DENR-7, LGU ink MOA to implement environmental laws
By Hazel F. Gloria
CEBU CITY, Oct 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with 27 barangays in the municipalities of San Remegio and Tuburan, Cebu to implement the necessary environmental laws.
DENR-7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said the MOA signing is for the effective and efficient management, protection and sustainable development of the country’s natural resources.
“This partnership definitely boosts our collective intention to implement the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act or particularly Republic Act 9147 and the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) or the Republic Act 7586,” Montejo added.
Present during the signing of MOA were 27 barangay captains and Montejo along with mayors Jay Olivar of San Remegio and Democrito Diamante of Tuburan.
Also present was Regional Technical Director Dr. Al Orolfo of Protected Areas of the Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services (PAWZCMS).
Under the MOA, DENR agreed to conduct orientations/seminars on environmental and natural resources (ENR) laws, rules and regulations; provide technical and legal assistance to the LGUs; and assist them in the conduct of any coastal conservation and protection efforts.
Also, the MOA states that 14 barangays in San Remegio and 13 in Tuburan are expected to actively participate in the conduct of any DENR programs, seminars and trainings.
They will also take the lead or spearhead in the conservation, patrol and protection activities within their areas of jurisdiction.
“Some of these barangays are inside a proclaimed protected area and also these have been identified within key biodiversity areas (KBA),” Montejo said.
Montejo, likewise, explained the importance of protecting these natural resources.
As part of the agreement, Montejo added that DENR may deputize wildlife enforcement officers (WEO) and protected area rangers (PAR) to qualified individuals after a deputation seminar.
“We need to strengthen our enforcement of ENR laws as we try to engage with the LGUs and other stakeholders so that we would be able to police against abusive forces,” he added.
The MOA signing activity was held at Tuburan and San Remegio Session Halls last October 11 and 12, respectively.(HFG/PIA-7/DENR-7)