DSWD-7 Opens National Forum on Environmental Management

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII is facilitating a national forum on the Thematic Environmental Management System (TEMS) at Hotel Elizabeth Monday.

Regional Social Marketing Officer Simeon A. Remata III said that the participants are from different regions and include DSWD directors, technical specialists and field staff, selected local chief executives and community volunteers.

According to Remata, TEMS is a feature particularly customized for implementing community projects in Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), a poverty reduction project of DSWD which has now been scaled-up into a national program called National Community-Driven Development (NCDDP).

He also said that TEMS introduces the concept that environmental sustainability reduces community risks and prepares community members to be more pro-active and prepared for the increasing environmental adversities brought by climate change.

On the part, DSWD Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat in a statement, said that the reason behind the national forum is “To move our areas from environmental compliant to being environmentally responsible and stewards is one of the goals of this learning forum,” she said, adding that “This is an opportunity for us to learn from each other, study the good practices being done in the other areas and replicate these practices in each of our local contexts,” she added.

Meanwhile National Deputy Project Manager Mr. Tomas Cabuenos explained that the TEMS will have to be institutionalized and adapted by the local government units to sustain and support the on-going local initiatives in environmental conservation and protection in CDD areas.

“Kahit wala na tayo sa area or kung matapos na yung program implementation, naka embedded na ang mga environmental principles na ito sa mga communities,” he added.

Cabuenos also said that the general purpose of TEMS is that it will not only be used for Kalahi-CIDSS implementation but also for the communities to ensure environmental safeguards in their own localities.

Aside from the forum, an exhibit has also been officially opened for public view at the 2nd floor of Hotel Elizabeth building displaying TEMS initiatives done at Kalahi-CIDSS communities.

The exhibit, which is open April 28 until April 30, displays photos, tarpaulins and dioramas coming from different regions in the country.