National Biodiversity Conservation Priority - Setting Workshop

PROCESS DOCUMENTATION
MINDANAO REGIONAL CONSULTATION REPORT
Malagos Garden Resort, Davao City
August 30 - September 1,2000
Two weeks before the Mindanao Regional Consultation, invitations were sent out to participants,
partner agencies and guests. Earlier invitations could not be done due to continuous review of
the list and recommendations from the working groups. The working staff advanced a day prior
to the workshop to make the site preparations.
a) DAY 1 (August 30,2000)
Twenty-four participants from 17 institutions welcomed the first day activity, which started at
9:00 am. Dr. Oliver Coroza was called to lead the invocation followed by Joy Navarro's national
anthem. Prof. Letty Afuang, the overall facilitator, introduced Dr. Hector C. Miranda, Science
Director of the Philippine Eagle ~oundation, Inc. in Mindanao for the opening remarks. In his
speech, Dr. Miranda had two major points: one, on the meaning of biodiversity and the second,
on the role of science to biodiversity. He emphasized the changing perspectives on the way
biodiversity is defined in relation to the demand on the species according to its usability to policy
makers. He also reiterated that engagement of scientists and academicians to environmental
advocacy and dialogue should be an ultimate purpose because it is the policymakers who define
the use of biodiversity and it is the scient.ist who should make them understand their ethical and
scientific importance to biodiversity (Annex 1).
Mr. Clarence Baguilat, Regional Executive Director of DElVR Region XI gave a heartwarming
welcome and wishes for the consultation's success and for fond memories of the participants'
stay in the beautiful city of Davao (Annex 2). He proudly noted that Davao was acclaimed to be
the cleanest, greenest and most child-friendly city not only in the Philippines but in Asia as well.
Although he expressed regret that the activity had not been in time with their Kadayawan festival
that was held earlier, he assured the group that what is to be enjoyed in the city is there all year
round.
The new Chief of the Office of Environmental Management of USND, Mr. Jerry Bisson, gave an
inspirational talk, initially surprising the audience by speaking in Cebuano (Annex 3). He has
been in the Philippines for several years and has adapted to many aspects of the Filipino culture.
He spoke primarily on the importance of actively participating in the workshop and applying the
results of the group's analysis and recommendations. He also posed encouragement and
challenging questions on how the group could promote a greater understanding of the socio-
economic and environmental importance of biological diversity.
Mr. Leonilo Rivera, PAWD Chief of Region 11, was asked to introduce the Keynote Speaker. In the
absence of Undersecretary Mario Roiio, RED Baguilat was again called for the task. Although a bit
surprised for the call, he did his part well and did set the mood by reminding the participants to
bring along and share their data to ensure success of the workshop. Right after, Dr. Theresa
Mundita Lim, Convenor and Assistant Director of PAWB-DENR, did the honor of reading the
Keynote Address prepared by USEC Roiio, ending with a statement that the DENR counts on
these scientists for a guided framework as basis for major decisions on Biodiversity Conservation
in this country (Annex 4).