MENRO - Municipality of Guiuan

01/11/2025

🌿 Capping October with a Greener Coastline 🌊

To cap the month of October, a meaningful environmental activity was held on October 31, 2025, at around 0600H-0900H as 1,000 mangrove propagules and seedlings of the Bakauan (i. Rhizophora) species were planted along the coasts of Barangay Pagnamitan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar—facing the Leyte Gulf side.

This activity was initiated by the Department of Justice – Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA), and coordinated by the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of the LGU of Guiuan. The event saw the active participation of partner agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC) — which generously provided the mangrove propagules and seedlings used for the planting.

Food for the volunteers and participants was also provided by the Office of the Municipal Mayor, whose continued support for local environmental initiatives remains steadfast and inspiring. MENRO Guiuan extends its heartfelt thanks to Mayor ANNALIZA P. GONZALES - KWAN for her unwavering commitment to climate resilience and ecological programs.

This coastal greening effort is in line with DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-066, dated July 7, 2025, which enjoins LGUs to identify and prioritize areas for greenbelt development—especially in densely populated and hazard-prone coastal zones, including those classified as protected marine areas.

A healthy mangrove belt serves as a natural shield against storm surges, coastal erosion, and flooding. It also provides a nurturing habitat for marine life, helping sustain the livelihoods of our fishing communities.

We commend everyone who joined the activity for their cooperation, teamwork, and love for nature. 🌱 Let this serve as a reminder that we can all work towards a healthier environment—through simple yet vital actions like waste segregation and proper disposal of household waste and participating in planting activities.

Together, let’s continue building a greener, safer, and more resilient Guiuan! 💚

P.S. No seagrass beds were harmed. The activity was supervised by a Forester from the MENRO of LGU Guiuan. Thank you to MGSO of LGU Guiuan and our Municipal Engineering Office for the man power and vehicles used in the transportation of the mangrove propagules and seedlings! Cheers!

24/10/2025

🌿 Basura Mo, Bugas Mo: Soon to be a Guiuan Ordinance! 🌾♻️

On October 24, 2025 (Friday), the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources led by Hon. SB Member Floriano “Poly” G. Bagro, Jr., together with Hon. Uldrick Franzdale C. Somoray, Hon. Kinna Mae G. Kwan - Mabansag, Hon. Dominador G. Chua, Jr., and Hon Francis Aldous Sison (who were on official travel), held a Committee Hearing for the proposed Municipal Ordinance Institutionalizing the Basura Mo, Bugas Mo Program - a local solid waste management initiative proudly CHAMPIONED by HON. MAYOR ANNALIZA P. GONZALES-KWAN📝

👥 Resource persons included:

Mr. Rizalde C. Salamida, MGSO Department Head
Engr. Ric Censon, LGU Guiuan SWM Consultant
Mr. Ephraim John Tycho O. Mabansag, MENRO-Designate

This Ordinance aims to formally establish one of Guiuan’s most inspiring solid waste management initiatives first launched by the LGU on November 5, 2024.

🍚 Under this program, 2 kilos of soft plastic wastes (plastic cellophane, bags, wrappers, sachets, and similar materials) can be exchanged for 1 kilo of rice.
📍 Redemption Center: MGSO Office, Ground Floor, Guiuan Municipal Building
🕘 Every Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

But the story doesn’t end there.
Every bag of soft plastic waste collected is not just exchanged for rice — it’s transformed. These plastics are processed and recycled into school armchairs or into eco-bricks, giving them a second life and supporting a circular economy. ♻️✨

💬 This program does not promote the use of single-use plastics — instead, it rewards community collaboration in keeping Guiuan clean, organized, and environmentally responsible.

The upcoming passage of the Basura Mo, Bugas Mo Ordinance marks another bold step for Guiuan — turning waste into hope, and community action into lasting change. 🌏💚

23/10/2025

🌿 SECOND CHANCES, CLEANER SPACES 🌿

In 2021, the DOJ–Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) and then Municipal Administrator, now SB Member, Hon. Kinna Mae G. Kwan - Mabansag, with the strong support of Mayor Annaliza P. Gonzales-Kwan, forged a simple verbal agreement: Guiuan’s probationers would help care for the town’s parks and green spaces.

Four years later, that promise still stands. 💚

In this video, our probationers once again show their dedication—cleaning and maintaining the Veteran’s Park in Barangay Ngolos. Their continued service proves that second chances can bloom into community pride and that change is most powerful when it serves others. 🌱

The LGU Guiuan and MENRO, under Mayor Annaliza P. Gonzales-Kwan, thank our probationers for turning rehabilitation into inspiration. 🙏

Let’s follow their lead:
🗑️ Segregate waste properly
♻️ Recycle and compost
🌳 Keep our parks and shorelines clean

Together, we can keep Guiuan clean and full of hope. 🌊💚

20/10/2025

🌊🌳 Shield Wall! Guiuan's Mangrove Forests 🌿

On October 15, 2025 (Wednesday), the Municipality of Guiuan marked another milestone in its journey toward environmental resilience with the Inception Meeting for the Enhanced Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration and Protection for Growth and Empowerment (EMERGE) Project.

The EMERGE Project, championed by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) and funded by Forest Foundation Philippjnes, is being implemented in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Guiuan. Set to run from 2025 to 2027, the project will focus on the Barangay Baras Mangrove Ecosystem as Guiuan’s pilot site.

The project seeks to build a community-led mangrove conservation and restoration initiative, while promoting a climate-smart mangrove ecotourism enterprise—a livelihood program that blends economic growth with environmental care.

Mayor Annaliza P. Gonzales-Kwan expressed her full support to this project. This partnership not only strengthens Guiuan’s commitment to sustainable development but also reinforces the LGU’s adherence to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-066, issued on July 3, 2025 which guides the establishment and protection of Coastal Greenbelts.

Representatives from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Municipal Tourism Office, and key community stakeholders actively joined the meeting.

🌊🌳 Mangroves are more than trees—they are Guiuan’s natural shields against storm surges, nurseries of 🐠🦀marine life, and lifelines for coastal communities.

Through EMERGE, Guiuan is not just restoring mangrove forests—it is investing in the future "shield wall" of its people.

🌱 Together, let’s nurture these green guardians of our shores.
We are grateful and excited for this meaningful partnership!

02/10/2025

🌿 A Historic Milestone for Guiuan! 🌿

On October 1, 2025 (Wednesday), the Sangguniang Bayan of Guiuan officially approved on third and final reading the Municipal Ordinance Creating the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of the Local Government Unit of Guiuan.

The journey toward this milestone began when our esteemed Municipal Mayor, Hon. Annaliza P. Gonzales-Kwan, formally wrote to the Sangguniang Bayan, requesting the prioritization of the passage of this ordinance. Her vision and hard work, coupled with the steadfast support of our legislators, has now become a reality.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Annaliza P. Gonzales-Kwan for her leadership and unwavering commitment, and to the Sangguniang Bayan of Guiuan under the leadership of Hon. Vice Mayor Veronica Cabacaba-Ramirez, for responding decisively to this call. 🌏💚

01/10/2025

October 1, 2025 | Wednesday

🌿 COMMENDATION FOR DOJ-PAROLE & PROBATION ADMINISTRATION AND BJMP IN CLEAN-UP DRIVE 🌿

LGU Guiuan - MENRO extends its commendation to the Department of Justice – Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for their clean-up drive along the national highway of Guiuan today October 1, 2025.

The activity kicked off at the crossing of Brgy. Cogon–Brgy. Cantahay (Sitio Bayarong), leading toward the town proper. Through their collective effort, the team was able to collect around 17 sacks of waste, composed mostly of PET bottles, plastic bags, and food wrappers.

While these clean-up drives help restore order and cleanliness, let this serve as a strong reminder that the greater responsibility lies in the hands of every Guiuananon and her visitors. Proper waste management does not end with collecting trash during clean-ups—it begins with the habit of proper disposal and the discipline to never throw garbage indiscriminately.

Barangays also carry an important role in ensuring that their communities are kept clean, organized, and compliant with solid waste management practices. Working together—government agencies, barangays, and citizens—we can achieve a cleaner and healthier Guiuan.

♻️ Let us not wait for others to clean up after us. Together, let us build the culture of responsible waste disposal and environmental stewardship.

Thank you DOJ-PPA and BJMP! Mabuhay po kayo!

30/09/2025

🌱🌊 LGU Guiuan - MENRO joins GMRPLS-PAMO Capacity Building on Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring Systems (BAMS) for Seagrass Ecosystem 🌊🌱

Did you know that seagrasses are the “lungs of the sea”? Just like forests on land, they produce oxygen, capture huge amounts of carbon, and provide food and shelter for countless marine creatures. In fact, a single hectare of seagrass can support up to 40,000 fish and 50 million small invertebrates! 🐟🦐🐢

Recognizing their importance, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of the Local Government Unit of Guiuan took part in the Capacity Building on the Methods of the Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring Systems (BAMS) for Seagrass Ecosystem held on September 29–30, 2025.

The training, organized by the Guiuan Marine Resource Protected Landscape and Seascape – Protected Area Management Office (GMRPLS-PAMO), equipped participants with scientific tools and practical skills to properly assess and monitor our seagrass beds. These efforts are vital to ensure our fisheries remain abundant, our waters stay clean, and our coastal communities stay resilient. 🌍💙

We were honored to learn from Mr. Jose Isidro Michael T. Padin, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau – DENR, who served as the resource person and trainer. His expertise shed light on the best ways to assess these underwater meadows that silently work to sustain life both under and above the sea.

Through this initiative, MENRO Guiuan reaffirms its commitment to work with its partners from the National Government Agencies and local communities in protecting seagrass ecosystems—our hidden allies in the fight against climate change and in sustaining the bounty of our seas.

✨ Fun Fact: Did you know that Guiuan has been determined as a self-sustaining marine ecosystem? With the right conditions and policy for conservation, our marine resources restore itself providing us with the best gifts the sea can offer. Seagrass beds play a crucial role in all of this. They can absorb carbon 35 times faster than tropical rainforests! That makes Guiuan’s seagrass beds true climate warriors! 💪🌱

20/09/2025

🌊🌍 Guiuan Joins the 2025 International Coastal Clean-up 🌍🌊

The LGU of Guiuan, together with our dedicated partners, proudly took part in the 2025 International Coastal Clean-up. This global movement reminds us of our shared duty to care for the oceans and waterways that sustain us.

Clean-up drives were successfully conducted in three locations:
✅ Barangay 6 coastal area and Guiuan Integrated Transport Terminal (GITT)– with the active participation of the Municipal Fisheries Aquatic Resource Management Council (MFARMC), Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity, Sinirangan Agriculture Cooperative (SACOOP), and LGU Guiuan.
✅ Barangay Sapao – with the commitment of Guiuan National High School – Youth for the Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O), Guiuan Cacao Farmers Association, and LGU Guiuan.
✅ Guiuan East Central School – with the efforts of school employees, PTA members, 4PS Beneficiaries, Brgy Officials, BJMP, and LGU Guiuan.

Through these activities, we not only helped conserve and maintain the quality of our coastal waters but also strengthened awareness of the importance of preserving these ecosystems for the health and well-being of both our local communities and our visitors.

But let us be reminded: while clean-ups are vital, the more sustainable solution lies in waste reduction at the source. Let us practice the 5Rs in our daily lives:
♻️ Refuse unnecessary plastics
♻️ Reduce waste generation
♻️ Reuse what we can
♻️ Recycle materials properly
♻️ Recover resources whenever possible

Together, we can build a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Guiuan for generations to come. 💚

20/09/2025

🌱🌊 Planting Today, Protecting Tomorrow: Gen Z for Nature

📅 September 15, 2025 | Monday. We joined hands with our Gen Z partners in planting Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) seedlings along our beaches.

These trees serve as natural buffers, preventing coastal erosion, acting as windbreakers, and providing a vital transition from the marine to the terrestrial environment.

By empowering our younger generation to take part in this effort, we are hoping that the next generation grows more responsible and committed to protecting our environment. 💚🌍
Immense gratitude to the following:
🌿 GNHS - Youth for the Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O), for the initiative
🌴 PB Cesar Labutap and Brgy Council of Brgy Sulangan.
🌱 Konsehal Kinna Kwan and Konsehal Bagro Poly
🍃 Mayor Annaliza P. Gonzales-Kwan

14/09/2025

12/09/2025

♻️ COMMENDATION for Immaculate Conception School of Guiuan, Inc.'s (ICS) Solid Waste Management Best Practices 🌍💚

In line with the directive of our Municipal Mayor, Hon. Annaliza P. Gonzales-Kwan, to prioritize Solid Waste Management (SWM) in Guiuan, the Municipal General Services Office (MGSO) and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) have reactivated the School Integration Program on Solid Waste Management.

Today, we are proud to recognize the Immaculate Conception School of Guiuan (ICS) for their outstanding cooperation and commitment to this initiative. 🙌

ICS has gone beyond compliance and turned solid waste management into a daily habit for their students. At the end of each school day, students line up at the school gate to properly turn over the wastes they gathered from their classrooms. This simple yet powerful practice ensures proper segregation and disposal of waste, while instilling in young Guiuananons the value of environmental responsibility. 🌱

Through this program, ICS is not only keeping their school environment clean but is also molding a generation of environmentally conscious citizens who understand the importance of proper waste management in building a sustainable future.

MENRO Guiuan extends its commendation and gratitude to ICS management, teachers, and students for being an inspiring partner in our shared mission for a cleaner, healthier Guiuan. 💚

Together, we make change possible. Together, we keep Guiuan clean. 🌍✨

08/09/2025

🌊🌍 SULUAN ISLAND AIMS FOR ZERO MARINE PLASTICS! ♻️💚

When an island community takes action, the waves reach far beyond its shores.🏝️

This past few days, the LGU of Guiuan, through the MGSO x MENRO Community Education and Behavioral Adaptation (CEBA) Campaign, has set sail to Suluan Island—uniting schools, families, and fisherfolk in the fight against waste and pollution.

Here’s how the people of Suluan are stepping up:
📘 Schools now part of the LGU’s Solid Waste Management program—teaching kids that caring for the planet starts at home and in the classroom.
🧹 Coastal clean-ups—because protecting our seas begins with keeping our beaches plastic-free.
🧱 Eco-bricking —turning soft plastic waste into strong, inexpensive building blocks for a cleaner and more sustainable tomorrow.

All these efforts aim to prevent plastic wastes from ending in our oceans.

What’s powerful here is not just the projects, but the people—the youth leading by example, the elders supporting change, and the whole island proving that true progress happens when a community moves together. 💪

Guiuan is showing the world that when education meets action, transformation is unstoppable.

We extend our gratitude to BLGU Suluan and to Suluan Elementary School as we continue to hope and work for the best.