27/07/2026
๐๐ ๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ ๐ต๐ผ๐น๐ฑ๐ ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ-๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐๐๐๐ฒ๐๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐-๐ฐ๐๐บ-๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ค๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐น๐, ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐ถ๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ป๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐น ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
The Environmental Management Bureau Region I (EMB-I), led by Regional Director Engr. Nicanor C. Esteban, convened all permanent personnel, Environmental Monitoring Officers (EnMOs), and Contract of Service (COS) employees for the Mid-Year Assessment-cum-2nd Quarter 2026 General Assembly held on July 20โ21, 2026, at the DENR Region I Training Center, Government Center, Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union, with participants also joining virtually via Microsoft Teams.
The two-day activity served as a venue to assess the Bureau's accomplishments during the first half of the year, align priorities for the remaining months of 2026, and reinforce the collective commitment of EMB-I personnel to environmental protection and sustainable development.
The program was hosted by Mr. Lexter A. Galvez, Data Controller II, and Ms. Rommeline F. Auman, Planning Assistant. It formally commenced with a safety induction conducted by Engr. Ermenio A. Budeng Jr., Supervising Environmental Management Specialist (Supv. EMS), followed by an invocation led by Ms. Pearl Jyrica B. Dilinila, Accounting Clerk II. Thereafter, Mr. Darwin Karl B. Pua, Project Development Assistant, presented the house rules, while Ms. Brenda S. Pascua, Administrative Officer III, acknowledged the participants.
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Chester Lyndon S. Padilla, CPA, Chief Administrative Officer of the Finance and Administrative Division (FAD), warmly welcomed the EMB-I workforce and underscored the importance of unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility in achieving the Bureau's environmental goals. He encouraged all personnel to continue working together in delivering efficient, responsive, and people-centered public service while upholding the agency's commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.
Regional Director Esteban then delivered his message and key directives, setting the tone for the Bureau's strategic direction and priorities for the remainder of the year. He emphasized the importance of unity, accountability, and continuous improvement in advancing EMB Region I's mandate and achieving its environmental objectives. During his message, RD Esteban highlighted the recently concluded 2nd CODE and Sub-CODEs Plenary Workshop, held on July 13โ15, 2026. He shared that the workshop focused on strengthening coordination among DENR offices through the review and harmonization of organizational codes and sub-codes, enhancing operational efficiency, and aligning agency systems and processes with current policies and organizational priorities.
RD Esteban further emphasized that these initiatives support the implementation of the Government Optimization Program (GOP) under Republic Act No. 12231, otherwise known as the Government Optimization Act. He explained that the program seeks to streamline the executive bureaucracy, eliminate redundant functions, strengthen institutional efficiency, and improve the delivery of public services. He encouraged all EMB-I personnel to embrace these reforms by fostering innovation, enhancing collaboration, and remaining adaptable to organizational changes. He also stressed that every employee plays a vital role in ensuring that the Bureau continues to deliver quality public service while fulfilling its mandate to protect and sustainably manage the environment.
The assembly also featured updates on the Bureau's key programs and financial performance. Ms. Rommeline F. Auman, Planning Assistant, and Ms. Kristelle Joy R. Angala, Environmental Management Specialist I (EMS I) of the Planning and Information System Management Unit (PISMU), presented the status of the Bureau's Priority Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs), as well as the status of the submission of Means of Verification (MOVs) for the first semester of 2026. Their presentation highlighted the progress of program implementation and underscored the importance of timely and complete submission of documentary requirements to support performance monitoring and evaluation.
Meanwhile, Ms. Jurma Ann G. Gargoles, Administrative Officer IV and Head of the Budget Unit of the Finance and Administrative Division (FAD), provided an overview of EMB Region I's budget allocation for Calendar Year (CY) 2026. She presented the breakdown of the Bureau's budget by PPA and discussed its financial status as of the first semester of 2026, emphasizing the prudent utilization of resources to ensure the effective implementation of priority programs and the achievement of organizational targets.
Mr. Michael E. Alvear, LLB, Chief Environmental Management Specialist of the Clearance and Permitting Division together with Mr. Benedict R. Manapat, Supv. EMS/Chief of Air and Water Section; Ms. Isabel Perez-Mamaradlo, Supv. EMS / Chief of the Environmental Impact Assessment Section and Engr. Ermenio A. Budeng Jr., Chief of Toxic Chemical and Hazardous Waste Permitting Section; provided in-depth insights into the emerging issues, key concerns, and recent developments within their respective divisions and sections. These matters were subsequently addressed by Regional Director Esteban during the session.
The assembly also featured updates from the different sections and units of the Finance and Administrative Division (FAD). Mr. Chester Lyndon S. Padilla, Chief Administrative Officer of FAD, together with Ms. Marife C. Cabanday, Accountant III and Head of the Accounting, Budget, and Cashier Section; Ms. Brenda S. Pascua, Administrative Officer III and Head of the Human Resources Management and Development Unit; Ms. Hazel Padron, Environmental Management Specialist I (EMS I) of the Property and Procurement Unit; and Ms. Nerissa Ortiz D. Ortiz, Administrative Officer IV and Head of the Records Unit, presented an overview of emerging issues, key concerns, and recent updates from their respective sections.
Furthermore, Engr. Ryanne N. Narvaez, EnP, Chief Environmental Management Specialist of the Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Division (EMED), presented the detailed operational issues and implementation strategies concerning Ambient Monitoring and Technical Services, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Air and Water Quality Monitoring, Ecological Solid Waste Management, and Toxic Chemicals and Hazardous Waste Monitoring. The matters presented were thoroughly discussed and deliberated upon, with corresponding actions and implementation strategies agreed upon under the guidance and direction of EMB-I Regional Director Engr. Nicanor C. Esteban.
Under the Office of the Regional Director (ORD), Atty. Leenard S. Dulay, Legal Unit Head; Mr. Maynard Cara, Head of the Environmental Information and Education Unit; Ms. Lenny Grace L. Cajote, Chemist III/ Head of the Regional Environmental Laboratory; Ms. Kamellie Joy V. Elizares, Planning Officer II and Head of PISMU; Engr. Gideon Q. Nuesca Jr., EMS I of the Climate Change Unit ; Engr. Daryl S. Saguid, Supv. EMS, PEMU Ilocos Norte; Engr. Melecio Q. Llanes Jr, SEMS, PEMU Ilocos Sur; and Engr. Elmer C. Ventura, Supv. EMS of PEMU Pangasinan, took the opportunity to present their respective accomplishments, share upcoming plans and activities, and raise operational concerns.
The program also featured messages and impressions from newly hired and promoted employees. Newly promoted Senior Environmental Management Specialists (SEMS) Mr. Erwin Dave J. Nobleza and Ms. Rubie Honey B. Tavas shared their insights and reflections, followed by newly hired Contract of Service (COS) employees Ms. Rochelle G. Aling, Administrative Aide VI, and Mr. Van Kenjie R. Maglaque, Administrative Aide V. Their messages highlighted their commitment to continued growth, service, and active participation in advancing the objectives of EMB Region I.
Mr. John Nichol D. Parong, Information System Analyst I of the Planning and Information System Management Unit (PISMU), conducted an orientation on the R1 System, highlighting its role in strengthening the Bureauโs digital initiatives and improving internal processes. Personnel were encouraged to maximize the use of the system and integrate it into their daily operations to enhance efficiency and productivity. Following the presentation, participants were invited to share their comments and suggestions to help the development team further improve the system and ensure that it continues to respond to the operational needs of EMB Region I.
The General Assembly also provided updates on several key areas, including Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives presented by Ms. Joanna Mhae O. Nisperos, Administrative Aide VI/GAD Support Staff, as well as the status of the Integrated Management System (IMS), including Environmental Management System (EMS) and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) compliance, along with related concerns, discussed by Engr. Ryanne N. Narvaez, Engr. Maureen S. Malazo, and Engr. Ermenio A. Budeng Jr.
EMB-I Employeesโ Union President Mr. Benedict R. Manapat also provided updates on key matters concerning the welfare, engagement, and professional development of EMB Region I personnel. The assembly further included a presentation on the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) service benefits, where the providerโs representative discussed available services and addressed questions and concerns raised by permanent employees.
Additionally, Mr. Nestor C. Bambalan Jr., EMS I, shared information on the early detection and prevention of heart attack and stroke, emphasizing the importance of health awareness and proactive wellness practices among EMB-I personnel.
The General Assembly concluded on a forward-looking note, with the wrap-up presentation delivered by Ms. Kamellie Joy V. Elizares, Planning Officer II. She highlighted the key concerns, pressing issues, and upcoming activities across the Bureauโs various divisions and sections, providing a clear direction for continued coordination and action.
The activity concluded with the closing remarks of Engr. Ryanne N. Narvaez, Chief EMS, EMED, who expressed appreciation to all participants for their active engagement and reaffirmed the importance of collective commitment, collaboration, and sustained efforts in achieving EMB Region Iโs goals and environmental objectives.
