The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol headed by Regional Executive Director (RED) Francisco E. Milla, Jr., CESO III together with public stakeholders celebrated the World Wildlife Day (WWD) on March 3, 2023, regionwide.

This year’s WWD coincided with the 50th Anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement between governments, which ensures that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.

With the theme, “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation”, this year’s celebration aims to encourage groups to work together to protect, conserve and sustain healthy ecosystems, wildlife populations and biodiversity.

In the province of Albay, a lecture on basic wildlife handling and practicum, Quiz Bee and a Poster Making contest were spearheaded by the DENR V Regional Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Albay, Energy Development Corporation (EDC)-Bacman Geothermal Project, Albay Parks and Wildlife (APW), and the Provincial Government of Albay at the APW, Bogtong, Legazpi City.

The celebration was graced by Albay Governor Atty. Grex Lagman, Dr. Eva Grageda who represented Vice Governor Glenda Bongao, Albay Provincial Administrator Ms. Sheina Marie Dela Cruz, Forester Marlon Francia who represented DENR V RED Milla, Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Pancho R. Mella, EDC Bacman Head of Operations Engr. Edner Guerrero and Corporate Relation Communication Division Head Mr. Eduardo Jimenez.

 

Albay Governor Lagman in his message thanked the organizers and the participation of various sectors in celebrating the WWD. Meanwhile, For. Francia highlighted the important role played by the stakeholders in the protection and conservation of wildlife and its habitat.

 

The lecture on basic wildlife handling and practicum were participated in by personnel of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Regional Office, Philippine National Police Albay, Local Government Units (LGUs) of Legazpi, Guinobatan, Libon, Tiwi, Camalig, Bacacay, Ligao, Pio Duran, Malinao, Daraga, Tabaco and Polangui.

 

In addition, a Quiz Bee and Poster Making Contest were conducted in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) Legazpi City Division and Albay Division. The activities were participated in by the students of the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Legazpi City Science High School, Legazpi City National High School, Anislag National High School, Cabangan High School, Daraga National High School, Banquerohan National High School, Oro Site High School, Bariw National High School, and Tiwi Agro-Industrial School.

 

Students from the Legazpi City Science High School, namely: Katherine Anne Jacob, Mary Darlene Nuas and Althea Nicole Villamor, with their coach, Mr. Alan Imperial Nebres bested the other schools in the Quiz Bee Competition. Legazpi City National High School got the 2nd Place, and Anislag National High School bagged the 3rd Place, respectively.

 

Likewise, Sheela Marie Beato of Cabangan High School, with her coach, Ms. Estrella Mesa was hailed champion in the Poster Making Contest. Bariw National High School placed 2nd Place and Legazpi City National High School as 3rd Place. The winners received certificates, tokens and cash prizes.

 

Also, an information and coastal cleanup drive was conducted by Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Guinobatan and the City Government of Ligao at Sitio Kinilawan, Barangay Cabarian, Ligao City. Some three (3) sacks of solid wastes were collected and tokens of appreciation were given to some individuals for their efforts in safeguarding the marine turtles nesting site in the area. The activity was participated in by the officials and residents of the barangay.

 

Moreover, a coastal cleanup was led by PENRO Masbate, CENRO Mobo and the Municipal LGU of Pio V. Corpus at Barangay Casabangan, Pio V. Corpus, Masbate. A total of ten (10) sacks of solid wastes were collected. An information drive on wildlife conservation at Casabangan Elementary School was also conducted. It was participated in by faculty members and students of the said school. Along with this, CENRO San Jacinto also conducted information drives on the Republic Act (RA) No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, Presidential Decree No. 705 or the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines and the impacts of climate change at Bagahanglad National High School and Barangay Poblacion, District IV in San Jacinto, Masbate.

 

In addition, an information drive on RA 9147 was conducted by PENRO Catanduanes at Barangay P. Vera (Summit), Viga, Catanduanes. It was participated in by the barangay officials, residents and members of Summit Viga Catanduanes Upland Farmers Association Inc. (SVCUFAI).

 

Also, an information drive on the Philippine Biodiversity and ecological tour at the Bicol Natural Park (BNP) was organized by PENRO Camarines Norte and participated in by the students of the Camarines Norte State College (CNSC).

Furthermore, an information drive on RA 9147 and RA 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018 were conducted by PENRO Camarines Sur at Barangay Panicuason, Naga City, Camarines Sur. It was participated in by barangay officials, socio-civic and volunteer groups.

 

To add, CENRO Iriga conducted an information drive at Pararao Elementary School in Barangay Pararao, Balatan, Camarines Sur. They also recognized the efforts of Girlie Alviola who helped in the protection of some Olive Ridley Sea Turtle hatchlings through an awarding of certificate of commendation. Also, a Philippine Long-Tailed Macaque was released by CENRO Iriga at the Balatan Forest Reserve in Balatan, Camarines Sur.

 

CENRO Sipocot conducted an information and coastal cleanup drives at Barangay Caranan, Pasacao, Camarines Sur. Some five (5) sacks of solid wastes were collected. It was participated in by the barangay officials and residents.

Likewise, CENRO Goa conducted a marine turtle population and habitat monitoring and information drive on marine turtle conservation at Barangay Paniman, Caramoan, Camarines Sur. It was participated in by the members of the Caramoan National Park Protected Area and Management Board (PAMB).

 

In addition, an information drive led by PENRO Sorsogon and LGU Juban was held at the Community Fish Landing Center, Barangay Tughan, Juban, Sorsogon.

 

The WWD is celebrated every third of March annually to raise awareness of the world’s wild flora and fauna.

 

DENR V RED Milla urged the public to actively participate in the activities, which will contribute in the preservation and conservation of the environment and the natural resources.###