EMB-Ilocos Region

02/06/2026

02/06/2026

𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗥-𝗘𝗠𝗕 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗜𝗘𝗖 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻, 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻

The DENR-Environmental Management Bureau – Region I (EMB-I), through Environmental Monitoring Officer (EnMO) John Carlo Guillermo, conducted an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign on Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and distributed IEC materials on May 5-7, 2026, in the Municipality of Asingan, Pangasinan.

The activity aimed to enhance the capability of barangay officials in educating residents and sustaining initiatives that contribute to cleaner and healthier communities throughout the municipality.

During the distribution of IEC materials, EnMO Guillermo discussed the salient provisions of Republic Act No. 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, particularly the importance of proper waste segregation, recycling, composting, and the implementation of effective waste disposal systems at the barangay level.

Moreover, EnMO Guillermo emphasized the vital role of barangay officials in ensuring the consistent implementation of Solid Waste Management programs within their respective communities. The discussions focused on promoting environmental responsibility, strengthening community participation, and encouraging compliance with existing environmental laws and policies.

EnMO Guillermo was hired under the EMB Solid Waste Enforcement and Education Program (SWEEP), which ensures that all DENR Field Offices have Solid Waste Management Focal personnel who monitor compliance of LGUs with RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, provide technical assistance, and conduct IEC activities on the said environmental law.

02/06/2026

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗜𝗜 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗜 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗠𝗕 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗢𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲

One newly promoted and two newly appointed personnel of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region I took their Oath of Office on May 26, 2026 during the simultaneous oath-taking and recognition ceremony administered by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) OIC Assistant Secretary for Environment and concurrent EMB Director Jacqueline A. Caancan, CESO III, at the AQMTC Conference Room A, EMB Central Office, DENR Compound, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

The ceremony was witnessed by DENR Head Executive Assistant Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe, CESO V; EMB-I Regional Director Engr. Nicanor C. Esteban; EMB Assistant Director Engr. Marivic E. Yao; EMB National Capital Region (EMB-NCR) OIC-Regional Director Atty. Janice R. Pammit, CESE; EMB CALABARZON Region (EMB-4A) OIC-Regional Director Mr. Robert Angelo M. Metin; and EMB Bicol Region (EMB-V) Regional Director Engr. Geri-Geronimo R. Sañez, MPA.

Ms. Brenda S. Pascua was promoted from Administrative Assistant III to Administrative Officer III. Meanwhile, Engr. Julius S. Cortez, who previously served as an Environmental Monitoring Officer (EnMO) under the Solid Waste Enforcement and Educators Program (SWEEP) of the EMB Region I Ecological Solid Waste Management Section, was appointed as Environmental Management Specialist I (EMS I). Likewise, Ms. Catherine Z. Marcos, formerly Technical Support Staff (Contract of Service) under the EMB Region I Environmental Impact Assessment Section, was also appointed as Environmental Management Specialist I (EMS I).

Asec. Caancan warmly congratulated the newly appointed and promoted employees, emphasizing in her message that “the EMB has recognized your capability, your integrity, and your dedication. We trust you to carry our mandate of environmental protection and sustainable development forward. This is my passing of the torch to you. I ask you to guard it fiercely because the work you do directly impacts the lives of the Filipino people and the health of Mother Earth,” Asec. Caancan said. “Serve with honor, protect your integrity, and always lead with excellence,” she added.

Also present during the ceremony were EMB-I Finance and Administrative Division OIC-Chief Chester Lyndon S. Padilla, CPA, along with personnel from the Human Resource Management and Development Unit (HRMDU), Planning and Information System Management Unit (PISMU), and Environmental Education and Information Unit (EEIU) who joined in celebrating the significant career milestones of their colleagues.

01/06/2026

Plastic pollution affects our environment every day, but simple actions can make a big difference. This infographic shares easy and practical ways to help protect our planet. By taking these small but meaningful steps, we can reduce plastic pollution, protect nature and create a safer, greener future for present and future generations.

01/06/2026

𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗥-𝗘𝗠𝗕 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝗪𝗠 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗘𝗖 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮, 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻

The DENR – Environmental Management Bureau Region I (EMB-I), through Environmental Management Specialist I (EMS I) Ms. Aloha May S. Renion and Environmental Monitoring Officer (EnMO) Ms. Janiela A. Santos, in partnership with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of the Municipality of Infanta, conducted a Solid Waste Management (SWM) Board Meeting and an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign on Ecological Solid Waste Management on May 6, 2026 at the Municipal Hall Conference Room in Infanta, Pangasinan.

The activity aimed to strengthen the municipality’s Solid Waste Management Program through collaborative discussions among barangay officials, local government personnel, and partner agencies. It also served as a venue for sharing updates, best practices, and strategies on effective waste management implementation at the barangay level.

MENR Officer Marvin Mascarina delivered the opening remarks, welcoming the participants and emphasizing the importance of strengthening collaboration among barangays, partner agencies, and stakeholders in promoting effective ecological solid waste management within the municipality.

Municipal Mayor, Hon. Virgilio F. Vallarta, M.D., delivered his inspirational message expressing his support for the municipality’s environmental programs and initiatives. He highlighted the importance of proper waste management, active participation of barangays, and collective responsibility in maintaining a clean and healthy environment for the community.

Ms. Renion, discussed the salient provisions of Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. She emphasized the importance of proper waste segregation, waste diversion, recycling initiatives, and the responsibilities of local government units and barangays in the implementation of ecological solid waste management programs. Ms. Renion also shared the various Solid Waste Management activities and best practices being implemented by other LGUs, which may serve as models for adoption and replication by the Municipality of Infanta.

Meanwhile, EnMO Santos presented updates regarding the monitoring of Barangay Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs). She discussed the status of compliance of barangays, common issues encountered during monitoring activities, and several best practices observed in barangays with functional and effective MRF operations. Her discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining operational MRFs, proper waste segregation, community participation, and regular monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

An open forum followed wherein participants shared their concerns, recommendations, and suggestions to further strengthen the municipality’s Solid Waste Management Program. The activity likewise emphasized the need for continuous coordination, information dissemination, and community involvement to achieve sustainable environmental management practices.

26/05/2026

𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗥-𝗘𝗠𝗕 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗝𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗩. 𝗢𝗻𝗴𝗽𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗜𝗻𝗰. 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗜𝗘𝗖 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻, 𝗟𝗮 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻

The DENR-Environmental Management Bureau – Region I (EMB-I), through Environmental Monitoring Officers (EnMOs), Engr. Stephen John L. Villanueva and Engr. Ivy R. Flores, in collaboration with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Naguilian, La Union, conducted an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign on Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 on May 4, 2026 at 2nd Floor DRRM Buiding, Naguilian, La Union. The activity was organized by Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. to strengthen public awareness and participation in proper solid waste management and environmental protection. A total of 47 Barangay Officials, MENRO Staff, waste pickers, and business owners actively took part in the IEC campaign.

During the IEC session, Engr. Villanueva discussed the salient provisions of Republic Act No. 9003. The discussion focused on importance of waste segregation at source, the responsibilities of local government units, barangays and communities, the different SWM Facilities, and the proper collection, color-coded bins and disposal of solid wastes. Participants were also reminded of the environmental impacts caused by improper waste disposal and the importance of community participation in maintaining cleanliness and environmental sustainability.

Following this, Engr. Flores presented the key provisions of Republic Act No. 11898 or the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022. The discussion highlighted the responsibilities of businesses and producers in managing plastic packaging waste and promoting waste recovery and recycling initiatives. Participants, particularly business owners, were oriented on how they can contribute to reducing plastic pollution through proper waste management practices and compliance with the law.

An open forum was also conducted after the presentations, where participants raised questions and shared their experiences and concerns regarding waste management in their respective areas. The resource speakers provided clarifications and recommendations to address the issues raised during the discussion.

The activity successfully enhanced the participants’ understanding of ecological solid waste management and strengthened their awareness of the importance of compliance with environmental laws. It also encouraged collaboration among barangay officials, waste workers, and business owners in promoting sustainable waste management practices within their communities.

Engrs. Villanueva and Flores were hired under the EMB Solid Waste Enforcement and Education Program (SWEEP), which ensures that all DENR Field Offices have Solid Waste Management Focal personnel who shall monitor compliance of LGUs with RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, provide technical assistance, and conduct IEC activities on the said environmental law.

26/05/2026

As of 10:00 AM today, May 26, 2026, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Batac City, Ilocos Norte remains at a GOOD level. This is based on real-time data from the Air Quality Monitoring Station located at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Compound, Brgy. Quiling Sur, Batac City, Ilocos Norte.

• PM10: 21 (GOOD)
• PM2.5: 49 (GOOD)

These readings indicate that the air quality poses little to no health risk to the public.

The Environmental Management Bureau – Region I continues to monitor air quality conditions to ensure the protection of public health and the environment. Let us all work together to sustain clean and healthy air for our communities.

26/05/2026

𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗥-𝗘𝗠𝗕 𝗜 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗴𝘆. 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗮𝗻, 𝗦𝘁𝗮. 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝘇, 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗜𝗘𝗖 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻

The DENR-Environmental Management Bureau – Region I (EMB-I) through Environmental Monitoring Officers (EnMOs), Engr. Japhryll Dwayne T. Urmeneta and Mr. Wilner S. Cabasoy, in collaboration with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) - Southern Ilocos Sur, conducted an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign on Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 on April 28, 2026 at the Brgy. Hall, Brgy. Babayoan, Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur. A total of 34 Barangay Officials and residents actively participated in the IEC campaign.

The discussion aimed to strengthen the participants’ understanding of the principles and legal framework of Ecological Solid Waste Management. EnMOs Urmeneta and Cabasoy discussed proper waste segregation at source, the importance of recycling, composting of biodegradable waste, establishment and operation of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs), and the vital roles and responsibilities of barangay in ensuring effective local waste management.

The activity fostered active participation and engagement among the barangay residents, who demonstrated increased awareness and commitment to improving their solid waste management systems.

Brgy. Captain Samuel Bisano personally attended the IEC campaign and actively participated in the open forum together with his constituents. Overall, the activity successfully enhanced the knowledge and capacity of barangay officials and residents in Babayoan, equipping them with the necessary tools and strategies to implement more effective and sustainable solid waste management programs in their community.

EnMOs Urmeneta and Cabasoy were hired under the EMB Solid Waste Enforcement and Education Program (SWEEP), which ensures that all DENR Field Offices have Solid Waste Management Focal personnel who shall monitor compliance of LGUs with RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, provide technical assistance, and conduct IEC activities on the said environmental law.