PRESS RELEASE

24 May 2012

IN-HOUSE REVIEW. (left photo) Participants listen intently on the presentation during the in-house review of the ongoing and completed research, development and extension programs and projects of the Ecosystems Research and Development (ERD) Service of DENR in Western Visayas. (right photo, from right) Dr. Rafael T. Cadiz leads the panel of evaluators together with Forester Enrico L. Barbosa and Gina C. Tocino from the ERD Bureau in Los Baos, Laguna. DENRs research and development initiatives undergo review ILOILO City A number of continuing and completed studies and programs of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)Ecosystems Research and Development Service (ERDS) were evaluated during a two-day agency in-house review from May 24 to 25, 2012. The annual activity intends to assess the performance and progress in carrying out ongoing and completed studies in relation to objectives and expected outputs; discuss the problems met and provide recommendations to achieve its purpose; assess the status of the projects/studies in terms of technology development; and identify significant research results that the agency may use as inputs for planning, policy formulation, and programs/studies implementation. DENR-ERDS Regional Technical Director Dr. Alicia L. Lustica said the yearly activity provides a significant impact in the achievement of the various programs and initiatives and policy direction implemented by the agency. Dr. Rafael T. Cadiz led the panel of evaluators together with Forester Enrico L. Barbosa and Gina C. Tocino from the Ecosystems Research and Development

Bureau in Los Baos, Laguna. The evaluators provided feedback and shall recommend the status of the projects as to technology generation, verification, adaptation, dissemination, and information for dissemination. Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium Director Joseph Edward Idemne was also present to observe and give feedback and recommendations on the programs, projects and studies conducted by the DENR-ERDS. The studies/presentations include the vulnerability assessment of Panay River Watershed, economic valuation of raw water to ensure efficiency and water allocation in Region 6, determination of appropriate water harvesting technology and its contribution to local area water resources, riparian zone management for rehabilitation protocol to minimize erosion and sedimentation in Region 6, policy options for foreshore area management and tree improvement program for indigenous and endangered species, among others. DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Julian D. Amador, for his part, said that these studies are of big help in the advancement of the various priority programs of President Benigno S. Aquino under the sterling stewardship of Environment Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje.