Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape - CPHPL

29/07/2026

The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape (CPHPL) successfully convened the 3rd Quarter Regular Meeting, bringing together representatives from government agencies, the City Government of Calbayog, barangay local government units, and other stakeholders.

The meeting was chaired by DENR Regional Executive Director and PAMB Chairperson Arturo N. Salazar, with the participation of Forester Allen S J. Cebuano, OIC-PENR Officer of Samar, and Forester Glenn B. Garciano, CENR Officer/PASu of CPHPL, who served as the Secretariat.

The meeting focused on key updates and management initiatives for the protected area, including biodiversity conservation, law enforcement, habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, environmental research, visitor facility maintenance, and community-based conservation programs. The Board was also updated on the implementation of the Arbor Day 2026 Tree Planting Activity, livelihood coordination with partner agencies, Protected Area Information System and Deputation Trainings, and PAMB membership accreditation.

The meeting also served as a venue to discuss the proposed Research Protocol for CPHPL, Endorsement Of Bantay Gubat, the establishment of an additional Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) site, and presentation of a research proposal by forestry student researchers from Northwest Samar State University–San Jorge Campus, reinforcing the Board's commitment to science-based conservation and the sustainable management of the protected area.

The Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape (CPHPL) is a legislated protected area under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act, covering 5,067.93 hectares in Calbayog City, Samar. The protected landscape serves as a vital watershed, supports diverse flora and fauna, and provides essential ecosystem services that contribute to biodiversity conservation and the well-being of surrounding communities.

16/07/2026

In coordination with the City ENRO Calbayog and the BLGU of Brgy. Manuel Barral Sr. and Brgy. Cabatoan, the CPHPL OJT from NWSSU San Jorge conducted a learning activity through a site visitation to a facility at Tarangban Falls in Brgy. Tinaplacan, Calbayog City. The activity aimed to familiarize the trainees with environmental management practices and support the regular maintenance of ecotourism facilities within the area.

16/07/2026

15/07/2026

The On-the-Job Training (OJT) Forestry students from Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) – San Jorge Campus experienced the regular field activities of the Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape (CPHPL) by joining the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) in its foot patrolling operations. Guided by PAMO personnel, the students gained firsthand experience in protected area management by assisting in monitoring forest conditions, documenting field observations, and learning the standard procedures for patrolling and biodiversity conservation.

The activity provided the students with valuable practical exposure to the day-to-day operations of CPHPL while enhancing their knowledge and appreciation of environmental protection and sustainable protected area management.

11/07/2026

The Northern Silvery Kingfisher (Northern Silvery Kingfisher) is a rare freshwater kingfisher that is endemic to the Philippines, particularly on the islands of Samar, Leyte, and Bohol. It inhabits forested streams, rivers, and lowland forests where it hunts small fish, crabs, and aquatic insects.

Scientific Name: Ceyx flumenicola
Family: Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
Conservation Status: Near Threatened (IUCN)

Since the Calbayog Pan-as-Hayiban Protected Landscape (CPHPL) contains forested watersheds and river systems in Samar, the species is one of the important endemic birds that may benefit from habitat protection and conservation efforts within the protected area.

10/07/2026

Learning Beyond the Classroom: Field Exposure for Future Foresters 🌿

On-the-Job Training (OJT) of Bachelor of Science in Forestry students from Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) – San Jorge Campus participated in a fieldwork activity.

The activity included a site visit of the Samar Electric Cooperative I (SAMELCO I) Minihydro Dam and the Calbayog City Water District (CCWD) Dam, where the students gained firsthand knowledge of the role of these facilities within the protected area and the importance of balancing resource utilization with biodiversity conservation.

The students also underwent hands-on training in the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, where they learned basic GPS operations, waypoint recording, navigation, and field data collection—essential skills for protected area management, biodiversity monitoring, forest resource assessment, and environmental mapping.

In addition, the trainees actively participated in potting activities of the CPHPL-PAMO nursery, where they learned proper seedling preparation and nursery management practices. This activity highlighted the importance of producing quality planting materials to support habitat restoration, reforestation efforts, and the long-term conservation of the protected landscape.

Through practical field experiences such as these, CPHPL-PAMO continues to support the development of future forestry professionals by bridging academic learning with real-world conservation and protected area management practices.

10/07/2026

The Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape – Protected Area Management Office (CPHPL-PAMO) warmly welcomed the On-the-Job Training (OJT) students from the Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) – San Jorge Campus, who are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. Accompanying the students during the orientation was their OJT adviser, For. Eduardo G. Espejon Jr., who expressed his support for the students' internship and learning experience at the Protected Area Management Office.

As part of their orientation, the students were introduced to the profile of the Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape, including its significance as a protected area, its conservation objectives, and the vital role it plays in safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystem services. They were also briefed on the mandates and regular activities of the Protected Area Management Office, such as protected area management and monitoring, biodiversity conservation, law enforcement, environmental education and public awareness (CEPA), habitat restoration, and stakeholder coordination.

CPHPL-PAMO is committed to providing the trainees with meaningful learning experiences and practical exposure that will strengthen their knowledge, skills, and appreciation for environmental conservation and sustainable protected area management.

10/07/2026

Strengthening Partnerships for Conservation and Sustainable Development! 🌿

successfully convened the 3rd Quarter Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape - Technical Working Group (CPHPL-TWG) Meeting on July 7, 2026, bringing together partner agencies and stakeholders to strengthen collaborative efforts in the conservation and sustainable management of the protected area.

The meeting formally commenced with a warm welcome to all participants, followed by the CPHPL Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) Updates presented by CENR Officer/PASu CPHPL, Glenn B. Garciano, highlighting the office's ongoing programs, accomplishments, and priority initiatives in support of effective protected area management.

The meeting was presided over by Ar. Pedro Don O. Saborrido II, President of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) – Samar Northwest Chapter, who led the deliberations on key agenda items and encouraged continued collaboration among partner agencies and stakeholders.

Among the major agenda items discussed were the endorsement of the Revised Protected Area Management Plan (PAMP) for submission to the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), the approval of a research protocol, and the endorsement of qualified individuals for deputation under the Bantay Gubat Program. The TWG also deliberated on updates to PAMB requirements, the composition of the TWG, the proposed official uniforms, and ongoing management initiatives, including the installation of directional signages and the restoration of Ton-ok Falls.

The meeting reaffirmed the collective commitment of government agencies, partner institutions, and stakeholders to conserving biodiversity, protecting vital ecosystem services, and ensuring the sustainable management of the Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape for the benefit of present and future generations.

29/06/2026

"Sometimes, all we need is the sound of the rain and the stillness of nature to remember that peace has always been around us." 🌿

24/06/2026

Scientific Name: Geopelia striata
Family: Columbidae (doves and pigeons)
Local Names: Often called "Tukmo" in some Philippine areas.
Conservation Status: Least Concern (stable population)