DENR Davao Region

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆⚠️

Littering, throwing, dumping of waste matters in public places are 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐇𝐈𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃 pursuant to RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, Section 48.

Following the unauthorized disposal of wastes in front of the DENR XI Office, please be informed that this Office is preparing legal action against those who committed such violations.

Be further advised that the vehicles and individuals involved have already been identified.

𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑 𝐗𝐈'𝐬 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 | 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟎𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

🛑 FAKE NEWS ALERT
President Marcos Jr. did not order a halt to garbage collection in Davao City.

📌𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬:

• 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎 – Trash‑slide at Davao City Sanitary Landfill (SLF)
• 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟏– DENR Region XI issued Suspension Order
• 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞- Secure retrieval ops, enable geotechnical checks, protect communities
• 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐲: slope stabilization, drainage controls, safety protocols
•𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐆𝐔: temporary disposal sites, co‑processing, new SLF fast‑track

💬 𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑 𝐗𝐈:

“Our teams are working daily with the LGU to ensure corrective measures and safe resumption.”

𝐋𝐆𝐔 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐠, 𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐌𝐎𝐀 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫

Municipalities of Davao del Sur harbors numerous limestone caves and underground rock formations, to which, the DENR identifies and monitors. One of it is the Dokilom Cave in Purok 5, Sitio Pananag, Barangay Mabini, Malalag, Davao del Sur- a limestone cave formed through natural karst processes and serves as a habitat to bats, swiftlets, and other wildlife species.
The cave is classified as Class I, indicating a highly sensitive site where access is strictly limited to research, mapping, and controlled documentation, in accordance with National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act (RA 9072), its Implementing Rules and Regulations under DENR Administrative Order No. 2003-29, and the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160).

Despite its ecological and scientific importance, the cave has been increasingly threatened by unregulated human entry, past illegal treasure hunting activities, and recent disturbances such as drilled surfaces, underscoring the urgent need for strict protection and sustainable management.

Recognizing these challenges, stakeholders recently convened at the Municipal Conference Room of the Local Government Unit of Malalag for the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), the turnover of the Dokilom Cave Management Plan (CY 2026–2032) to the MLGU and landowners, and the creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) to oversee its implementation.

The MOA formalizes the commitment of the LGU of Malalag, DENR-CENRO Malalag, DENR-PENRO Davao del Sur, and landowners to implement science-based and participatory cave management. It establishes a coordinated framework to regulate access, address threats, and strengthen conservation efforts. The agreement is valid for five (5) years, renewable subject to evaluation and compliance, reinforcing accountability and long-term stewardship.

Oath-taking of the Technical Working Group was also conducted demonstrating a unified commitment to ensure the effective implementation of the Cave Management Plan and strengthen coordination among stakeholders.

𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑–𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐎 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐨 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧-𝐔𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐂𝐔𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐃𝐁𝐃 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

In observance and celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDBD) , bearing the theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” and the Month of the Ocean 2026 with the theme “Sustaining Ocean Health, Sailing a Resilient Nation,” the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR–PENRO) Davao de Oro, through the Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape -Protected Area Management office (MPLS–PAMO), spearheaded a Coastal Clean-Up Drive and SCUBASurero Activity on May 21, 2026, at Sitio Subok, Barangay San Antonio, and Lapyahan sa Koop Beach in Sitio Mampising, Barangay Tagnanan, all in Mabini, Davao de Oro.

Various stakeholders and partner agencies joined including the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Blue Brigade Association (BBA), Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mabini, Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of San Antonio and its functionaries led by Barangay Captain Shirley Aban, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) Mabini, CENRO Maco, PENRO Davao de Oro, and MPLS–PAMO staff.

The combined coastal clean-up and underwater SCUBASurero operation resulted in the collection of 38 sacks of solid waste materials, equivalent to approximately 235 kilograms. The collected debris consisted of various types of solid waste that had accumulated and become trapped along mangrove areas and coastal zones.

PENR Officer Rita Fe C. Gunn expressed her appreciation to all participating agencies, stakeholders, and volunteers for their unfailing cooperation and support. She also emphasized the importance of sustaining environmental initiatives, particularly proper waste management, to address waste accumulation in mangrove ecosystems and to further strengthen climate resilience and the protection of marine biodiversity in coastal communities.

𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑-𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐏 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓
𝐎𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐤𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐭. 𝐀𝐩𝐨 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟑𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The DENR XI extends its deep concern following the recent incident involving a 37-year old female trekker from Quezon City, who sustained injuries after slipping on a rock at the White Sand E Camp of Mt. Apo Natural Park.

The trekker was part of a 16-member group traversing the Sta. Cruz Trail (Back Trail) under an approved Climb Permit issued by the LGU of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur (May 29–31, 2026), accompanied by a local tour guide from Sitio Tumpis, Brgy. Sibulan. The climb was organized by an LGU-accredited and a Davao-based travel and tour operator, Explore Mt. Apo.

Below summarizes the incident following an investigation.

• After summiting early in the morning, the trekker and her companion proceeded to the White Sand E Camp of the Digos City Trail without their assigned guide or porter.

• A DENR-hired personnel and a porter happened to be in the same area to assist in the installation of new signages in the summit. They suggested that trekkers take a photo in the White-Sand E Camp Signage like they usually do to all other trekkers. Subsequently, the trekkers went further the signage and called the attention of the DENR-hired porter and requested to take photos of them at a chosen spot. The porter briefly complied. Shortly thereafter, the trekker slipped from a ledge and sustained injuries.

• The patient was given first aid from concerned trekkers, tour guides and MANP-PAMO. She was then evacuated and brought down by the augmentation team from MDRRMO Sta. Cruz. She was subsequently received by CDRRMO Digos and the BFP Search and Rescue Team at Sitio Sabwag, Brgy. Kapatagan, Digos City, and was brought to a hospital.

The office of the Mount Apo Natural Park emphasizes that trekking safety begins with the individual and extends to guides and organizers.

The trekkers are expected to follow trail rules, avoid risky behavior, and respect the guidance and safety briefing of your assigned tour guide or porter. The tour guides are likewise reminded to maintain vigilance, enforce safety protocols, and ensure that every trekker is accompanied by a qualified guide or porter and that the trekker/group stay within designated safe zones and permitted trails.

Safety lies in everyone’s discipline, the guide’s vigilance, and the organizers’ preparedness. Together, we climb smart and safe while preserving the integrity and solemnity of Mt. Apo.

𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐚. 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐩𝐨’𝐬 𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐎 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐁𝐢𝐝

In an executive briefing held on May 20, 2026, Mayor Jose Nelson “Tata” Sala, Sr. commits backing of Municipality of Sta. Cruz and its constituents for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in its continuing effort to secure recognition of Mount Apo as Mindanao’s first UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) and the second in the Philippines.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including PENR Officer Chamberlain J. Babiera, Mt. Apo Natural Park OIC-PASu Clint Michael B. Cleofe, LGU Sta. Cruz Environment Head Alan Angub, Tourism Officer Julius R. Paner, Municipal Planning Officer Ommi Kharzom L. Buat, and several barangay captains. Collectively, they emphasized the importance of coordinated and sustained collaboration in advancing the geopark initiative.

The orientation highlighted the vital role of geoconservation, sustainable tourism, environmental protection, and community development within the geopark framework. It also provided updates on the upcoming UNESCO evaluation activities and emphasized the essential participation of local stakeholders in the process.

Mayor Sala likewise announced plans to facilitate the passage of a Municipal Resolution formally supporting Mount Apo’s inscription as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

In line with this commitment, the local government also pledged to fast-track ecotourism site development across identified geosites in Sta. Cruz and to launch information campaigns and promotional advertisements through the municipal radio station to raise public awareness.

With Sta. Cruz’s steadfast commitment, the initiative continues to move forward with greater momentum, unity, and collective support in realizing the vision of Mount Apo as a globally recognized geopark.

𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑 𝐗𝐈- 𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐎 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐎𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐒𝐎 𝟗𝟎𝟎𝟏:𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟓 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭

In a strong demonstration of organizational excellence and commitment to quality public service, the Department of Environment and Natural Resource-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-PENRO) Occidental of Davao Region successfully passed its ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) 1st Surveillance Audit.

The face-to-face audit was conducted on May 14–15, 2026, followed by the nationwide virtual Closing Meeting on May 21, 2026. This milestone supports the agency’s ongoing nationwide QMS recertification efforts and confirms its continued compliance with international quality standards.

The audit was spearheaded by Lead Auditor Mr. Gerard Cayetano of SOCOTEC Certification Philippines, Inc., with support from DENR Central Office QMS Representatives Ms. Ivy Nicole Angeles, who served as IMS/QMS Secretariat and Internal Quality Audit (IQA) Auditor, and Ms. Alyanna Melissa P. Vergara of the QMS Secretariat. The audit activities were also coordinated with the DENR XI QMS Team through For. Rosalie Mantica and Engr. Kaye Hubahib.

The evaluation covered frontline services, documentation processes, and operational compliance to ensure efficient and responsive public service delivery. For 2026, among DENR Davao Region’s field offices, only PENRO Davao Occidental was identified to be subject to surveillance audit. Its strong performance reflected the region’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and service excellence.

The successful audit further reinforced DENR Davao Region’s commitment to continuous improvement by strengthening systems, refining processes, and ensuring effective environmental governance across the region.

𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐎𝐧𝐞-𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥

In a major step toward strengthening responsible and sustainable mining, government agencies and local stakeholders participated in a Mobile One-Stop Shop (MOSS) for the small-scale mining sector on May 28–29, 2026, at the Technopark in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office XI (MGB-XI), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region XI (DENR-XI), and the Provincial Local Government Units of Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental led the two-day initiative, which brought essential mining-related government services directly to small-scale miners, cooperatives, and associations across the region. The activity aimed to strengthen the implementation of legal, responsible, and sustainable mining practices.

The event was spearheaded by MGB-XI Regional Director Beverly Mae Brebante, with the strong support from key officials including DENR-XI Assistant Regional Executive Director Victor T. Billones alongside Central Office’s MGB Director Larry Heradez, Assistant Director Karlo Queaño, and MGB-XII representative John Mikel Ansao.

In his welcome message, Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang Sr. emphasized the importance of balancing economic development with environmental protection.

“While we recognize its economic value, we also believe that mining must be done responsibly. Development should go hand in hand with environmental protection and compliance with the law,” he said.

Assistant Secretary for Field Mining Concerns Engr. Michael V. Cabalda likewise encouraged small-scale miners to maximize the opportunity to improve compliance and strengthen responsible operations.

“To our small-scale miners, I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Let us work together towards legal, responsible, and sustainable mining practices. Let us demonstrate that economic development and environmental protection are not opposing goals, but shared responsibilities,” Engr. Cabalda stated.

The MOSS initiative produced several key outcomes for the sector, including the declaration of five (5) Minahang Bayan areas, the approval of two (2) Interim Small-Scale Mining Contracts (SSMC), and the granting of two (2) Regular Small-Scale Mining Contracts.
Capacity-building efforts were also reinforced through safety training sessions attended by 161 small-scale miners. In addition, 17 cooperatives and associations received direct assistance and guidance on Mine Safety Rules and Regulations.

The initiative underscores the government’s continued efforts to formalize and strengthen the small-scale mining sector through improved regulation, safety compliance, and institutional support.

Through the collaborative efforts of national government agencies, local government units, and mining stakeholders, the MOSS program continues to promote responsible mining governance and support sustainable economic growth in mining communities across the Davao Region.