Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines — To support the implementation of the DENR-UNDP/GEF Biodiversity Corridor Project (BD Corridor Project), a site visit was conducted on April 14, 2026, at the Dao Waterlily Association in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro to assess its Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprise (BDFE) initiatives.
Led by the Mindoro Biodiversity Corridor Project Management Unit (MBC-PMU), the activity convened key representatives from the DENR Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Service (DENR-FASPS), namely Mr. Mervin Murillo, Ms. Irene Bacdosano, and Ms. Aniza Joy Galicha, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Oriental Mindoro which included the OIC-Chief of Technical Services Division Nestor G. Mira Jr. and the Head of Planning Section For. Bea Natasha R. Fortu. The MBC-PMU was also present and represented by the Project Manager PENRO Annabelle M. Barquilla and BDFE Officer Jhoanne Mae E. Dapito.
Ms. Irene Bacdosano (left) and Mr. Mervin Murillo (right) from the DENR-FASPS inquiring the organization about their other services and potential services beyond the use of water lilies
The meeting aimed to gather key information and clarifications from the DAO Waterlily Association as part of the validation and evaluation process of FASPS for the awarding of grants. PENRO Barquilla encouraged the members of the association to actively participate and openly share their insights with the guests, including the history and stories behind their products.
Moreover, the meeting discussed the significant impact of the grant from MBC-DENR on the Waterlily Association, including an assessment of the improvements following the provision of support. DAO Association President Rochelle Martinez shared that the grant greatly enhanced their facilities, particularly through the installation of the water pump, which ensured a more consistent supply of clean water within the resort. In addition, the provision of solar panels helped stabilize their electricity supply, making daily operations more efficient and reliable. These improvements have contributed to better service delivery and overall operational management within the Association.
Rochelle Martinez, President of the Dao Waterlily Association, discussing the organization’s products and other services
Despite these developments, several gaps were still identified during the discussion, particularly the lack of an integrated and fully operational value chain system. The group also revisited the project’s current objectives and explored possible enhancements to further strengthen the community-based water lily livelihood and ecosystem enterprise. Initial components of the revised proposal, including its objectives, expected outputs, and timeline, were also presented and remain subject to further refinement and finalization.
Thus, following the discussion of key information regarding the approval of the financial grant, the participants reached a consensus on the required documents to be submitted. All parties, including the association, expressed their agreement to comply with the conditions and requirements set by DENR-FASPS, ensuring full alignment and cooperation in the implementation of the grant approval process.
This initiative is part of the DENR-UNDP/GEF project on “Integrated Approach in the Management of Major Biodiversity Corridors in the Philippines” or BD Corridor Project, which seeks to operationalize integrated management of biodiversity corridors to generate multiple benefits, including effective conservation of globally threatened species and high conservation value forests, reduce deforestation and degradation, and enhance local biodiversity-friendly livelihoods.
The project is implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the Global Environment Facility. 🧺🤝
