For more stringent enforcement of environmental laws within Philippine waters in Cagayan Valley, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 has partnered with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for the operations of seacraft MB Sierra Madre Cagayan Valley.

 

The partnership took effect following the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between DENR Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan and PCG District Commander Coast Guard Captain Ludovico Librilla Jr. held recently at DENR Regional Office in Tuguegarao City.

 

In the agreement, the PCG shall assist the DENR in manning, maneuvering, and operation of the seacraft in its regular conduct of monitoring and assessment within coastal and marine protected areas.

 

“The DENR alone cannot operate the boat effectively because we lack the necessary competency to do that. We are thankful to the PCG for we can now possibly widen our coastal patrolling, thus, protecting our marine resources,” said Director Bambalan.

The DENR Region 2 chief also cited necessary measures to ensure the safety of the seafarers and the marine ecosystems during the occurrence of natural disasters such as typhoons.

 

For his part, PCG Commander Librilla recommended for the creation of a technical working group that will lead the establishment of potential sheltering areas for motorized vehicles during typhoons.

 

He also expressed his support to the DENR as he committed to enforce the laws against illegal sea transport of forest and other marine products, ocean pollution, and other illegal environmental activities within coastal areas.

 

Also present in the MOA signing and consultative meeting were officials from Biodiversity Management Bureau, DENR, Mines and Geosciences Bureau and Environmental Management Bureau, and representatives of the Philippine Navy, Philippine National Police- Maritime, Office of Civil Defense, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, and Local Government Unit of Sta. Ana.#