The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Sorsogon headed by OIC, PENR Officer Tito R. Migo together with the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Gubat, Sorsogon headed by Mayor Sharon Rose G. Escoto, the Gubat Water District headed by General Manager Engr. Gabriel Tiotangco and the officials and residents of Barangay Cabigaan, Gubat, Sorsogon celebrated the World Water Day (WWD) and the International Day of Forest (IDF) at the said barangay on March 18, 2021.

At least 100 narra and cacao seedlings were planted by the participants.

A Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) activity was also conducted to share the importance of the celebrations.

In addition, the PENRO Sorsogon conducted a CEPA activity through a radio guesting at Philippine Information Agency (PIA) with the Provincial Government of Sorsogon.

OIC, PENRO Migo in his message emphasized the importance of forests in generating and sustaining water resources and stressed the depleting natural resources. “I encourage all the participants to take this activity seriously and be stewards of the remaining resources”, he added.

Both celebrations are observed annually. The IDF is celebrated every March 21 while the WWD is celebrated every March 22. This year, the IDF with the theme, “Forest Restoration: A Path to Recovery and Well-being” highlighted the valuable benefits of forest restoration in terms of human health, food security, environmental and climatic conditions, provision of green jobs, stakeholder engagement and healing. Meanwhile, WWD’s theme, “Valuing Water” emphasized on the alarming global water crisis.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) continuously encourages the public to join environmental celebrations and become active partners and movers in caring for the environment.  With these, the DENR is hopeful that there will be a significant increase in the forest covers and reduce water crisis.