Plants can help solve mercury problem, says researcher

NEW YEAR, NO WASTE! Jumpstart your way to a greener life.

DARE TO TAKE THE

CHALLENGE!

JANUARY 2019 Volume 4 Issue 37

#ItStartsWithMe#ImWithPCSD

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PCSDS streamlines servicesPALAWAN COUNCIL FOR Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) embarks on streamliningtheir services to the public in accordance with Republic Act 11302 known as “Ease of Doing

Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018”. The act provides directives on simplifying and improving thesystems and procedures of government services to make the

country more “business friendly”. It aims to reduce processingtime and eliminate corrupt practices in processing licences, permits, and clearances. (continue to page 6)

Streamlined SEP Clearanceprocess starts in El Nido

STREAMLINED StrategicEnvironmental Plan (SEP) Clearance system will beoperational for the first time in the PCSDS Express Permitting in the El Nido Municipal Hall

on Feb. 18 to Feb. 22 to grant the appeal of proponents in the northern part of Palawan for an immediate procesing of the clearance. (continue to page page 7)

It’s National

Zero Waste Month!

PRESENTING TO THE COUNCIL: PCSDS Deputy Director Adelina B. Villena proposes the streamlined SEP Clearance system to to the members of PCSD during the 251st Council Meeting, last Jan. 28 at Ivy Wall Hotel, PPC.

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Sports Complex Rd., Bgy. Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa City |www.pcsd.gov.ph| oed@pcsd.gov.ph 2 JANUARY 2019

MBHC joins IEC Campaign

HUNDRED AND FIFTYstudents from Matahimik Bucana High School (MBHS) participated in an Information and Education Communication (IEC) campaign by Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, last Jan. 29 at MBHS, Brg. Ihawig. The students were taught the ecological importance of Palawan and the corresponding laws that protect it, especially the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan (RA 7611), Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147), and Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000(RA 9003). According to one of the teachers in MBHS, Rene Ven-turillo, the activity has officially launched their initiative to have a monthly environmental activity for

THREE CHAINSAW UNITS, one from Puerto Princesa City and two from Municipality of Rizal, were turned over to Palawan Council for SustainableDevelopment Staff (PCSDS) last Jan. 25 and Jan. 26. The latest confiscation took place last Jan. 23 at Sitio Sabang, Brg. Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa City where park rangers of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRN) seized one chainsaw unit. According to one of the park rangers, Nebong Puna, it was the first time their team has caught a perpetuator on the actual act of using of chainsaw in one of the protected areas. He said the illegaloperation was detected

before it caused any further damage, not only because of the team’s effort, but also due to the regular cooperation of the localswho immediately reported suspicious actions they noticed. The lumbers were cutin unusual pieces suggesting they were intended for chopping

board materials, Puna shared. As a park ranger, Puna stressed the importance of forests in Sabang, “Kailangan natin silang [forests] protektahan lalo na ang mga nasa protected areas dahil ang pagkawala nila ay maaring maging sanhi ng pagkatuyo o pagdumi ng ilog sa ibaba.

“Kailangannatin pagtu-lungan proteksyonan ang Puerto Prince Subterranean River dahil isa ito sa mga world heritage sites, kini-kilala tayo sa buong mundo.” On the other hand, two chainsaws both coming from the Municipality of Rizal were turned over by Community Environmental and Natural Resources Office. One was taken from a perpetuator who was caught on the act of using the chainsaw at Sitio Tulapos, Brg. Bunog last Nov. 13, 2018. While the other one was left abandoned at Sitio More, Brg. Panalingaan last Dec. 15, 2018.

MBHC Students: Students from MBHC gathered to learn existing environmental laws in the countr, last Jan. 29 at MBHC.

the students. He said the project was born to help address the growing problem of illegalcuttingof mangroves in their ba-rangay. “Napakalaking tulong na natututo ang ating mga kabataanpatungkol sa mga batas nanangangalaga sa ating likas nayaman dito sa Palawan, lalong lalo

na patungkol sa ating mgamangroves,” Venturillo shared. He added, “ Pati na rin matutunan ng mga bata ang kahalagahan ng wildlife dahil marami pang mga wildlife na matatagpuan dito sa amin.” Before the programended,PCSDS turned overpamphlets and brochures onenvironmental laws to the

Three chainsaws turned over

SOARING H I G H E R T H I S Y E A R

PCSD Focus for 2019

THE MAIN DIRECTIONS for the year are geared towards halting deforestation and protecting wildlife; integrating Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN) to existingland-use plans and programs;applying advanced tools and ideas for biosphere reserves; pursuingindividual legislations for some of Palawan’s protected areas, and delivering impactful messages across the country. Topmost priority is thecontinuous and even strongerprotection of the province’s flora and fauna. This means exhausting allefforts to combat deforestation,curbing kaingin or the slashing and burning of trees and bushes, and working together to free forests from illegal logging. Diversity of wildlife, both terrestrial and aquatic, must continue to flourish to promote sustainability.Coordination from law enforcementofficers, especially in different ports and couriers, and the localsis much needed to ensure the laws are followed while morecritical habitat will be established andsustained.

In line with protecting species and its habitat, ECAN must be integrated in existing land-use plans and programs, including Forest Land Use Plans. Moreover, advanced tools and new ideas that were introduced by international groups and programs can be utilized and incorporated in enriching and supporting biosphere reserves. One example is the tools from Capturing Coral Reef andRelated Ecosystem Services (CCRES), a project by World Bank. It opens countless opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs, policy makers, and locals to bridge gaps in achieving sustainable development. The project in El Nido using one of the CCRES tools, SESAMEmobile application, proves itseffectiveness in identifying threats in ecological balance and providingsustainable solutions that couldeconomically enhance lives in the community. Aside from these, there are lectures and lessons from first-hand experiences of the people in-charged

within Palawan Biodiversity Reserves that could be shared to one another once a networking is formed. On the other hand, the special needs of Palawan’s rich yet vulnerable biodiversity and natural resources call for outmost care and attention from its people. After five of our protected areas were excluded from the E-NIPAS, individual legis-lations will be pursued for intensified protection and management of these areas. To ensure the efficiency of the PCSD’s plans and programs, the importance of building goodrelationship with its partners andconstituents must be emphasizedby exposing people to different projectdevelopment and implementation. Lastly, the aspiration for national recognition demandsexcellent strategies for gettingheard by the public. Qualitymaterials will be used tocommunicate messages with substance to major stakeholders. Each activities, studies, and breakthroughs shall be heard across the country and the globe.

For 2019, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PSCD) eyes to be the country’s model for sustainable development through strengthening its programs

and boosting its information dissemination to the national level.

NEW YEAR, NO WASTE!As another year breaks in, we celebrate Zero Waste Month in hope of seeing a greener world.

January carries with it the bliss of setting new goals and, to some, the chance to start again. In the midst of the growing waste problem worldwide, what better commitment can you take this year

than to be part of the solution?

1 Study your belongings. How many of them are made of materials that don’t decompose? If there’s a lot, remember they are here to stay longer than you. Is that the legacy you’d like to leave?Asses what are the things you can live without and make a decision to stop consuming them. Ask yourself questions like, “Do I really need it, or do I only feel like I need it?, “Can I drink thiswithout plastic straw?,” “Will I still love this dress after twenty times using it?,” “Do I really want to eat this plastic-wrapped junk food?” or “This item isso small, would it be better to just put it in mybag rather than carry it in a plastic bag?”.

REFUSE

2More and more eco-friendly alternatives are now being available to cater thegrowing population ofenvironmentally-conscious people. Organic soaps and shampoo bars, free from packaging, are gaining attention just recently. There are now bamboo toothbrush in comparison to the conventional toothbrush made of hardplastic only to be replaced every three months. For thosewho find it impossible to quit theuse of straw,bamboo straw is an option.Of course, don’t forget to buy your own ecobag so you can refuse to have yourgroceries in plastic. And please, have your own tumbler because disposables--are so last year!

SWITCH

3GET FITLose that extra pounds or gain that needed weight by simply being mindful of your environmental impact. You may want to consider quitting smoking as cigarettes not only poison the shared air, their butts were also reported to be the greatest source of ocean pollution. You can also try packing your own lunch and save yourself from fast foods’ disposables and unneeded calories. Choose to walk or cycle in walking distances. Ditch that processed food packed in plastics and start buying locally grown food.

4 Aside from the law requiring you to do so, segregating your trash could be one of the most heroic acts you can do. When garbage are properly segregated instead of being mindlessly tucked in one bin, each trash can be responsibly dealt with. This do not only saves time and money, it also make sure toxic materials do not get into places that may harm any living creatures.

SEGREGATE

5 Help earth provide for the hungry planet by giving back to it. Separate kitchen scraps that can be used as natural fertilizers and use them in-stead to grow and nurture your own food. If you have little space at home, donate or sell them to the nearest organic farm. When food scraps go to dumpsites instead of going back to the soil to decompose, they produce methane that makes the earth even warmer. Scary!

NURTURE

You might be thinking that there are just too many rules to remember. The list can surely go on, but it doesn’t have to be that hard. Promoting sustainability is as easy as remembering that- remember this and you can forget everything above- what’s good for your wellbeing is good for the environment and what’s bad for you is also bad for the environment, and vise versa.

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#ImWithPCSD#ItStartsWithMe

PCSDS IS LAUNCHING a social media campaign entitled “#ItStartsWithMe #ImWithPCSD: A Social MediaCampaign on Battling Improper Waste Disposal on Tourist Spots in Palawan” to help beat social apathy and foster participation among the online community and mellenials. The campaign especially aims to raise awareness on environmental dilemmas using the social power of Palaweños, especially the younger generation who are both travel and social media savvy. The actual clean-ups also helppreserve the beauty of tourist spots in Palawan. The idea is that while it is good to travel to places and leave no trace behind, it is best to leave places better than before.

To join, all you have to do is:1.) Take a photo of you doing your contribution, may it be big or small, in taking good care of our planet. (Example: picking up trash along the coastline)2.) Don’t forget to include in your caption our official hashtag #ItStartsWithMe and #ImWithPCSD.3.) Tag your friends to do the challenge! 4) Finally, click “Post” on your Instagram orFacebook Account! You can have as many entries as you like! Using the hashtags, photos will be tracked online, compiled, and shared in the official Facebook and Instagram accounts of PCSD. Every month, one will be declared as the #ItStartsWithMe Champion. The winner gets to be featured here, PCSD Updates, and in our official social media accounts in Facebook and Instagram.

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6 JANUARY 2019Sports Complex Rd., Bgy. Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa City |www.pcsd.gov.ph| oed@pcsd.gov.ph

PCSDS streamlinesfrom page 1

After three representatives from PCSDS attended the three-day national training on streamlining services by Development Academy ofthe Philippines in Manila last November, orientations and workshops are being held in the office starting last December to start complying with the law. As of Jan. 23, half of all the processes in PCSDS, such as SEP clearance system, chainsaw registration, and wildlife permitting, were already reviewed and simplified. The draft of the streamlined SEP Clearance was proposed to the first PCSD meeting of the year last Jan. 28 wherein the body approved the presentation of mere Proof of Application for LGU and ECAN Board Endorsement in order to proceed in SEP Clearance processing. This new order shall take effect immediately in the Express Permitting of SEP Clearance in El Nido due to the requests of the proponents. The Council has also seen other room for improvements in the process and it was agreed that further changes shall be reviewed together with other concerned government agencies. PCSDS targets that all its 25 processes and services will be stream-lined and finalized by February with-in this year.

Faster and less costly The office is aiming to meet the prescribed processing time of 3-7-20, maximum of three days for simple transactions, seven days for complex transactions, and twenty for those that are highly technical. SEP clearance falls under the maximum of seven days. Because of this, the PCSD Resolution No. 16-552 directing the constructive approval

of applications within 10 days will be amended to 7 days from the receipt of the complete required documents. Steps will be reduced, required documents and number of signatures lessened, therefore alsocutting transaction costs.

More transparent The Zero Contact Policy prohibits the staff and the requesting party to have any contact concerning applications orrequests, except during submission of documents. This eliminates any opportunity for corruption for both the issuing and the requesting party. Furthermore, the creation of Anti-Red Tape Authority not only ensures the national policy on

anti-red tape is followed, it also initiate investegations and monitors the compliance of agencies.

Empowering the public The updated citizen’s chartercontains uniform requirement; procedure of the services; responsibleperson/s for each step; duration to complete the process; required documents; amount of fees; procedure for filling complaints. This way, the citizens can check easily whether the agency is complying with the law or not.

All streamlined services are projected to be fully operational by February .

COUNCIL MEETING: The council gathered to discuss initial agendas for the year, last Jan. 28 at Ivy Wall Hotel, Puerto Princesa City. In the picture from left to right are Provincial Legal Officer Atty. TJ Matta, PCSDS Executive Director Nelson P. Devanadera, andVice-Governor Victorino Dennis M. Socrates.

DISCUSSING CHANGES: EED Division Chief Ma. Christina Rodriguez (second to the left) and Project Development Officer II Mark Dela Crauz (second to the right) reiterate to the PCSD Staff the guidelines from the national training on streamlining services, last Jan. 25 at PCSD Conference Room.

Streamlined SEP Clearance process starts in El Nido

The SEP clearance is needed for business owners and clients to secure their Environ-mental Compliance Clearance (ECC) needed for acquiring and renewal of business permit. During the PCSD meeting last Jan. 28, it was opened by PCSDS Deputy Director Adelina Villena that the proponents in El Nido are requesting for a faster transaction of SEP

Clearance as they were given only until April to secure their permits. The records show that acquiring SEP clearance oftentakes months because ofthe requirement of edorsements from Barangay and Sangguniang Bayan. To address the problem,the streamlined applicationfor SEP Clearance adaptssimultaneous processing

and constructive approvalof application for barangay, municipal, and ECAN Board endorsement. Instead of the actual endorsements, the Proof of Application for endorsementwill be accepted. This way, the clearance will be available within maximum of seven days of processing time.

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PCSDS Deputy Chief Adelina Villena presents the streamlined SEP Clearance system to the staff before proposing it to the Council.

In the photo: Staff gathered to discuss each department’sstreamlined services.

from page 1

Streamlined SEP Clearance System

8 Sports Complex Rd., Bgy. Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa City |www.pcsd.gov.ph| oed@pcsd.gov.ph

JANUARY 2019

9SOME SPECIES OF plants can help curb mercury pollution thatcontaminates air, water, and food through a process called phytaoremediation, according to Dr. Augustine I. Doronila in a lecture last Jan. 24 at Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff Conference Room. The senior research fellow from Melbourne University, Doronila, discussed how mercury easily proliferates and how it threatens the hu-man diet. He then shared how selected plants, some can be grown in Palawan, help by extracting the toxic materials from soil. Mercury on our plates Once mercury is flushed to the environment, bacteria will then convert it into a form that can harm living creatures. Doronila explained, “What makes mercury extreme in toxic is the fact that it will accumulate in the food chain so if you have the bacteria that convert elemental mercury intoorganic mercury what happens is the fishwill eat the algae and then it will accumulate then and then the bigger fish will eat the small fish. “Then the human beings will eat the big fish, and so we get extremedose of mercury. So, you can justimagine in your city like this, if you have a place here with mercury leeching into your water system, it little bit goes into

the food chain and then into our plates.” To illustrate the impact of this toxic, Doronila narrated the storyof Minimata disease in Japan. Mercury coming from the wastewater of a chemical factory was accumulated by fish in their sea which were eaten by the locals, resulting in mercury poisoning that caused human deaths for decades. Proliferation of mercury In an experiment conducted by Doronila and his student in Melbourne,they discovered that mercurydoubles in water and in high temperature. He stressed that this study could be replicated in the Philippines as this could be a problem for most tropical countries. Furthermore, he presented the sources of the mercury pollution showing half of them is coming from human activities such as gold extraction,lime production, and the use of instruments such batteries, paints, etc.Phytoremediation To solve the problem on mercury, Doronila said scientists and researchers need to find out how to turn the harmful state of mercury back into the insoluble or the original form. Phytoremediation, which means to cleanse using plants, remove and detoxify contaminants using plants that are best biologically suited to accumulate and transform metals. In Doronila’s experiment with

his students, they have successfullygrown several plants that grow in biosoil loaded with mercury. Some of the plants can be found and grown Palawan such as Indian mustard, carrot, and cassava and some natives. It is environmentally friendly, less costly and more effective compared to other methods attempting to clean metal pollutants. Application in Palawan After the lecture, represen-tatives from different governmentagencies of Palawan who have attendedthe lecture opened the discussion of the possible application of the study as an answer to the woes in river pollution near the city’s landfill. On the other hand, Doronila has shared how Thailand has successfully created wetlands that control toxic from heavy metals after it was inspired by the works of Melbourne University. He said Thailand has sent their engineers to Melbourne to take their PhDs and study treatment programs. Doronila is Department of Science and Technology Balik Scientist Awardee 2009, recognized for his significant contributions in restoring ecological balance in mining areas through phytoremediation.

Plants help rid mercury pollution, says researcher

Nine new OJTs, welcomedNINE COLLEGE students were formally introduced by PalawanCouncil for SustainableDevelopment Staff (PCSDS) as their new On-the-Job Trainees, last Jan. 21 during the flag raising ceremony at the PCSDS building. Four of the interns,coming from ACLC CollegePalawan studying Information Technology, were assigned in the IT Units. The rest, PetroleumEngineering students of Palawan States University (PSU), are being trained in ECAN Monitoring and Evaluation Division (EMED). The students were in addition to the existing four OJTs from PSU and Western

Philippine University who are being trained in EMED and in Finance and AdministrationDivision. PCSDS is always open for OJT applicationswhenever there are vacancies. Immersions have also been conducted and will continue to be open for senior high school students. College students who would like to apply for internposition should bring Memorandum of Agreementfrom their college, anendorsement letter from the dean, and a copy of their Curriculum Vitae.

Sports Complex Rd., Bgy. Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa City |www.pcsd.gov.ph| oed@pcsd.gov.ph 10 JANUARY 2019

RESEARCHERS AND STUDENTS, with studiesrelated to the theme “Catalyzing Sustainable Development”, are invited to present their works on the upcoming International Conference on Biosphere and Sustainability on July 24 to 26 in Palawan. The conference,which has goneinternational for the first time, aspires to pool experts, researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders around the world to exchange researches and projectreports. It aims to help countries develop scientific-based decisions in meeting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDGs, composedof 17 goals and 169 specific targets, is the first agreement between allnations targeting a common objective to improve quality of life through sustainable development involving all sectors. Along with re-searchers, academic, institutions, and other delegates, governmentofficials and policymakers are also invited to address the policy implications ofscientific findings.

Call for application of studies are now being sent to different universitiesaround the country and the world. It is open to allresearchers, professionals, and students starting from high school level. On the other hand, the event will be graced by renowned speakers who are internationally recognized for their remarkable contributions in paving the way to agreener and sustainableenvironment. In collaborationwith the PalawanKnowledge Platform, Palawan Council forSustainable Development has been hosting the annualPalawan Research Sym-posium and NationalConference on Sustainable Development since 2014. Starting from a local event that turned into a national event, the organizing team has decided to finally turn it into a platform where the international community can gather and exchange studies that are significant for attaining the SDGs.

Conference on sustainabledevelopment calls for

studies worldwide