The National Project launch of the Philippine component of the GEF-UNEP Project, Removing Barriers to Invasive Species Management in Production & Protection Forest (IAS Project) was held at the Cocoon Boutique Hotel last 9 January 2013. The event marked the official start of Project activities in the country. Led by DENR Undersecretary, Ernesto Adobo Jr., and the Director of the Protected Areas & Wildlife Bureau, Dir. Theresa Mundita Lim, the successful launch was attended by more than 70 participants from the government and private sector.
The Assistant Secretary for the Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Office (FASPO), Rommel Abesamis, welcomed the attendees to the event. This was followed by a message from Dr. A. Sivapragasam, the Project’s International Project Coordinator based in CABI, Malaysia. He described the Project as an important undertaking that binds four countries. The Project, according to Dr. Siva, provides bridging support to the four participating countries (Indonesia, Cambodia, Philippines & Vietnam) in the area of invasive alien species (IAS) management. The Project Description, including the impact of IAS was given by Dir. Lim.
In his keynote address, Usec. Adobo, stressed the importance of three key factors, under the acronym “IAS,” that are relevant to the Project’s success: Importance of Cooperation, Action and Synergy/Sustainability. He said that cross-sectoral partnerships are needed at national, regional, and global levels to adequately prevent and combat invasive alien species. Inter-agency cooperation is essential in the development and implementation of the Philippine’s strategy and action plan on invasive species and its importance in the success of this Project cannot be overemphasized.
The Undersecretary also stressed on the need to act now since the IAS problem will become bigger the longer we delay. He challenged concerned stakeholders into action. Lastly, he said that stakeholders must pool resources together and find ways to generate additional resources to sustain the management of IAS in the Philippines. Sustainability of the project’s outcome should be the priority.
The symbolic unveiling of the Project followed. Led by Asst. Sec. Abesamis, Dr. Sivapragasam, Usec. Adobo, Dir. Lim and NSC members, the Project was launched officially in the country. Soon after, a short informative video on IAS was shown to the guests. Other speakers include Dr. Leonardo Florece of the Universitty of the Philippines and Dr. Carmelita Villamor of the Ecosystems Research & Development Bureau (ERDB). Dr. Florece shared the scoring system he developed for determining the invasiveness of alien species while Dr. Carmelita Villamor presented the activities at the Pilot Site (Allah Valley Forest Reserve in Mindanao).
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| Figure 1. Usec. Adobo,Jr. and Asst. Sec. Rommel Abesamis of the DENR lead the symbolic launch of the FORIS Project at the Cocoon Boutique Hotel, Quezon City on 9 January 2013 |
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Figure 2. Dr. Leonardo Florece of UPLB speaks about the
concepts, criteria and rating system for determining
invasiveness of plants.
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After the presentations, the floor was opened for questions from the attendees. Ms. Marivic Pajaro of Haribon Foundation inquired if a scoring system to determine invasiveness has also been developed for animal species. Dr. Florece answered that he is currently in the process of developing one. Ms. Pajaro also asked how Haribon Foundation can contribute to the IAS database and if there are training/ capacity building opportunities for communities. Ms. Josefina de Leon of the Wildlife Resources Division of PAWB informed Ms. Pajaro that they could contribute to the development of the IAS database by sending PAWB a copy of their researches. As for the training opportunities, a training needs assessment on IAS at the national level would be done through the Project, and NGOs will be involved in the consultation process. There will also be training opportunities for communities at the Pilot Site.
Ms. Christine Casal of Fishbase informed everyone that Fishbase can collaborate with the Project and provide information on fishes introduced in the Philippines through the aquaculture trade.
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| Figure 3. Dir. Edwin Domingo of DENR-FASPO delivering the closing remarks. |
Dr. Portia Lapitan, NSC member & Director of ERDB, expressed appreciation on ERDB’s involvement in the Project. She emphasized that ERDB will stand by its commitment to the Project. In addition, Datu Tungko Saikol, Regional Executive Director for DENR Reg. XII where Allah Valley is located, also expressed his support to the IAS Project.
The event was formally closed by Dir. Edwin Domingo of FASPO. He spoke about harmonizing efforts and developing an integrated sustained database on IAS. He said that a very strong research system linked with the academe is key to IAS management in the country. He congratulated everyone for completing the session and enjoined all to move forward and begin the work on managing IAS.
Report prepared by:
Dr. Ma. Rheyda Hinlo-Arguelles
Former National Project Coordinator
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