With the continued efforts against illegal forest activities, the Monitoring and Enforcement Section though its Surveillance and Intel Unit, of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Bago in coordination with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Bacolod City Field Unit apprehended a Mitsubishi Fuso truck loaded with Mahogany and Yemane lumber at Brgy. Tangub Bacolod City last April 20, 2024.
The said truck was loaded with a total volume of 2,113.4342 bd.ft. of lumber and was travelling without necessary transport permit therefore violating Sec. 77 of the PD 705 as amended by the Executive Order No. 277, s. 1987. The persons involved were taken into custody by the CIDG and will be liable for fines, other penalties and worse imprisonment. /DENR 6
The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Cadiz together with the Cadiz City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) conducted an orientation and training for the deputation of Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs).
A total of forty (40) individuals composed of personnel from national and local government agencies based in Cadiz City as well as representatives from Bantay Katunggan and upland barangays completed the two-day training on April 17-18, 2024. The program was mainly initiated by CENR Officer Mamad T. Gandarosa and Cadiz City ENRO Engr. Florentino B. Caceres Jr.
The salient features of RA 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, Wildlife Law Enforcement Protocol Techniques, Manual Forms, and other documents on Apprehension, Seizure, and Confiscation of Wildlife were discussed during the orientation. The identification of commonly traded flora and fauna, and basic wildlife handling techniques, was also done to further capacitate the prospective WEOs.
After which, the trainees will get the opportunity to become deputized Wildlife Enforcement Officers and aid the DENR in combatting illegal wildlife trade.
“I laud the efforts of CENRO Cadiz and the Cadiz City ENRO in providing the necessary skills and knowledge to our potential Wildlife Enforcement Officers. Through this initiative, we can help address the limitations of the Department in terms of law enforcement and further strengthen our resolve to protect our environment,” said DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran.
The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental receives essential funding for the establishment of a Tree Nursery within their office premises from Congresswoman Mercedes “Cheding” Alvarez.
Cong. Alvarez personally visited the site and turned over the P50,000 cash to CENR Officer Wilfredo Canto on April 15, 2024. The financial assistance supplements the ongoing reforestation efforts of the DENR. She pledged her continued support to different initiatives pertaining to environmental preservation, management, and protection for the betterment of all.
Moreover, the lady lawmaker emphasized how crucial it is to protect our planet, which serves as our only home. Moreover, she gently reminded everyone to take good care of their health and focus on creating memories with loved ones.
CENR Officer Canto expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Cong. Alvarez for the support and looks forward for more productive collaborations between the two offices.
It is also worth noting that giving of financial support to the PAMANA Forest Guards/ Bantay Lasang who continues to render diligent and dedicated services to maintain our forestlands is one of the Congresswoman’s proposed projects.
“Together with CENRO Kabankalan, DENR Region 6 would like to give its utmost gratitude to Cong. Alvarez for her steadfast support to the different initiatives of the Department. We are very happy to have her as our partner and we also pledge to further strengthen our efforts to protect our environment and natural resources,” DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran said.
A new amenity awaits visitors who are planning to visit the Bulabog Putian National Park (BPNP) at Sitio Tarug, Brgy. Moroboro, Dingle, Iloilo. The protected area under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6’s jurisdiction is a great destination for those who want to immerse themselves in nature or even just to be under the thick cover of trees and escape the scorching heat.
The recently inaugurated Cabana Cottage aims to provide a comfortable place for visitors who are planning to have an overnight stay at the Park. It is an addition to several other structures already present inside BPNP.
Gracing the Cabana Cottage opening last March 7, 2024 were DENR 6 key officials namely Assistant Regional Director Andres T. Untal for Management Services, PENR Officer Salvador C. Manglinong Jr. of PENRO Iloilo, CENR Officer Glenn S. Del Norte of CENRO Barotac Nuevo, BPNP Protected Area Superintendent Designate Ma. Alma P. Demontaño, Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) members of BPNP, and some DENR personnel.
This marks another milestone at BPNP as it continues its efforts to improve the different facilities located inside the park in a bid to make it more accessible, and to offer a more enjoyable and relaxing experience for visitors. Improvements for the facility such as the floor tiling and construction of ceiling are slated to be done very soon to make it more presentable. At least ten (10) visitors have stayed at the cottage as of this writing according to the Park staff.
“I am very happy to inform everyone that BPNP is open for all local and foreign visitors this summer season. It is a great place to explore nature, with the diverse flora and fauna as well as the different caves found inside the park. I congratulate BPNP for this achievement. DENR 6 will continue its efforts to improve the different facilities in our Protected Areas to better serve tourists and most of all our constituents,” Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran said./DENR6
Fulfilling its mandate of protecting wildlife, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Mambusao recently rescued a Visayan leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis rabori), locally kown as “Maral” at Brgy. Burias, Mambusao, Capiz.
The office acted swiftly upon receiving the report of Mr. Lony Salaya of the aforementioned barangay on April 5, 2024, Salaya narrated how the Leopard cat attacked his chickens at the rice field near his house at around 9:00 o’clock in the evening of April 4, leading to its capture.
Leading the rescue efforts were staff from CENRO Mambusao headed by the Monitoring and Enforcement Section (MES) Chief Arlene Cobrado. After a thorough physical assessment, the ‘Maral’ was found to be in good condition and was successfully released back to its natural habitat.
Visayan leopard cats are classified as “Vulnerable” according to the DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09 or the “Updated National List of Threatened Fauna and their Categories”. They are endemic to the islands of Panay and Negros. CENRO Mambusao emphasize the strict prohibition of poaching, illegal hunting, and possession of wildlife species without proper documentation under Republic Act (RA) 9147, also known as the “Wildlife Resources Protection and Conservation Act.”
“Please do not hesitate to contact the nearest DENR field office so that wildlife species can be rescued accordingly if they happen to be found within your properties. Do not hurt or kill them because it is our collective responsibility to care for our wildlife, especially those which are already threatened and are endemic to our region. I thank CENRO Mambusao for the prompt action and for our concerned citizen in doing the right thing,” said Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran.
