http://menre.bangsamoro.gov.ph/

Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy - BARMM, Bangsamoro Government Center, Rosary Heights 7, Cotabato City (2026)

01/09/2026

𝐀 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒

Clean and healthy communities begin with a shared sense of responsibility. This September, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) joins the nationwide observance and celebration of National Cleanup Month 2026, calling on every sector to take part in protecting and caring for the environment.

Beyond organized cleanup activities, the observance calls attention to the everyday choices that shape the condition of our surroundings. Proper waste management, responsible consumption, and active community participation remain essential in preventing pollution and protecting the natural resources that sustain the Bangsamoro.

Throughout the month, MENRE stands with communities, institutions, and partners in advancing a culture of environmental stewardship. Every cleared space, properly managed waste, and sustained community effort moves the Bangsamoro toward a future where cleaner communities are sustained, natural resources are protected, and environmental responsibility is practiced beyond the month-long observance.

31/08/2026

𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐲𝐨𝐧

𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥
𝘽𝙪𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙨

𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 (𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔)

Have you ever wondered how the loss of a single forest species could affect the forests we depend on?

The Southern Rufous Hornbill, scientifically known as 𝘉𝘶𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴, is a large endemic hornbill found only in the Philippines. Its population occurs in Mindanao, particularly in Basilan, Dinagat, and Siargao. Samar and Western Mindanao are considered strongholds of the species, while populations in some islands have declined significantly.

The Southern Rufous Hornbill is closely associated with forest ecosystems. It occurs largely in primary forests but may also inhabit mature secondary and selectively logged forests. It feeds mainly on fruits and seeds, with fruits comprising as much as 94% of its diet, and also consumes insects. It often feeds in tall fruiting trees, sometimes gathering in groups of up to 12 individuals.

Its dependence on mature forests becomes especially important during nesting. The species nests in tall, often emergent trees with suitable cavities. However, many of these trees, particularly dipterocarps and ironwood, are also valued timber species. Logging, forest conversion to agriculture, and habitat fragmentation can therefore reduce both feeding areas and suitable nesting sites. The species also faces hunting and trapping pressure. It has been hunted for food and may be captured for the cage-bird trade.

In some areas, it is also sought for traditional headdresses. Although its exact population size remains unknown, a rapid decline of 30-49% over three generations is suspected due to habitat loss, degradation, hunting, and trapping.

The 𝘉𝘶𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴 is classified as Vulnerable in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species in 2020. Under the Philippine Red List of Threatened Wild Fauna, it is listed as endangered. Conservation efforts include protecting remaining forests, monitoring populations, addressing the shortage of nesting sites, and strengthening community participation and conservation education.

The species is also protected through its inclusion in CITES Appendix Il and occurs in several protected areas. Protecting the Southern Rufous Hornbill means protecting the mature forests that provide its food and nesting sites.

Let us protect the Southern Rufous Hornbill and the forests that sustain it.

28/08/2026

MENRE STRENGTHENS PROCUREMENT PRACTICES THROUGH CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT, DENR BENCHMARKING

QUEZON CITY — Strengthening procurement capacity across its regional and provincial offices, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) - BARMM convened key officials and employees for a three-day institutional capacity development and benchmarking activity on procurement and other related areas from August 25 to 27, 2026.

Discussions covered the government procurement process for environmental and related transactions, including procurement planning, modes of procurement, contract implementation, and sanctions. Led by Atty. Anthony Raymond Velicaria, Director of the DENR Legal Affairs Services, the sessions provided participants with updated knowledge and practical guidance to enhance their ability to implement procurement processes in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

During his opening remarks, Minister Akmad A. Brahim highlighted the importance of looking beyond established procedures to improve MENRE’s procurement system. "This activity is therefore an opportunity to look beyond procedures and examine how we can improve the system behind our work," Brahim said.

On the second day, participants engaged in a benchmarking activity with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Office, which provided MENRE personnel with an opportunity to learn from established procurement systems and best practices. The engagement allowed participants to gain practical insights, share experiences, and identify practices that could further improve MENRE’s procurement processes.

Capping the three-day activity, Deputy Minister Muslima Asmawil emphasized the need to translate the knowledge and insights gained from the training and benchmarking into improved procurement practices across MENRE offices. "The challenge now is translation: taking these insights from theoretical discussions into standard operating procedures back in our respective offices," Asmawil said.

Building on MENRE’s April 2026 training on Republic Act No. 12009 and July 2026 capacity-building workshop for the Maguindanao PENREOs, the activity formed part of the Ministry’s continuing efforts to develop procurement competencies across its regional and provincial offices.

Through continuing capacity development and institutional benchmarking, MENRE strengthened its efforts to improve procurement processes and support the effective implementation of its environmental, natural resources, and energy programs and services across the Bangsamoro.

25/08/2026

IN PHOTOS: The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE), through its Biodiversity, Ecosystems, Research and Development Services (BERDS), strengthens the technical capacity of its wildlife personnel through a six-day training focused on the identification, proper handling, rescue, and management of amphibians and reptiles.

Representing MENRE was Al-Saud I. Musa, Biologist of the Biodiversity Resource Management Division, who participated in the "Training on Wildlife Conservation and Management: Species Identification, Handling, and Management Techniques of Herpetofauna (Amphibians and Reptiles)" held at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Los Baños, Laguna, from August 16 to 22, 2026.

The training aimed to enhance the knowledge, technical capabilities, and practical skills of wildlife personnel in species identification, wildlife handling, rescue, and conservation management. It also provided participants with techniques that can be applied during field operations while ensuring the safety and welfare of wildlife and personnel.

Organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), in collaboration with UPLB, the training brought together wildlife personnel and representatives from various DENR regional offices and participating agencies from different parts of the Philippines.

The knowledge and skills gained from the activity are expected to support wildlife identification, rescue, handling, monitoring, and management activities, while strengthening wildlife protection, conservation, management, and enforcement efforts, particularly for amphibian and reptile species in the region.

The training also highlights the importance of continuous capacity building and knowledge sharing in improving wildlife response and strengthening conservation efforts across BARMM.

[Photos by MENRE-BERDS]

25/08/2026

LOOK: The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) strengthened its representation in the multi-sectoral governance of Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC) following the oath-taking of Provincial Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy Officer (PENREO) Asmarie M. Labao as a new member of the APMC–Multi-Sectoral Governance Council (APMC-MSGC) on August 20 at the APMC Executive Conference Room in Marawi City.

The inclusion of MENRE’s environmental sector representation in the Council provides an avenue to bring environmental governance, regulatory compliance, and sustainable practices into discussions concerning hospital operations and community-based healthcare initiatives.

The APMC-MSGC brings together representatives from various government institutions, civil society, media, religious and community sectors, and other stakeholders, including the Governor of Lanao del Sur, Integrated Provincial Health Office, PhilHealth-BARMM, City Health Office of Marawi, 103rd Infantry Brigade, DXSO Radyo Pilipinas, Provincial Ulama Council, City Schools Division of Marawi, and MARADECA Incorporated.

As a multi-sectoral governance mechanism, the Council provides a platform for shared accountability, transparency, collaboration, and strategic input in the delivery and improvement of healthcare services. For MENRE, participation in the Council creates an opportunity to reinforce the environmental dimension of institutional operations, particularly in areas such as environmental compliance, proper waste management, resource efficiency, pollution prevention, and sustainable practices within healthcare facilities and their partner communities.

These concerns are closely linked to public health and community well-being. Healthcare facilities generate various forms of waste and utilize significant amounts of water and other resources, making environmental compliance and sound resource management important components of safe and responsible hospital operations.

Labao said MENRE’s participation in the Council can help strengthen dialogue between the health and environment sectors and provide a venue for addressing environmental compliance concerns affecting hospitals and the communities they serve.

MENRE’s participation in the APMC-MSGC reinforces the importance of integrating environmental considerations into broader public service and governance initiatives across the Bangsamoro. Through stronger inter-sectoral coordination, the Ministry can contribute its environmental expertise to discussions that affect public health, institutional sustainability, and community welfare.

[Photos by PENREO Lanao del Sur]

24/08/2026

LOOK: In its continued effort to strengthen community awareness of the protection and conservation of the Dimapatoy Watershed Forest Reserve in Upi, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) through its Biodiversity, Ecosystems, Research and Development Services (BERDS) convened a Community Education and Public Awareness Activity (CEPA) at Barangay Kibleg, Upi, Maguindanao del Norte on August 19.

The said activity was carried out in coordination with the Provincial ENRE Office (PENREO) Maguindanao del Norte and brought together representatives from the Local Government Unit of Upi, Barangay Kibleg officials and kagawads, purok leaders, and community members residing near the watershed.

The discussions covered the current status of the Dimapatoy Watershed, its importance and uses, biodiversity conservation, and environmental and wildlife laws. Participants also learned about the role of local government units in protecting and managing watershed resources.

During the activity, some participants shared that they were previously unfamiliar with RA 9147 and the sanctions associated with illegal wildlife capture or collection, unauthorized cutting of trees, and other activities that may harm natural resources. The question-and-answer session further allowed participants to clarify which activities are allowed or prohibited within the watershed and better understand their responsibilities in protecting its natural resources.

Through continuous education and engagement, MENRE aims to encourage the communities to actively participate in the long-term protection and sustainable management of the Dimapatoy Watershed Forest Reserve.

[Photos by MENRE-BERDS]

22/08/2026

REGIONAL KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE OPENS PATHWAYS FOR STRONGER CLIMATE RESILIENCE IN BARMM

BANGKOK, Thailand — The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), through its Environment Management Services (EMS) and Forest Management Services (FMS), participated in the Regional Knowledge Exchange on Climate Mobility held on 10–11 August 2026 at Pullman Bangkok King Power in Bangkok, Thailand.

Representing MENRE-BARMM were EMS Director Dr. Jalani M. Pamlian, EnP, and FMS Director Dr. Abdul Jalil Umngan, who joined government officials, technical experts, international organizations, development partners, members of the academe, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders from across Asia and the Pacific.

The regional exchange was organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with support from the European Union, under the theme “Navigating Climate Mobility through Evidence and Community Action for Resilient Pathways.” The activity sought to build a shared understanding of climate-related mobility and resilience, strengthen the use of risk evidence in planning and decision-making, and promote inclusive, mobility-sensitive approaches to climate resilience.

𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦-𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘨𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦

During the two-day exchange, the MENRE-BARMM delegation participated in discussions on climate risk, resilience and mobility; evidence-based planning and programming; and community action and local solutions. The discussions highlighted the importance of integrating risk data, modelling, local knowledge, and community-level insights into resilience planning, adaptation, investment, and financing decisions.

The activity also provided an avenue for participants to share practical experiences and identify approaches that can be adapted to different local and regional contexts.

For MENRE-BARMM, the discussions are particularly relevant to the Region’s continuing efforts to strengthen environmental governance, climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and community-based environmental management.

𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘹𝘵

Climate-related hazards and environmental pressures can affect livelihoods, local economies, adaptive capacity, and decisions concerning human mobility. The regional exchange emphasized that these impacts require approaches informed by evidence while remaining responsive to the needs and circumstances of affected communities.

For BARMM, the knowledge gained from the exchange can contribute to future environmental and climate-resilience initiatives, particularly those involving vulnerable communities exposed to flooding, coastal and other environmental pressures, disasters, and other climate-related risks.

EMS Director Pamlian emphasized the importance of translating regional knowledge into practical environmental programs and policies that respond to the realities of Bangsamoro communities.

“Climate resilience is not only about responding to hazards. It is also about understanding how environmental and climate risks affect people’s livelihoods, communities and future choices. Our challenge is to translate evidence and lessons from the region into practical programs that can strengthen the resilience of our communities in BARMM.”

Meanwhile, FMS Director Umngan highlighted the importance of integrating environmental and natural resource management considerations into broader climate resilience strategies, particularly in ensuring that ecosystems and communities are better prepared for increasing climate pressures.

The exchange also provided opportunities for MENRE-BARMM to engage with regional and international partners and learn from experiences across participating countries, including the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Fiji, Nepal, Singapore, Viet Nam, Timor-Leste, and others.

The IOM activity is expected to contribute to a regional learning brief documenting key evidence, practical examples, and actionable messages for resilience-oriented and mobility-sensitive programming.

MENRE-BARMM intends to draw from these lessons in strengthening its environmental programs, technical capacity, partnerships, and project development initiatives, particularly those involving climate adaptation, environmental risk management, community resilience, and evidence-based environmental planning.

The participation of the EMS and FMS Directors underscores MENRE-BARMM’s commitment to ensuring that environmental management and natural resource governance remain integral components of the Bangsamoro’s pursuit of a resilient, sustainable, and climate-responsive region.

[Photos by MENRE-EMS and FMS]

20/08/2026

MENRE BUILDS PENREOs’ CAPACITY IN HAZARDOUS, HEALTHCARE WASTE MANAGEMENT

DAVAO CITY — Strengthening awareness and capacity on the proper management of hazardous and healthcare wastes, the Ministry’s Environment Management Services (EMS) conducted a training-workshop on hazardous waste management in BARMM on August 17 in Davao City.

The activity gathered personnel from Provincial ENRE Offices (PENREOs), namely Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Sulu.

“This is particularly important for BARMM because our region continues to develop. As our hospitals, laboratories, clinics, industries, and communities expand, the generation of hazardous waste will also increase. Therefore, we must build our capacity now,” EMS Director Jalani Pamlian expressed in his message.

Among the key topics discussed was Republic Act No. 6969, or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990, which covers the handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous wastes. The training also discussed DENR Administrative Order No. 2013-22, which provides procedures and standards for hazardous waste management and covers waste generators, transporters, and treatment, storage, and disposal facilities.

The workshop also covered the requirements for proper hazardous waste storage, including accessible, secure storage areas, proper ventilation, impermeable floors, waste segregation, and emergency response equipment.

Participants were likewise oriented on proper waste labeling and the use of personal protective equipment based on the type of hazard and possible exposure. The training further discussed the Hazardous Waste Management System and the permitting processes for hazardous waste generator registration and permits to transport. Participants were provided with information on the requirements and processes involved in managing hazardous and healthcare wastes.

Through this training, MENRE aims to promote more consistent and responsible hazardous waste management across the Bangsamoro region.

20/08/2026

IN PHOTOS: The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) Forest Management Services (FMS), led by Director Abdul-Jalil S. Umngan, Ph.D., recently conducted a coordination meeting with local officials of the Municipality of Datu Hoffer Ampatuan on August 19, 2026 to advance sustainable forest co-management and land governance.

A major highlight of the meeting was the commitment and willingness expressed by the municipal leadership to draft and implement the Bangsamoro Forest Land Use Plan (BFLUP). During the session, the MENRE team presented a framework outlining the BFLUP as a vital mechanism for empowering local government units (LGUs) to secure tenure, close open-access areas, and promote sustainable resource management within their jurisdictions.

The meeting was conducted pursuant to the directives of Minister Akmad A. Brahim and Bangsamoro Director General for ENR Atty. Badr E. Salendab. Director Umngan was joined by technical personnel from the Land Evaluation and Mapping Section (LEMS) and representatives from the Provincial Environment, Natural Resources and Energy Office (PENREO) of Maguindanao del Sur. The municipal delegation was headed by Vice Mayor Johaira Midtimbang Ampatuan, alongside municipal councilors and key administrative staff.

The collaborative effort underscores the shared commitment of regional environmental authorities and local government leaders to transparent and consensus-driven resource co-management. By aligning municipal development plans with sustainable forestry policies, MENRE and the local government aim to establish long-term ecological balance and economic resilience across the region.

[Photos by MENRE-FMS]

18/08/2026

MENRE, DOE STRENGTHEN REGULATORY CAPACITY FOR DOWNSTREAM OIL AND GAS SECTOR IN BARMM

DAVAO CITY — The BARMM Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) and the Department of Energy (DOE) strengthened their collaboration in advancing the regulatory capacity of the Bangsamoro Government’s downstream oil and gas sector through a two-day capacity-building workshop for members of the Downstream Oil and Gas Development and Utilization (DOGDU) Technical Working Group held on August 11–12, 2026.

The activity brought together MENRE officials and technical personnel, DOE representatives led by Oil Industry Management Bureau Director Rino E. Abad, and technical experts to strengthen MENRE’s technical capacity and understanding of national rules, standards, inspection procedures, and regulatory requirements governing the downstream oil industry.

In his opening remarks, MENRE Minister Akmad A. Brahim emphasized that the activity supports the directives of the 13th Intergovernmental Energy Board (IEB) Meeting, particularly in strengthening coordination between the National and Bangsamoro Governments, enhancing MENRE’s technical capacity, and developing appropriate mechanisms for effective downstream oil and gas regulation.

“Through our continued partnership and cooperation, we can build a downstream oil and gas sector that is safe, reliable, well-regulated, and responsive to the needs of the Bangsamoro people,” Minister Brahim said.

The workshop covered key regulatory areas, including rules governing liquid fuel retail outlets, Certificate of Compliance (COC) requirements, inspection and fuel sampling procedures, enforcement and disposal protocols, fuel quality and facility standards, and the development and updating of Philippine National Standards (PNS) for petroleum products and facilities.

A significant component of the workshop was the technical discussion and demonstration on the proper calibration and sealing of fuel dispensers. Participants were oriented on test measure maintenance, proper measurement techniques, calibration procedures, allowable tolerances, and sealing requirements to ensure accurate fuel dispensing and protect consumers. Discussions also covered safety practices for downstream oil and LPG facilities, as well as the development of inspection manuals and guidelines to further support MENRE’s regulatory functions.

Also present during the activity were Bangsamoro Director General for Energy Nasiri B. Abas, OIC Director of the Energy Management and Development Services (EMDS) Atty. Noranissa A. Aliudin, Chief Energy Regulation Officer Moammer A. Tabara, and MENRE’s downstream oil and gas technical personnel, together with the DOE Mindanao Field Office technical team.

Through sustained intergovernmental cooperation and technical capacity-building, MENRE and DOE reaffirmed their commitment to promoting consumer protection, fuel quality, safety, regulatory compliance, and a more responsive downstream oil and gas sector in the BARMM.

[Photos by MENRE-EMDS]

Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy - BARMM

01/09/2026

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