Five students from the province of Aklan signed a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Aklan province for the Tayo Ang Kalikasan (TAK) ENR Ambassador Project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that aims to involve the students in the protection and conservation of our environment through Information, Education and Communication (IEC), social mobilization and partnership-building.

PENR Officer Merlene B. Aborka represented the DENR–PENRO Aklan, while the five (5) partner schools, namely: Libacao National Forestry Vocational High School, Madalag National High School, Malinao School for Philippine Craftsmen, Tamalagon Integrated School, and Naile National High School were represented by their chosen students as TAK Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Ambassador with their respective school heads and teachers signed the MOPA last February 15, 2021 at Bakhawan Nature Study and Eco-Park in Brgy. New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan.

The MOPA officially binds the commitment between DENR and Partner Schools through their chosen ENR Ambassadors for the protection, conservation and management of the environment in the Province of Aklan through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities, partnership building and social mobilization and shall use the various online platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube to promote environmental advocacies.

ENR Ambassadors also served as DENR's partner in the promotion of ENR Program for Restoration, Rehabilitation, and Development (PRRD) with the end goal of achieving the behavior change needed to raise the people’s level of environmental awareness.

PENRO Aborka expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the school heads, teachers, parents and ENR Ambassadors/students for their full support and active participation in the project.

“I hoped that through this project, the Ambassadors will be able to spread ENR Programs, Activities and Projects to the community especially to their fellow students/youth by means of media relations and public affairs,” Aborka said.

  The office of Tayo Ang Kalikasan (TAK) and DENR 6 Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG) has provided some Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as face mask, face shield and alcohol, a pocket wifi for the Ambassadors to assist them in this time of pandemic and to expedite communication and coordination activities.

A mangrove planting activity was also conducted on the same day signifying the commitment and partnership among DENR, Partner Schools and the Ambassadors.

“As we gradually shift to social media platforms for information dissemination and interaction, the youth can also help mobilize information that will educate the community in protecting and preserving the environment. Indeed, the youth are our hope for the future of the country’s environment,” said Francisco E. Milla, Jr.

The TAK ENR Ambassador Project aims to help achieve successful results of the DENR priority programs and projects of the Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu./DENR 6