Thirty new graduates of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2’s ENR Academy Basic Course were exposed to firsthand consultation with stakeholders to further improve their community engagement skills.

The new graduates of 'Class Benevolent’ were tasked to conduct resource profiling and assessment of the environmental law implementation of the eastern barangays in Tuguegarao City namely; Capatan, Dadda, Gosi Norte, Larion Alto, Libag Norte, and Namabbalan Sur.

The field exposure and community engagement in barangay local government units form part of the course requirements that need to be completed by the participants as initiated by DENR Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan.

“It’s a key part of our Department’s mandate for us to consult with our stakeholders. Your field exposure in the barangay level will help you become more sensitive and empathic of their needs,” said DENR Assistant Regional Executive Director for Management Services Atty. Ismael Manaligod during the closing ceremony held at the DENR Regional Office on June 8.

He encouraged the participant’s contribution to the attainment of environmental justice where stakeholders should be involved in decision-making processes regardless of their status, gender, or political inclination.

In their community engagement, the participants learned about the barangays’ best practices and were able to present their policy recommendations in line with the Department’s priority thrusts and directions.

Prior to the community service, the participants were trained on DENR structure, ENR frontline services, ethics in public service, management system, and self-development.

During the graduation ceremony, class top performers were recognized.PENRO Cagayan Administrative Officer Abiegail Cagurangan, class valedictorian; Regional Office Development Management Officer (DMO) II Krizzle Anne Nool, salutatorian and best in daily journal; and Cagayan PENR Sub-Office DMO II Arnel Guingab, first honorable mention and recipient of the leadership award. Team Bahura of the Class Benevolent was selected as the Best in Field Exposure and Community Service.#