Pagadian City, May 27, 2025 — In a bid to enhance the effectiveness of its reforestation initiatives, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IX conducted a three-day capacity-building workshop focused on improving data management for its field personnel.
Held from May 20 to 22 at Chandler Suites in Pagadian City, the event brought together 26 participants—including National Greening Program (NGP) coordinators, financial analysts, and data management officers—from various field offices across the region. The training centered on the Reforestation Information Management System (RIMS), a centralized platform designed to streamline monitoring and reporting under the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP) for FY 2024–2025.
Forester Celerina Flores, Officer-in-Charge of the Conservation and Development Division, welcomed participants on behalf of OIC Regional Executive Director Arturo E. Fadriquela. In her message, she emphasized the critical role of reliable data in achieving reforestation goals. Flores highlighted that Region IX has already established 158,247 hectares under the NGP, but noted the importance of addressing data inconsistencies and reporting gaps previously flagged by the Forest Management Bureau (FMB).
A key segment of the training was the rollout of the RIMS platform, led by Regional NGP Coordinator Cicelia D. Asuncion. As the main resource person, Asuncion guided participants through the platform’s features, including its modules, system libraries, user roles, and functionalities. The session featured hands-on demonstrations covering NGP Site and Contract Management, contract-to-site data binding, and proper data uploading procedures.
In addition to technical training, the activity also served as a mid-year assessment of ENGP implementation in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Participants discussed ongoing challenges, shared field experiences, and worked to align their documentation and reporting practices to ensure consistency across the region.
By equipping its personnel with the right tools and knowledge, DENR IX aims to strengthen its reforestation outcomes and promote data-driven decision-making in environmental management.