Bacolod City boosts urban biodiversity conservation efforts

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The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Bago, led by CENR Officer Rosievel I. Dimatulac, and Atty. Allyn Luv Z. Dignadice of Bacolod ENRO, spearheaded a reorientation session on urban biodiversity programs in Bacolod City on July 10, 2025.

The activity aimed to reinforce the city’s commitment to conserving urban biodiversity amid increasing urbanization pressures.

Discussions focused on the Biodiversity Management Bureau Technical Bulletin 2018-02, which outlines guidelines for implementing urban biodiversity programs.

The bulletin promotes strategies such as expanding urban green spaces, creating ecological corridors, and integrating biodiversity into city planning.

Participants were also reintroduced to the City Biodiversity Index, also known as the Singapore Index, a self-assessment tool used to track a city’s progress in mainstreaming biodiversity into urban governance.

The session fostered meaningful dialogue among participants, encouraging them to reflect on past accomplishments, evaluate current efforts, align future plans, and renew local and national partnerships.

“Urban development, as a key driver of societal and economic growth, should not come at the expense of environmental sustainability,” said Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region VI Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla.

“Instead, it must prioritize eco-friendly practices, greening initiatives, and biodiversity preservation,” he added.