More than 8,000 golden-crowned flying foxes (Acerodon jubatus), an endangered fruit bat species, were recorded at a roosting site in Aurora Memorial National Park (AMNP) during a monitoring activity conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its community office in Maria Aurora, Aurora.

The observation highlights the park’s importance as a refuge for threatened wildlife and underscores the need to protect its forest habitats.

The monitoring marked the second time DENR Maria Aurora personnel had observed the roosting site, following their initial observation last year.

DENR Maria Aurora community head Marivic Santos emphasized the ecological importance of fruit bats, particularly their role in seed dispersal and natural forest regeneration, which help sustain healthy forests and preserve biodiversity in Central Luzon.

“Protecting the roosting sites and feeding habitats of this fruit bat species is essential to sustaining ecological functions and maintaining the health of Aurora’s vast forest ecosystems,” Santos said.

Despite their contribution to forest ecosystems, golden-crowned flying foxes face conservation threats, particularly hunting and disturbances in their roosting sites. The species is classified as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo, meanwhile, underscored the importance of protecting the province’s remaining forest habitats to ensure the survival of threatened wildlife and maintain ecological balance.

“The intensified and regular monitoring activities of the DENR underscore the importance of preserving natural ecosystems to ensure the survival of native wildlife and maintain ecological balance for the betterment of our region’s biodiversity,” Pablo said.

He added that the large number of flying foxes recorded at the site highlights the need for sustained wildlife monitoring, habitat protection, and science-based conservation measures within AMNP.

Pablo also called on government agencies, volunteer groups, and local communities to support biodiversity conservation initiatives and help protect the region’s natural habitats.

“We continuously encourage all government agencies, volunteer groups, and communities to join us in our biodiversity conservation efforts. Let us work together to protect the rich biodiversity and natural habitats of Central Luzon through collective action and shared responsibility, ensuring the preservation of our natural heritage for future generations,” Pablo ended.

Under the SM Green Movement, SM drives enhanced resource stewardship nationwide, pursuing waste circularity through reduction, segregation, and diversion. With its efforts and collaboration with industry experts, the mall operator has also diverted thousands of kilograms of recyclables from landfills and oceans yearly.
“Because SM malls are high-traffic spaces, daily waste reduction and management habits of mall-going Filipinos can be positively influenced at scale,” said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance.
The road to a Waste Free Future is built together
Through the years, SM has pursued circularity with its application of various sustainable waste management solutions tailored according to different categories. With the help of industry partners, recyclable waste is managed or given a second life beyond initial use.

Plastic Waste: Friends of Hope Program
With the SM Plastic Waste Collection Program, mallgoers can drop off clean, empty and dry plastic bottles, packaging, and other single-use items in any of the 15 designated drop-off sites in SM malls nationwide. In partnership with Friends of Hope, around 80,000 kilograms of consumer plastics have been diverted and processed since 2021.
“The Plastic Waste Collection (PWC) Program provides convenient collection points where mall-goers, shoppers, and tenants can responsibly dispose of their plastic waste. Our aspiration is to build a strong and growing network of institutional plastic collection sites that makes responsible plastic disposal more accessible to communities and contributes to our goal of a future with no plastic waste in nature,” said Friends of Hope Program and Operations Officer Ms. Yusaira Maon

E-waste: PLDT and Smart
To tackle the correct disposal and treatment of electronic waste (e-waste) SM’s Electronic Waste Collection (EWC) Program has been expanded through its partnership with PLDT & Smart. Special e-waste collection drop boxes are deployed in SM Cyberzone wings nationwide which have since collected an estimated 28,000 kilograms of waste from electrical and electronic equipment.

PET bottles: Sparklo and Sentinel
Earlier this year, SM has also forged a new conversion pathway for PET bottles that will be disposed in its malls. With the launch of the SM Green Recycling Machine (GRM) program in partnership with Sparklo, mallgoers can deposit their empty PET bottles in the reverse vending machines that
will be hauled by recycling partners such as Sentinel Plastic Manufacturing Corporation for reuse or upcycling. With a total of 40 machines now deployed nationwide, SM anticipates a collection of 1.5 million units of discarded PET bottles by the end of the year.
“SM’s partnership with Sparklo and the deployment of Reverse Vending Machines is a great example of how collaboration can make waste recovery more accessible, measurable, and engaging. By scaling these programs across SM’s network and with more partners, we can significantly increase waste diversion and encourage more people to participate in building a more circular economy,” said Sparklo Country Manager Ellen Quilas.

Single-use utensils: Chop Value
Additionally, through SM’s partnership with ChopValue Philippines at SM Aura, single-use chopsticks are upcycled into furniture and other practical materials such as phone stands. The partnership has collected around 130,000 units of chopsticks since June, equivalent to 6,272 kilograms of carbon dioxide avoidance.
“I think pilot projects are important because they give private companies a chance to actually try circular solutions and see what works in the real world. It’s through these small initiatives that we learn, improve the process, and eventually find ways to scale them. For us, every pilot is an opportunity to show that waste can be treated as a resource and that circularity can be part of how businesses operate,” said ChopValue’s Community Manager Dave Pascual.

"SM aims to build a cleaner, greener future one step at a time. With waste management initiatives guided by the SM Green Movement, we empower responsible waste disposal through simple, everyday action encouraged in SM malls nationwide," said Silerio.

Third Service Contract Awarded in Pursuit of New Secure Energy Source for the Country

Manila, Philippines and Denver, United States – Koloma, the world’s leading natural hydrogen exploration company, announced today that the Government of the Philippines awarded the company exclusive rights for natural hydrogen exploration in western Zambales Province, under Service Contract 92.
Last October, Koloma received two Service Contracts for hydrogen exploration in Central Luzon, as part of the first competitive bid round for natural hydrogen exploration in the world, and has commenced exploration activities in both. Together, Koloma’s three service contracts now encompass more than 1,600 square miles (4,100 square kilometers).
“We are honored to deepen our partnership with the Government of the Philippines to pursue what could be a transformative opportunity for the country, in terms of energy security and economic growth,” said Pete Johnson, CEO of Koloma. “We are grateful for the government’s vision and leadership in advancing natural hydrogen exploration,” he added.
The Philippines sits on some of the best-documented natural hydrogen data in the world, making it one of the most promising settings for exploration. A discovery of commercial-scale natural hydrogen would give the Philippines a domestic, primary energy source and position it as a regional energy hub.
“The award of additional exploration rights to Koloma builds on the company’s ongoing activities in Central Luzon and marks a significant expansion of the indigenous energy exploration program,” said Philippines Secretary of Energy, Sharon S. Garin. “If discovered in commercially viable quantities, natural hydrogen could strengthen the country’s energy security at no cost to taxpayers, while providing a zero-emission fuel source for our power grid, industries, and agricultural sectors. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Koloma in this effort.”
Koloma is uniquely positioned to partner with the Government of the Philippines in this endeavor. The company has assembled a world-class team of geo-scientists and exploration experts, whose work is guided by cutting-edge research and the largest proprietary dataset in the industry.
In addition to the Philippines, Koloma has active exploration partnerships and activity across four continents.
About Koloma
Koloma is a data-driven natural hydrogen exploration company leveraging its cutting-edge technology, proprietary data, and deep industry expertise to identify and produce natural hydrogen in the United States and across the globe.
Koloma is actively engaged in exploration and partnerships that will play a role in global decarbonization efforts. We have the backing of leading clean energy funds and major corporations and are capitalized to swiftly scale our exploration efforts.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has called for a meeting with government agencies and other concerned groups to work together on issues related to the alleged e waste shipments in Subic, following public calls from an environmental protection group for immediate government action.
The meeting is intended to bring all involved parties together to better understand the situation, clarify the roles and responsibilities of each agency, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and identify practical and lawful solutions moving forward.
Those invited to the meeting include the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), as well as environmental organizations such as Basel Action Network, Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI), and the Ecowaste Coalition.
The coordination meeting comes as the BOC continues to pursue legal remedies in connection with the alleged e-waste shipments, which remain the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings and are currently under appeal before the appropriate court through the Office of the Solicitor General. In view of the pending case, the BOC is constrained from discussing its specific details but remains fully engaged in the legal process in accordance with the law.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the coordination meeting is intended to promote clarity and cooperation while the legal process continues.
“Habang nasa ilalim pa ng judicial review ang kaso, mahalaga na magkausap ang lahat ng concerned agencies at stakeholders para mas malinaw nating maunawaan ang isyu, ang kani kaniyang roles, at ang mga batas at regulasyong dapat sundin. The coordination meeting will help make sure that all actions are coordinated and carried out in compliance with the law.,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
Meanwhile, Customs operations at the Port of Subic continue. Existing procedures remain in place, and coordination with other agencies is ongoing to support environmental and regulatory safeguards.
The Bureau of Customs remains focused on carrying out its mandate in accordance with the law while working closely with concerned agencies to address the issue through coordinated and appropriate measures.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Olongapo City, received a Plaque of Appreciation from the Sealift Amphibious Force (SAF) in recognition of its partnership in implementing environmental protection and natural resource management initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and responsible stewardship.
CENRO Olongapo City Head Edward Sernadilla said the office has worked closely with the Sealift Amphibious Force in carrying out environmental programs and collaborative activities that strengthen conservation efforts while promoting the sustainable management of natural resources within their respective areas of responsibility.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said the recognition reflects the importance of sustained partnerships in protecting the country’s natural resources.
“Environmental protection is a shared responsibility. Our partnership with SAF demonstrates how government agencies can work together to safeguard our forests, coastal areas, and marine ecosystems while supporting sustainable development and national security,” Pablo said.
For her part, Marife Castillo, head of the DENR provincial office in Zambales, said collaboration remains essential in addressing environmental challenges in the province.
“Zambales is home to valuable coastal and marine ecosystems that support biodiversity and the livelihoods of many communities. Through our continued partnership SAF and other stakeholders, we can further strengthen conservation efforts and ensure these natural resources remain protected for future generations,” Castillo ended.
The recognition was conferred during the celebration of the Sealift Amphibious Force’s 80th Founding Anniversary, marking eight decades of dedicated service in strengthening the country’s maritime defense capabilities and supporting sealift and amphibious operations.

More than 200 residents of Sta. Cruz and Candelaria, Zambales gained easier access to government services and community support initiatives as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) brought a mobile permitting drive and environmental assistance directly to their barangays in line with the Earth Day celebration.

CENRO Masinloc Officer Donaver Guevarra reported that the two-day activity enabled residents of Barangays Guisguis, Guinabon, and Uacon to receive on-site assistance for chainsaw registration, land titling, tree-cutting permits, and tenurial instrument applications.

He added that the office also distributed 50,000 forestry and fruit-bearing seedlings to support reforestation, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable livelihood opportunities in local communities.

Marife Castillo, provincial head of the DENR office in Zambales, said the activity demonstrated how bringing services closer to communities can improve public access to government assistance while strengthening local participation in environmental protection efforts.

“By bringing both services and environmental support directly to the barangays, we are helping communities access government assistance more easily while encouraging shared responsibility in protecting and restoring our natural resources,” Castillo said.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said delivering DENR services at the barangay level helps make government assistance more accessible while encouraging stronger public participation in environmental protection.

“Taking DENR services to the barangay level removes barriers for ordinary citizens and shows that protecting our forests goes hand in hand with serving the public. When communities, government and industry work together, we plant not only trees but also long-term resilience,” Pablo said.

The activity was conducted in partnership with Eramen Minerals Inc., Zambales Diversified Metals Corp., and Zambales Chromite Mining Inc., in support of their environmental protection, rehabilitation, and reforestation commitments.

Guevarra said CENRO Masinloc will continue to strengthen community-based programs and partnerships that promote better public service access, sustainable development, and responsible stewardship of natural resources.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in partnership with various stakeholders, carried out a series of mangrove rehabilitation activities at a mangrove area in Barangay South Poblacion within the Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape (MOBPLS) in Zambales.

Spanning more than 7,500 hectares, the MOBPLS is a protected area known for its rich coastal and marine biodiversity. It includes 86 hectares of mangrove forests, 800 hectares of seagrass beds, and 1,500 hectares of coral reef systems that support local fisheries and help protect shoreline communities.

The rehabilitation activity sought to strengthen coastal protection and enhance marine biodiversity through the restoration of degraded mangrove areas. It also highlighted the critical role of mangroves in stabilizing shorelines and providing habitat for marine species.

Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Masinloc Chief Donaver Guevarra reported that over 9,000 mangrove propagules were planted across an estimated one-hectare area. The propagules included 𝘙𝘩𝘪𝘻𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘢 𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘢 and 𝘙𝘩𝘪𝘻𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘢, species considered suitable to the site’s zoning, soil type, and environmental conditions.

The Barangay Local Government Unit of South Poblacion, Mother Rita Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Taltal National High School, and the DENR-Protected Area Management Office joined the activity, demonstrating strong collaboration among government, community, and institutional partners in advancing environmental conservation.

“We are pleased to see the active participation of the community and our partners in this mangrove rehabilitation effort. Initiatives like this are crucial in restoring our coastal ecosystems and ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from the protection and resources that mangroves provide,” Guevarra said.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo likewise underscored the importance of sustained environmental action.

“Mangrove rehabilitation is a key component of our strategy to protect coastal communities from climate-related risks while preserving biodiversity. Through continued collaboration with local stakeholders, we can strengthen our programs and achieve lasting environmental gains,” Pablo said.

The DENR said sustained partnerships and active community involvement remain essential to maintaining mangrove rehabilitation efforts and ensuring the long-term protection of coastal and marine ecosystems.

Established under Republic Act No. 11038, the MOBPLS is the first and only marine protected area in Central Luzon and plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources. It is home to 33 mangrove species, mostly belonging to the families Rhizophoraceae, Avicenniaceae, and Sonneratiaceae. Among these is the flagship hybrid species 𝘙𝘩𝘪𝘻𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘢 × 𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘪, a natural hybrid of 𝘙. 𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘢 and 𝘙. 𝘴𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘢

These mangroves provide key ecological benefits by serving as natural barriers against storm surges and coastal erosion, functioning as nursery habitats for fish and other marine organisms, and contributing to carbon sequestration that helps mitigate climate change.

Senior Deputy Administrator Amethya dela Llana, head of Ecology Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said she “will issue a show cause” order to the Philippine Coastal Storage & Pipeline Corporation (PCSPC) for the fuel oil slick that currents carried across the pristine waters of Subic Bay.

“I will call for a technical conference when I issue a show cause”, dela Llana said.

Diesel is considered as “one of the most acutely toxic oil types” that can taint and impact marine life like fish, crabs, sea weeds and corals, but may also affect birds “by direct contact”.

According to dela Llana, the slick “might be diesel” based on the pictures taken by Subic Bay News from 11:03 AM to 12:24 PM showing the fuel oil slick, estimated a hundred meter long and around 15 meters wide at some point, travel several kilometers from the PCSPC ports to the shores of Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA).

PCSPC did not respond to messages sent by Subic Bay News to inquire on the matter.

PCSPC denied the possibility of their piers being the source of a spill, according to dela Llana, when she called the company’s attention.

“Ako po mismo ang nagtanong,” she said, but was told “no operation and wala pong barko ang Coastal (PSCPC) ngayon”. However, it appears that PCSPC lied to dela Llana because at least three vessels were at the company’s piers on Thursday morning, namely MT Jag Parth, MT Chelsea Excellence and MT Hoya Grace.

The source of the spill may not necessarily have come from vessels, though, as it could also have come from PCSPC’s own fuel pipes on the piers leading to and from the company’s several storage tanks with a total capacity of around one billion liters.

PCSPC, also referred to as Coastal, may face stiff fines and penalties, on top of a tarnished image if found responsible for the Maundy Thursday fuel oil spill in Subic Bay. (VVV) ###

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Some 800 sea turtle or “pawikan” hatchlings were released by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Subic Bay and the coastal areas of San Narciso and Masinloc towns in Zambales.
The release was part of the annual celebration of “Pawikan Day” which primarily aims to promote marine turtle protection and conservation efforts.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said the olive ridley sea turtles are important to the ecosystem.
“Their existence is an important indicator of a balanced and healthy marine life,” he pressed.
Pablo likewise urged communities to help DENR in protecting marine species and other wildlife by reporting illegal activities, especially wildlife trade, to the authorities.
Olive ridley, also known as the Pacific ridley, is the second smallest and most abundant species of sea turtles in the world. It thrives in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
In Central Luzon, these species nests in the coastal towns of Morong in Bataan, San Antonio in Zambales, and in some coastal areas of Aurora.
Due to their vulnerability to extinction, the species are protected by Section 27 of Republic Act 9147, otherwise known as the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act,” which prohibits collecting, hunting, and possessing of wildlife and their by-products and derivatives.
Anyone found guilty of violating the law shall be imprisoned to a maximum of two years and shall be fined of up to P200,000, if inflicted against endangered species. (PIA 3)

To ensure the conservation of future generations of Philippine eagles and their territories, and allow new generations to thrive and co-exist with other threatened wildlife, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), calls on all Filipinos to help protect forest habitat.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, DENR Assistant Secretary and concurrent BMB Director Marcial Amaro Jr. said that as the country celebrates the 25th Philippine Eagle Week (PEW) from June 4 to 10, the department looks back at its achievements in conserving the iconic and critically endangered Philippine eagle for a quarter of a century now.

Amaro said that by conserving national patrimony, the DENR-BMB improved and harmonized conservation efforts and has put forward strategies to curb the direct and indirect threats to Philippine eagle populations. He said relevant conservation actions include habitat restoration, law enforcement, management of captive and wild populations, research, and conservation education.

“The habitats conserved locally and protected by communities significantly contribute to environmental stability and security of human well-being, in the looming threats of climate change,” Amaro said. However, Amaro said more work needs to be done to ensure the survival and viability of the prized raptor which is considered a “national treasure.” He said the Philippine eagle, whose scientific name is Pithecophaga Jefferyi, is continually being threatened by hunting and loss of habitat. In line with the celebration, several activities were held that include an art exhibit showcasing artworks depicting the Philippine eagle by Filipino artists, among others.

Amaro said the artists themselves even paid a registration fee that will be donated for the installation of a water system to a community that helps protect a Philippine eagle habitat in Davao City.

In September last year, DENR Secretary Antonia Loyzaga called on lawmakers to prioritize the passage of proposed measures to help strengthen Republic Act (RA) 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Loyzaga said the support of lawmakers in the amendment of RA 9147 is crucial in advancing collective efforts and initiatives to sustainably manage the country’s wildlife resources. The Philippine eagle is endemic to the Philippines and is the largest forest raptor in the country.

Found in the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao, the majestic bird has been classified as critically endangered under Department Administrative Order 2019-09 or the Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and Their Categories, and by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Its uniqueness, strength, and love of freedom reflect the qualities of the Filipino people, that in 1995, the critically endangered Philippine Eagle became a national emblem through Proclamation No. 615. (PNA)