Members of the Civil Society Organizations in Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and Isabela have shared to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Cagayan Valley their recommendations for the 2024 environment and natural resources budget proposal.

 

In the series of consultative meetings conducted, the PENR Officers presented and discussed the proposed work program with corresponding budgetary requirements per program activity.

 

In her message, Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of the DENR Cagayan Valley emphasized the directive of the present dispensation to work across sectors and adopt the principles of sustainable, inclusive and resilient government approach in the environment sector.

 

"We want to hear your thoughts and insights as to how we could better implement our environmental protection programs in 2024," said Director Bambalan emphasizing disaster responsiveness and resilient climate action as main focus in ENR implementation.

 

She added the importance of collaboration among the CSOs because of their capability to intensify development considering their nearness to the community and being tapped as forest guardians in the upland and lowland areas.

 

"In support of the high ambition target setting of the DENR, I am confident that with your enthusiasm to reverse environmental degradation, we can do more protection measures for the environment and the people even with limited funds," Dir. Bambalan said.

 

In the forum, the CSOs showed interest to partner in the Department's tree growing activities and venture into livelihood programs such as adoption of reforestation area; and involvement in forest patroling, seedling production, maintenance and protection activities and other green job opportunities.

 

The schools and poor community as priority recipients of confiscated forest products for use in construction of better solid waste management storage facility or any environmental project endeavor were informed to make an official request to the nearest DENR office, citing among others the lack of fund for the project.

 

Among other concerns resolved were identification of potential sites for ecotourism like caves and mountain ranges, upland farming banning the use of glyphosate pesticide, possible funding for forest protection and conservation programs, among others.

 

Director Bambalan also explained to the stakeholders the seven thrusts and directions of DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo- Loyzaga, to adopt climate-risk lens in national planning policies; increase forest cover; conserve protected areas and biodiversity; improve air and water quality, and waste management; ensure water security and resilience in high-water stressed areas; sustainably and responsibly manage mineral resources; and promote effective land management and governance.

 

The CENR Officers and other environment officials in the said provinces also attended the events to respond queries and other concerns of the private organizations.

 

As part of environmental awareness campaign, a video material on DENR programs was presented.

 

The stakeholders were also encouraged to follow and message DENR Cagayan Valley Facebook Page, visit website at r2.denr.gov.ph or call or text regional hotline 09650655607 for their concerns.#