‘They are our partners today and forward’

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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is the primary agency responsible for the conservation, management, development, and proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources, specifically forest and grazing lands, mineral resources, including those in reservation and watershed areas, and lands of the public domain, as well as the licensing and regulation of all natural resources as may be provided for by law.

Now, the DENR is using the “Ridge to Reef,” phrase which is proof that the department’s scope is bigger and wider – from air to land to water resources. Thus, the work needs a bigger and wider scope of helping hands.

“Civil Society Organization and the other environmental partners who are helping us achieve a blue and green economy are considered as family of the Department. They are not just mere helpers but our partners today and forward,” said Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran.

The Provincial ENR Offices of the region are also tapping CSOs on their activities and projects that involve environmental protection and development.

PENR Officer Merlene B. Aborka of Aklan recently administered the oath-taking of the 2023 set of trustees and officers of Aklan TREKKERS Inc. at Malay Eco Park, Brgy. Argao, Malay, Aklan. Distribution of free seedlings to the participants concluded the event.

Aklan TREKKERS is a volunteer-based outdoor organization in Aklan that advocate’s responsible mountaineering, environmental conservation, and promotes sustainable eco-tourism along with social entrepreneurship as alternative livelihood.

Meanwhile, the Community ENR Office of Kabankalan under the leadership of the newly installed CENR Officer Wilfredo P. Canto joined the conduct of LAWIN Training for Himamaylan’s Community Patrollers on April 18-19, 2023 held at Danjugan, Sanctuary Island, Cauyan, Negros Occidental.

The 2-day activity was organized by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Safe Water-Negros in collaboration by the Local Government Unit (LGU) Himamaylan City and the DENR-CENRO Kabankalan City. It aims to enhance knowledge of the LGU’s community-based forest patrollers and to augment with the DENR’s current watershed protection and enforcement efforts.

Another training was conducted by PENRO Negros Occidental headed by PENRO Joan Nathaniel F. Gerangaya in partnership with Conservation and Development Division (CDD) Chief, Forester Danilo L. Lorilla entitled Wildlife Field Course, on April 17-21, 2023 at Gawahon Eco-park, Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

This were attended by DENR 6 personnel, academe, partnered LGUs, the Philippines Initiative for Environmental Conservation, and other environmentally minded individuals in collaboration with the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. (PhilBio), the LGU of Victoias City, and the USAID INSPIRE Project. This activity aims to improve the skills and competencies in terms of biodiversity conservation.

The DENR 6 believed that environmental challenges need the involvement of all stakeholders –governments, non-governmental organizations, academe, and individuals in order to achieve its goal towards a clean, green and healthy environment. (DENR-6)