Ben Contreras

ENTERPRISE Works Worldwide Philippines Inc. (EWWP) is heaven-sent. The men and women behind this group warned of what was to come almost two years later––“Sendong.”

Twenty years ago, former DENR regional director Dr. Raoul Geollegue warned that it would take a typhoon as strong as “Auring” to flood our city. Sendong was only half the strength of Auring. What if it were as strong as Auring?

Geollegue left for his hometown after a freak accident that claimed the life of his wife. But when he was offered by EWWP a job, Geollegue didn’t have any second thoughts of accepting it because he loves and really knows the work. His “return” was welcomed––he is an asset for those who need to learn more about Climate Change, environment, forestry and anything related to Mother Earth.

Many things became the “children” of Sendong––Save CDO Now Movement, Sulog, the Writ of Kalikasan, a third in the entire country to have been granted by a court. Geollegue became so much a part of these groups as consultant. He also authored the memorandum of agreement that brought more than 10 government agencies to one the table for signing.

Another milestone is the investigation of water toxicity led by Ralph Abragan that resulted in a redirection of the water source of Rio Verde at a cost of more than P400 million.

DENR regional director Ruth Tawantawan assumed her new assignment amid a storm brewing between the environmental groups and the DENR. But it was her savvy borne out of rich experience in the agency that cemented a cooperation making all like one family in the fight against environmental destruction.

But the role EWWP has taken is amazing to say the least. They go directly to places, talk to villagers and officials, study their problems, conduct seminars, offer not only solutions but also funding for whatever activities are needed.

EWWP has the Kitkat Accord and the PES (Payment for Ecosystem Services) as its major credits. Kitkat Accord gained the cooperation of multinationals to correct their agricultural practices. PES has gained acceptance of private and public institutions and it is still growing. It is to finance the efforts of local folk in protecting the biodiversity in the mountains.

But like all things that must come to an end, the very same people and groups that have been part and parcel of EWWP activities gathered for the last time on Wednesday to evaluate what has been accomplished in the last six years. Definitely, all efforts had not been in vain.

Thank you, Ann Koontz, EWWP-RI senior vice president, Economic Opportunity and Sector Integration for being with us. Thanks, too, to Ms. Susan Naval, EWWP country director who has been referred to as the “Mother of Perpetual Help” for always being there in time of need, to Dr. Geollgue for his dedication and love, the staff of EWWP, Director Tawantawan, Mayor Leo Calingasan of Libona, Bukidnon, the Cenro of Malaybalay, the guy from Butuan and to all those who were there. It was a wonderful evening, not to say goodbye, but to say, “We’ve done a good job.” Yes, there is a chance for them to extend their stay! Pray for it.

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A friend asked me to do him a favor by getting in touch with the barangay chair of Luyong Bonbon, Opol for the donation of some kitchen utensils like plates, bowls, glasses, forks and spoons. He wants to donate them directly to the fire victims so that there would be no political colors in the distribution. Gov. Bambi Emano was right to say that politics should have no place in helping victims of any calamity.

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On my way home, I decided to drop by the gate of DPWH compound in Bulua to ascertain the much talked about ban on media people.

There was none. But it doesn’t mean also that there never has been one. Whether DPWH decided to remove it or not, it’s now water under the bridge. I know DPWH dislike certain media people. But some media people, too, also know of alleged shenanigans in the department.

Media men have a role to play in disseminating information and ferreting truth about an issue. DPWH cannot and should not ban media people from getting information from their office. Media are “partners” of the government.

If they have a beef with media people, they can always air their disappointment, and identify erring media persons and say what they did.