. Casague, Sta. Cruz, Occidental Mindoro, producing fruit-bearing and forest tree seedlings, identifying seed sources, and providing free seedlings for tree planting activities.
Throughout the project, various activities were undertaken to ensure the success of the nursery ranging from maintaining cleanliness, clearing debris, identifying planting sources to hauling planting materials, collecting potting media, and sowing seeds. The project was successfully completed, resulting in an inventory of 1,127 fruit-bearing seedlings and 1,728 forest trees. The office was also able to dispose 1,770 seedlings, granting the requests of individuals and different organizations.
Following that, the ENRO also undertook the Monitoring and Supervising of AgroForestry Project with the expenditure of Php 125,000.00 and with the purpose of monitoring and sustaining 85% survival rate together with the development of 15-hectare agroforestry plantation. In line with this, the ENRO administered ring weeding and strip brushing to eliminate weeds and vines competing with seedlings, and planting of seeds such as Cashew, Lansones, Rambutan, and Mahogany. However, challenges arose resulting in the observance of low survival rate for plants due to extreme weather conditions. In the whole area of planting activities, ENRO still observed a 55% survival rate, showcasing resilience against adverse weather conditions in the province.
Apart from that, various activities were also implemented during the year incorporating the Tamaraw Kick-off celebrating Tamaraw Month with a short program participated by the local government units (LGUs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and national government agencies (NGAs). While, in the educational realm, the ENRO facilitated the Mindoro Wildlife Quiz Contest, in collaboration with the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (MBCFI), which engaged secondary students from various schools. This initiative not only celebrated biodiversity but also acknowledged the remarkable efforts of schools in the province.
Moreover, on the environmental monitoring front, ENRO collaborated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) in the Water Quality Monitoring/Sampling activity at Calawagan River, Paluan. This crucial activity aimed to assess water quality, measuring various parameters to ensure the health of the river ecosystem. The ENRO also focused on Solid Waste Management by the administration of four Provincial Solid Waste Management board meetings throughout the year, which not only discussed waste management strategies but also delved into innovative solutions as well as the monitoring of Sanitary Landfills across eight municipalities, which showcased the practical aspects of waste management, including shredding activities and the production of eco-bricks in the community.
Furthermore, the ENRO also went beyond conventional channels in spreading awareness about solid waste management. The department engaged with diverse groups such as Provincial Jail inmates and Administrative Officers, imparting valuable knowledge on the importance of waste segregation. This educational initiative extended to orientation sessions and participation in the National Disaster Resilience Month.
Simultaneously, the Waste Analysis Characterization Study (WACS) Training and the turnover of Plastic Factory machineries to the Municipality of Sablayan underlined the practical implementation of waste reduction strategies were also carried out to showcase commitment towards evidence-based waste management. Lastly, the ENRO also established 22 Provincial Quarry Checkpoints with the provincial share amounting to Php 10,713,087.67 which highlighted the department’s dedication to responsible quarry activity regulation.
Collection Report for Sand, Gravel, and Other Mineral Resources for CY 2023
| Mineral Commodity | Tax on Sand & Gravel | Provincial Share (30%) | Quarry/Mining Fees | Total Provincial Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sand, Gravel, Boulders, Pebbles & other Mineral Resources | 34,283,996.00 | 10,285,198.80 | 1,762,690.50 | 12,047,889.30 |
Looking ahead, these accomplishments from the ENRO serve as a solid foundation for future efforts in building a healthy, resilient, and eco-friendly province. Through continued and constructive initiatives of every individual involved, the ENRO, together with the guidance of the Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro, will continue to contribute in the years to come on the journey towards prosperity and sustainability in the province.