Vol. 8 No. 2 March - April 2014 Bimonthly issue

INSIDE: 3 DepEd-NCR visits ERDB to benchmark with its technology 4 ERDB joins 2014 World Water Day 5 TDD conducts

training on writing for ERDB researchers 6 Gising Diwa held in Sta. Rosa III Central School 7 ERDB joins “Walk for a Cause” in

Los Baños 7 San Antonio, Nueva Ecija gets bamboo technical assistance 8 Largest Human Woman Symbol for Guinness?

ERDB Women’s Month

2014, a tribute to the strong and resilient

“Juanas”

Women’s Month 2014 Advocacy Walk ERDB

Director Portia G. Lapitan joins the Advocacy Walk held

on March 4, 2014 around the UP College of Forestry

campus in support of the theme “Juana, Ang Tatag Mo

ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong” in

celebration of Women’s Month 2014 at ERDB.

T he month of March signals the opening of Women’s Month celebration at ERDB. This

year’s theme is “Juana, Ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong”. It gives special recognition to the strong and resilient “Juanas” who inspired everyone all over the country and across the globe. It also recognizes the role of women who untiringly volunteered themselves in time of disaster, conflict, and calamity and their overall contributions to progress. As part of the celebration, the GAD streamer was displayed at the ERDB throughout the month of March. The activities started on March 3, a flag raising was held at the ERDB grounds sponsored by the GAD Focal Point System headed by Dr. Marilyn Q. Landicho and other members of the GAD. After the ceremony, raffle prizes were given away. On March 4, the Advocacy Walk was held all around the UP College of Forestry Campus. This was led by Dir. Portia G. Lapitan and Asst. Dir. Antonio M. Daño. Other representatives were from DENR Region 4A, Forest Products Research and

B arangays San Jose and Burgos in Rodriguez, Rizal are low-lying areas and mostly

agricultural land were severely affected by typhoons Ondoy in 2006 and Habagat in 2013. The houses made of light materials were severely damage causing many homeless families. The absence of vegetation and the incidents that happened were the primary reasons for choosing the area as project sites to rehabilitate the river that can protect the families in similar disasters in the near future.

Mayor Cecilio H. Hernandez of Rodriguez, Rizal and Dr. Portia G. Lapitan, Director of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the two-hectare riverbank rehabilitation together with the Barangay Captain of San Jose, Antonio J. Umali and Barangay Captain Rosendo C. Cruz of Burgos on February 24, 2014 at the White Garden, Rodriguez, Rizal. Lynlei L. Pintor, the Project Leader and Mr. Faustino T. Quinajon, Clean and Green Officer served as witnesses in the MOA. The MOA signing and training on bamboo was attended by key officials in the municipality, barangay councilors, and some residents in Barangays Burgos and San Jose.

It was indicated in the MOA that ERDB shall provide technical assistance, training, and

Next page

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MOA Signing for

Riverbank Rehabilitation in Rodriguez, Rizal

ERDB OIC Director Portia G. Lapitan signs the

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the river bank

rehabilitation on Feb. 24, 2014 in Rodriguez, Rizal.

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ERDB Info Journal

Development Institute (FPRDI), and Local Government Unit of Los Baños. After the Advocacy Walk, the program followed at the ERDB lobby. In her welcome remarks, the ERDB Director Portia G. Lapitan thanked the representatives from LGU Los Baños, ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, Forest Products Research and Development Institute, Community and Environment and Natural Resources Office, ERDS Reg. 4A and the Los Baños Road Runners (motorcycle club). Dir. Lapitan said, “As women, we should set a good example in proving that “Juanas” or Filipino women are the strength of our country towards progress”. The occasion also gave way to the awarding of certificates of recognition to For. Monnette S. Santos, former GAD Focal Point. It was awarded for her 15 years of wholehearted dedication, fruitful initiative and leadership, and untiring enthusiasm towards progress of Gender and Development at the ERDB. Ms. Grace Magpantay rendered a song number titled “Beautiful” while Mrs. Florentina Oliva introduced the resource speaker The guest speaker during the occasion was Mrs. Lyn Fernando Lawas, a jeepney driver. Mrs. Fernando said, “I am proud to say that in my 31 years of driving, I have earned the respect of my peers and passengers since they say that women are more careful drivers than men.” She said that through driving, she was able to send her 2 children to school. The eldest is a B. S. Biology graduate (Cum Laude) from UP Los Baños who is working at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and now pursuing her Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology. The other child is a BS Nursing graduate. She ended her speech by saying that, “Tunay nga po na ang pagiging isang babae ay hindi hadlang upang tayo ay makapagpakita ng lakas at kahalagahan sa ating pamilya at komunidad. Lahat tayo ay may kanya-kanyang kuwento ng buhay. Babae man o lalake, magagawa natin kung ano man ang ating naisin kung tayo ay may determinasyon at pananampalataya sa Diyos”. The “Tianggehan sa ERDB” was also

opened on March 4. The one-day bazaar featured a variety of products like fruits, clothes, accessories and other food items. The Gising Diwa Program was likewise conducted in Sta. Rosa Elementary School, Central III on March 7, 2014 among Grade 5 students. Topics discussed include the Dynamics and

guidance. The LGU shall provide space for the nursery and plantation; personnel to propagate and manage bamboo propagules, prepare site for out planting, protection, and maintenance. Further, the barangays shall provide contact persons, labor, and feedback to LGU and ERDB.

In the inspirational message of Director Lapitan, she was able to capture the attention and interest of the guests and participants because of the valuable information she shared regarding

ERDB Women’s Month ... from page 1

Importance of Water by Ms. Monnette Mauricio. Dr. Malou Moreno discussed the topic’ “Biodiversity and You” while Mrs. Lyn Calderon presented a lecture on how to survive a 72-hour disaster. After the presentations, the children posted the leaf-shaped cartolina on the board. Each leaf has a written commitment to mother earth. On March 11, 2013, the Seminar on Endocrine Concerns was held while on March 14, 2014, a Seminar on Disaster Preparedness was conducted, both at the ERDB Conference Room. There was also the actual vaccination for pneumonia and flu. The Seminar on Disaster Preparedness focused on the household and office disasters. As a yearly activity, the Gender Sensitivity Training for Contract of Services was held on March 18, 2014 at the ERDB Conference Room. The final activity was on March 31, 2014 where the Enhanced Gender Tools was launched. Marla V. Cambay, TTD

Mrs. Lyn F. Lawas, jeepney driver and guest speaker

during the opening of the Women’s Month Celebration

2014 held on March 4, 2014 at the ERDB.

MOA Signing ... from page 1

Page 9

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ERDB Info Journal

For. Santos discussing charcoal briquetting.

For. Piñon explaining the clonal nursery propagation.

Participants from DepEd-NCR with Dr. Portia G. Lapitan (OIC-Director, ERDB), Ms. Veronica O. Sinohin (OIC-Chief, TDD), and Dr. Jocelyn V. Mar-cial (Regional Education Supervisor III).

T he Department of Education-National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR) visited the Ecosystems

Research Development Bureau’s (ERDB’s) research facilities for clonal nursery propagation and charcoal briquettes production last April 11, 2014. It is a kick-off activity to the 3-day strategic planning workshop spearheaded by DepEd-NCR in partnership with the Technology and Livelihood Education-Edukasyong Pantahanan and Pangkabuhayan Supervisors and Coordinators Association, Inc. (TLEEPPSCAI).

The DepEd visitors include 100 participants composed of schools division supervisors, district coordinators, and principal consultants of Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan, an elementary subject. They came from schools in Caloocan City, Pasay City, Las Pinas City, Quezon City, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati City, Malabon City, Pasig, Taguig-Pateros, Marikina, Valenzuela, and Navotas. The purpose of the activity is to adopt ERDB’s clonal nursery propagation technology for the Gulayan sa Paaralan, a nationwide project implemented by all public schools. Dr. Portia G. Lapitan, Director of ERDB, welcomed the participants with her opening remarks as she introduced ERDB, its location, and significance as a research bureau. Afterwards, the

participants were grouped in two before the site visit started. For. Albert Piñon explained the clonal nursery propagation procedures, while For. Gregorio Santos, Jr. discussed the charcoal briquetting processes.

After the site visit, the

participants left for the venue

of the planning workshop in

Pagsanjan, Laguna. –

Jobelle Mae L. Zuraek, TTD

DepEd-NCR visits ERDB to benchmark with its technology

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ERDB Info Journal

ERDB joins 2014 World Water Day

ERDB representatives during the Water and Energy Nexus

Tour at the La Mesa Treatment Plant 2 in Quezon City.

T he Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) joined the Kick-off of the 2014

World Water Day held on March 17, 2014 at Angat Watershed in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

As part of the kick-off program, ERDB showcased its first Interactive Exhibit featuring five vulnerable watersheds in the Philippines. Veering away from conventional forms of exhibits, ERDB took a light turn in making the topic more understandable and interesting to its viewers.

Entitled “Watershedelikado: Building Resilient Communities through R&D”, the vulnerabilities of Aringay Watershed in Benguet and La Union, Baco in Oriental Mindoro, Buhi in Camarines Sur, Gian in Sarangani and Davao Del Sur and Mt. Makiling in Laguna and Batangas were

unveiled. The exhibit highlighted the vulnerabilities of the watersheds against disasters such as flooding, landslide, and soil erosion. To cope with the hazards that may pose threats to the watersheds, recommendations were also provided. The exhibit was designed to increase the awareness of the viewers on the importance of

vulnerability assessment and how this study can be used as a tool to safeguard communities against potential environmental risks in their place. Vulnerability assessment of priority watersheds in the Philippines is an ERDB completed project under the Program on Climate Change.

Eight delegates from ERDB participated in the event.

Also part of the kick-off program was a Water and Energy Nexus tour from Angat Dam to Ipo Dam in Bulacan to La Mesa Water Treatment Plant in Quezon City. The activity served as an exposure trip for the participants to understand how water is being used to generate the electric and water needs of Metro Manila and other nearby provinces.

This is the second time that the Philippines

is celebrating World Water day. From March 17-21,

various activities will be conducted by different

agencies in support of the Celebration. The

2014 Celebration of World Water Day in the

Philippines is organized by DENR bureaus and

attached agencies namely, ERDB, EMB, BMB,

FMB, LLDA, PRRC, RBCO, MBCO, NWRB, DENR

Region 3 and PENRO Bulacan. Other important

bodies during the event are government agencies

including DPWH, DOE, DepEd, MWSS, LWUA,

NIA, NPC, NGCP and corporate agencies such as

Maynilad, Manila Water and Nestle organizers.

Adreana Santos-Remo, TTD

Interested individuals flock

the ERDB Interactive Exhibit

during the Kick-off of 2014

World Water Day held at An-

gat Dam, Norzagaray, Bulac-

an.

ERDB exhibit during the Kick-off Program of 2014

World Water Day on March 17, 2014 at Angat Dam,

Norzagaray, Bulacan. The exhibit featured five

vulnerable watersheds in the Philippines - Aringay

Watershed in Benguet and La Union, Baco in

Oriental Mindoro, Buhi in Camarines Sur, Gian in

Sarangani and Davao Del Sur and Makiling in Laguna

and Batangas.

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ERDB Info Journal

bamboo. They were particularly amazed when they learned that bamboo has four times the ability to sequestrate carbon compared with other trees.

Part of the MOA is the giving of training in the project sites. The speakers in the training after the MOA signing are Forester Digno C. Garcia and Ms. Marcelina V. Pacho. For. Garcia discussed about bamboo propagation, maintenance, and harvesting while Ms. Pacho tackled on the pests and diseases of bamboo.

At the end of the event, the guests and participants were inspired to the message presented by Mayor Hernandez, “Sa ating mga

Kapitan, hangad ko na ipagpatuloy ninyong suportahan ang programang ito. Sa lahat ng ahensya ng ating munisipalidad na kaagapay sa proyekto na ito, gawin natin ang lahat para sa ikata-tagumpay ng adhikain natin para sa ating kalikasan. Huwag nating sayangin ang oportunidad na sa atin ay ibinigay bilang katuwang ng ERDB. Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa ERDB na pinangungunahan ni Director Portia Lapitan. Tunay ko pong ipinagma-malaki na ang aking bayan ay kabahagi ng napakahalagang programa na ito. Sama-sama nating isulong ang pagpa-panatili at kagandahan ng ating mga ilog, kalikasan, at likas-yaman. Naway pagtagumpayan natin ang magandang mithiin nating ito para sa ating bayan at mga mamamayan”. Lynlei L. Pintor, CZFERD

R ecognizing the importance of

writing media release as a means to promote ERDB as a research institution, the Technology Development Division (TDD) conducted the “Training on Writing Articles for Media Releases” on March 12-13, 2014 at the BP International Jamboree, Los Banos, Laguna. There were 20 participants in the training which were composed of representatives from ERDB regular and project staff of the 5 R&D programs that ERDB is implementing. The training aimed to: 1) enhance the knowledge and writing skills of ERDB researchers; and 2) produce articles containing research-based technologies for media releases for possible publication in national dailies, online news portals, and the ERDB website. The Masters of Ceremony were Bhia Mitchie T. Borcena and Malaya N. Montesur Dr. Antonio Daño, ERDB OIC-Assistant Director, in his inspirational message said, “If we cannot put all the outputs of our researchers into writing, they will be useless”. He further encouraged the young researchers to make the most of the opportunity given to them. He said, “You have an edge because this gives you better

TDD conducts training on writing for ERDB researchers

preparation as researchers of ERDB.” The lecturers were composed of the TDD regular and project staff. Adreana S. Remo lectured on “Introduction to Science Communication and Clear and Effective Writing”. Malaya N. Montesur tackled “Pre-writing” and Marla V. Cambay lectured on “Newswriting”. The afternoon session focused on the discussion on “News Feature Writing and Media Releases Protocol” by Liberty E. Asis. Ricky Lee Mendiola gave a lecture on Writing for the Web. In addition, the

former TDD OIC Chief Mr. Eliseo M. Baltazar tackled “Authorship”. After the lecture, some selected participants were requested to present their outputs on the following: 1) straight news, 2) news feature, and 3) feature article. In addition, they were required to submit the project report of their respective programs including data, figures, and photos. Mrs. Veronica O. Sinohin, TDD OIC Chief and Mr.. Eliseo M. Baltazar, former TDD OIC Chief both gave their comments and suggestions on the presentations. Pretest and post test questionnaires were also distributed to determine if there was an increase in the knowledge of the participants on the subject matter. Marla V. Cambay, TTD

ERDB OIC Assistant Director Dr. Antonio Daño together

with lecturers and participants of the “Training on

Writing Articles for Media Releases” on March 12-13,

2014 at the BP International Jamboree, Los Baños,

Laguna.

MOA Signing ... from page 2

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ERDB Info Journal

Page 8

T he ERDB GAD-IEC (Gender and Development – Information, Education and

Communication) headed by For. Romana A. Mauricio successfully conducted the Gising Diwa on March 7, 2014 in Sta. Rosa Central III Elementary School. The participants were composed of selected Grade V students. The program started with the opening prayer from a student. The emcee was For. Paul Cuadra. Mrs. Apolonia B. Aldaba, the school principal gave the welcome remarks. She thanked ERDB for sharing the knowledge on the environment to their students. For. Romana A. Mauricio gave a brief background on ERDB and the Gender and Development Focal Point System. She also presented the topic on the Dynamics and Importance of Water and the Water Cycle. Dr. Ma. Lourdes Moreno discussed the topic “Biodiversity and You”. She explained the meaning of biodiversity. She also presented the number of species of plants and animals that can be found in the Philippines. She likewise gave three 3 components of biodiversity namely: genetic, species and ecosystems diversity. Aside from this, she underscored the importance of biodiversity. She also stated that we are losing 1,000-10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate of animal and plant extinction.

Furthermore, she identified the threats on biodiversity such as habitat loss and degradation, illegal logging, mining, forest fires, encroachment and others. Lastly, she suggested ways on how to conserve biodiversity. Engr. Lorlina A. Calderon presented a lecture on how to survive a 72-hour disaster. After the presentation, the children posted the leaf-shaped cartolina on the board with a written environmental commitment to mother earth. Marla V. Cambay, TTD

Gising Diwa held in Sta. Rosa III Central

For. Romana A. Mauricio, ERDB GAD-IEC Committee

Chair explains the Water Cycle to the Gising Diwa

participants held on March 7, 2014 in Sta. Rosa

Central III Elementary School, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

“ What if I skip the nursery and plant bamboo cuttings directly into my two-hectare land?”

asked Estrella B. Aucena, 49, a farmer, in the recent bamboo training assisted by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-ERDB).

Aucena, also a board member of Alangan Farmers Producers Association, was among the 40 training participants capacitated on nursery and

plantation technology in Limay, Bataan on March 6-7, 2014.

According to resource persons, cuttings can be directly planted in the holes but only two or three of them may survive per hectare. “The best planting materials of bamboo come from nurseries,” they stressed. Resource persons were Forester Jose Alan A. Castillo and Mr. Edgardo M. Castillo of ERDB,

Limay, Bataan gets technical assistance on bamboo

Farmers, local government unit staff, training organizers and trainers during the Capacity Building on Nursery and Planta-tion Technology in Limay, Ba-taan, March 6-7, 2014

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ERDB Info Journal

I n line with the Women’s Month Celebration with the theme “Juana ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa

Pagbangon at Pagsulong”, the ERDB joined the“Walk for A Cause” held on March 8, 2014 in Los Baños, Laguna. The local theme was “Tulong Sagip Buhay sa mga Biktima ng Kanser”. Fifty (50) ERDB employees participated in the said activity with six (6) participants coming from the Technology Development Division (TDD). The different barangays of the municipality, government and non-government agencies and organizations also joined the parade. The parade started at 6 o’clock in the morning from Olivarez Town Mall to the Ecological Park of Los Baños. A short program followed after the parade. Honorable Mayor Caesar P. Perez gave the opening remarks and message. He emphasized that the women play important roles in the society particularly in providing health care and services for the family and local people of the community. He mentioned that there are several programs undertaken to address the issues and concerns on health services in which they are actively involved, i.e. monthly check ups, vaccination of flu and pneumonia, blood sugar monitoring, information and campaign program for dengue. An intermission number was shown through

dances of the school children of the VEA School Los

Baños and the group of barangay health workers. Then,

closing remarks was delivered by Atty. Genalyn A.

Bagon-Soriano, Municipal Administrator. She gave

thanks to all the participants of the different agencies and

local people of the Los Baños community in joining this

activity and providing cash donation for health

development and services. The cash raised amounted to

approximately P40,000. Aurora S. Jose, UERD

ERDB joins “Walk for a Cause” in Los Baños

ERDB participants of the “Walk for A Cause” held on

March 8, 2014 in Los Baños, Laguna.

“Nueva Ecija intends to intercrop vetiver and napier in bamboo plantations”, Governor Aurelio M. Umali said during the bamboo training held in this town on March 20-21, 2014. Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is a fodder crop for dairy farmers while vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides), a deeply rooted grass, is used as hedge against erosion. The Provincial Capitol is willing to buy raw bamboo to be used as fuel for gasifiers. Bamboo charcoal, output of

the process, will be converted into activated charcoal, Gov. Umali also said. Recent ordinance prohibits drying of palay on

roadways all over Nueva Ecija. Gasifier will be used as an alternative means for drying paddy seeds (unmilled rice). Meanwhile, activated bamboo charcoal is used in products, such as soap, bath powder, cushions and pillows. “We need to have nurseries so after 4-5 years we can have bamboo plantations and build the bamboo industry”, he said to the training participants. More than 40 participants consisted of barangay officials, farmers, aspiring entrepreneurs and youth members of Tambayan ng KC1 mostly from Barangay San

Francisco – the site of approved 1-ha bamboo nursery of San Antonio, Nueva Ecija – joined the activity. Trainers were Mr. Angelito B. Exconde of DENR-ERDB and Dr. Edmundo B. Baccay of Tarlac College of Agriculture. Titled “Training on Nursery and Plantation Establishment,” the activity included lectures and hands-on training on bamboo propagation techniques, such as branch cutting and culm cutting using Kawayang Tinik, and

offset/asexual propagation using an ornamental bamboo from China. It was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry-Nueva Ecija. Mheda G. Garcia, NGP-PQPM, LBES

San Antonio, Nueva Ecija gets bamboo technical

assistance

(L-R) Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali, Department of Trade and Industry-Nueva Ecija representative Richard Simangan, San Antonio Vice Mayor Kaka Balagtas, San Antonio Mayor Antonino Ilustre, and trainers from Tarlac College of Agriculture and DENR-ERDB.

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ERDB Info Journal

Limay, Bataan gets… from page 6

Executive Advisers : Portia G. Lapitan

Antonio M. Daño

Editorial Adviser : Veronica O. Sinohin

Managing Editor : Marla V. Cambay

Layout : Liberato A. Bacod

Circulation : Eduardo M. Tolentino

Printing : Celso A. Luna

Photographer : Gino S. Laforteza

Vol. 8 No. 2 March – April 2014

Contribution from all employees are welcome as per guidelines set in ERDB Memo dated Aug. 31, 2007.The Info Journal is produced bimonthly in coordination with all Offices, Divisions and Units of the ERDB.

M ore than 10,000 “Juanas” and “Juans” from various government and private sectors

convened at the Quirino Grandstand as early as 5:00 A.M. on March 8, 2014 (International Day of Women) to join the formation of woman human symbol. This is in line with the celebration of Women’s Month for 2014 with the theme “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong”.

The formation of human woman symbol was made as the country’s entry to the Guinness Book of World Record in the category of the biggest number of participants in creating the largest human woman symbol. This activity was also a kick-off of the month-long celebration of the International Women’s Day. It is worthy to note that the Philippines is the only country that celebrates women empowerment for a month. Rooting to make it to the Guinness Book of World Record, the participants that formed the symbol were made to stand still at least 15 minutes, enough to capture the symbol via aerial photography. This was facilitated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The ten (10) contingents from ERDB, spearheaded by Dr. Simplicia A. Pasicolan, one of

Largest Human

Woman Symbol for Guinness?

the Gender and Development (GAD) advocates, left Los Baños at 3:00 A.M. to make it to the Quirino Grandstand by 5:30 A.M. Group formation started at 7:30 A. M. and was completed after an hour. Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President Adel Tamano gave an inspiring message after the formation stating, “The human symbol puts the spotlight on how women are poised to become the social and economic power house of the future and how much organization like Coca-cola and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) value their contributions”. At the end of the program, PCW Chair Remedios Rikken explained that the event was a move to signify the call for everybody’s attention to be more aware and promote gender equality or the equality of men and women. By 8:30 A. M., the formation was finished with contingents, altogether shouting: Sulong Juana! Sulong Kababaihan! Open Happiness for Women’s Month!”. Organizers of the event announced that it will take a week or two before the record is officially validated by Guinness World Records. Kudos to the organizers! Congratulations to the ERDB contingents for their active participation in the celebration of Women’s Month! Wencelito P. Hintural, CZFERD

and Dr. Edmundo B. Baccay of Tarlac College of Agriculture.

Limay Mayor Lilvir B. Roque in his remarks said they have been exploring potential bamboo nursery sites in the town’s upland areas.

Makakatulong ang kawayan sa pagbabalik-sigla ng ating kabundukan. Limay has power plants,

refineries and factories that depend on highland’s water supply and soil protection services, he added.

The activity was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry-Bataan under the Bataan Bamboo Industry Development Project of the government. Mheda G. Garcia, NGP-PQPM

Human woman symbol formation held

at Quirino Grandstand last March 8,

2014. Photo credits to Philippine Daily

Inquirer, 2014