Northern Samar Strengthens Protected Area Management with PAMB Reconstitution

To strengthen coordination in the management of protected areas in Northern Samar, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in partnership with the Provincial Government of Northern Samar conducted the Protected Area Management Board Meeting on August 13, 2024 at the Ibabao Hall, Capitol Buidling.

The meeting paved way for the reconstitution of the Protected Area Management Board that will manage the Biri-LaRoSa Protected Landscape and Seascape.

In the message of Governor Edwin Ongchuan, member of PAMB, he recognized the sigbificance of PAMB especially in overseeing the compliance of the infrastructural projects to environmental laws and regulations, and in working towards the realization of the provincial government's aim for Northern Samar to be acknowledged as UNESCO Global Geopark.

The Board reconstituted 14 committees which include the Executive Committee, Commitees on Eco-Tourism, Conflict Resolution, Finance, External Communication and Public Information, Biodiversity and Conservation, Monitoring and Evaluation, Law Enforcement, UNESCO Global Geopark, Project Development, Infrastructure and Development, Planning and Development, and Ethics Committee. The designated Protected Area Superintendent, Dennis Arino, led the (re)-orientation of the PAMB members on the implementing rules and regulations of RA 11038, also known as the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act of 2018, emphasizing on the PAMB constitution and term of office, roles and functions, and Prohibited Acts, Fines, and Penalties of the said law. Other matters were also discussed such as the rezoning of proposed Lavezares Seaport and the monitoring updates of activities implemented within Biri LaRoSa.

In securing ecological balance, the Provincial Government recognizes the importance of a unified effort between public and private sectors, people's and non-government organizations, and academic institutions in the conservation of Northern Samar's rich natural resources while advancing towards development.

Present in the meeting were Governor Edwin Ongchuan, DENR Regional Executive Director Lormelyn Clauido CESSO II, DOST RD Dr. John Glenn Ocana, BM Don Abalon, UEP President Cherry Ultra, and Municipal Mayors Edito Saludaga of LGU Lavezarees, David Bido of LGU Rosario, Amelita Delos Reyes of LGU Biri, and Damian Luzon, Jr. of LGU San Jose together with their Punong Barangays. Also in attendance are the DENR and PENR Personnel, NGOs, and representatives from the academe.