PENRO Capiz leads awareness campaign for wildlife conservation

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Coastal communities depend on coastal resources for survival, making environmental stewardship essential to their long-term well-being.

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Capiz, in celebration of World Wildlife Day last March 2, organized an awareness campaign for residents of Barangay Agojo, Panay, Capiz, as part of its conservation efforts.

The awareness campaign focused on the importance of environmental law and local environmental stewardship.

The activity brought together 61 participants, including fisherfolk, women’s organization leaders, and university interns.

World Wildlife Day is observed annually on March 3 worldwide, as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, to raise awareness about the planet’s wild animals and plants. The Philippines observes the event through various local activities organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and its field offices.

Environmental Management Specialist II Jean Carla B. Ibañez reminded attendees that wildlife is not merely a concept but a valuable contributor to food security, climate mitigation, and local livelihood.

Her message was clear: maintaining ecological balance is an important part of a sustainable future, and the health of the community is linked with the health of the environment.

To empower the community with more than just inspiration, PENRO Capiz provided an overview of the legal provisions of Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

Republic Act 9147, enacted in 2001, provides for the conservation and protection of wildlife species and their habitats in the Philippines. It regulates the collection, possession, transport, and trade of wildlife, and imposes penalties for violations including fines and imprisonment.

Forester I Jenie Mae S. Buencuchillo highlighted the regulations governing the possession and trade of wildlife, especially the penalties for illegal acts, while discussing the proper permitting process and how to report violations.

The event served as a reminder that wildlife conservation is both a legal mandate and a shared duty.

By fostering strong community participation and a clearer understanding of environmental policy, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 6 aims to ensure that the province’s natural resources remain intact to secure a legacy for generations to come. (DENR-6)