DENR gift-giving and sharing of knowledge to BATO

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The impact of climate change can be seen, feel, and smell, it is a visible change that most of the people neglected and worst of these changes are interrelated to both nature and living things.

Some of the cause of the worsening effect of global warming is the improper wastes disposal that landed mostly to the water bodies specifically to coastal and marine ecosystem.

In 2018, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led the inter-agency rehabilitation and development activities in the island of Boracay especially to the “cesspool” areas tagged by President Rodrigo Duterte due to water pollution caused by the improper disposal/discharge of solid and liquid wastes. Until now, the rehabilitation continues and visible changes were also acknowledged by the residents and tourists.

To continue the rehabilitation and enhancement activities in Boracay Island as well as to share ideas and environmental technologies on solid waste management and climate change mitigation to the residents of the Island, the DENR spearheaded the activity entitled “DENR Interfacing in the Role of Indigenous People (IP) in Solid Waste Management and Climate Change Mitigation: A Case To Point” on April 30, 2022 at the Boracay Wetland Conservation Park.

A total of 70 food packs were given to the members of Boracay Ati Tribal Organization (BATO) headed by Tribe Leader Delsa Justo and Sister Elvera Oliamot, composed of bag of rice and canned goods.

After the gift giving a demo-lecture on the best practices of Aklan Trekkers in solid waste management and climate change mitigation was also presented by Ritchel C. Cahilig.

In his message Assistant Secretary for Human Resources, Strategic Communication and Sectorial Initiatives Hiro V. Masuda, CESO III said that “the office will allot budget every year for environmental programs for the BATO community. It is appropriate that as Boracay develop, so does you (BATO Community)”.

“The rehabilitation of the island should continue, you are part of the stakeholders because you are the responsible community here in the island. And by means of responsible, we are asking you to continue to help us manage our wastes, and be aware of the environmental rules and regulations imposed in the island” said DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran. (DENR-6)