Features

KORONADAL CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 in partnership with Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) - Lutayan Campus formally

opened the first Regional Wildlife Rescue Center (RWRC) in the region at the SKSU Campus in Brgy. Blingkong, Lutayan town Wednesday morning, July 24.

Dr. Ali M. Hadjinasser, DENR 12 Conservation and Development Division (CDD) Chief said that the establishment of the facility is in compliance with the Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife
 
Resources Conservation and Protection Act to ensure the welfare and well-being of wildlife species.
 
"All the confiscated, abandoned, surrendered or donated wildlife will be catered by this rescue center. If they are sick or injured, they will be treated and released eventually to their natural
 
habitat," Dr. Hadjinasser said. The official added that the location is an ideal site for wild animals due to the rich natural trees that surround it.
 
The 2,500 square meter RWRC composes the DENR monitoring, quarantine and intensive care unit buildings and cages for crocodile, python, deer, common, Brahminy kite, lizard and rabbit.
 
The RWRC will also serve as an avenue for public education and training ground for wildlife enthusiasts on handling, care and management of wildlife in captivity within Region 12.
 
In a statement, Dr. Neil Velasco, University veterinarian said that the facility will be a good training ground for their students, especially those with biology, agriculture and science subjects, due
 
to its proximity.
 
Meantime, University Campus Director Dr. Juanito P. Marcelino accepted all responsibilities given to them under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) they have signed with the DENR 12.
"
We are accepting all the responsibilities and challenges given to us by the government. We will fulfill all of these to sustain the operation of the center," Dr. Marcelino said.
 
Under the MOA, SKSU-Lutayan Campus will ensure the welfare, safety and security of wildlife and will provide additional area to cater other animals if necessary.
 
On the other hand, the DENR 12 will have the direct supervision of the RWRC and will provide the technical and financial assistance for the center's operation. The agency will also conduct a
 
weekly monitoring as to the status of wildlife and the facility.
 
"The DENR and SKSU are partners long before when it comes to biodiversity conservation. And with this facility, we will continue our partnership," said Estelita L. Corpuz, CDD Assistant Chief.
 
She added that they will propose for more facility improvements and will work together with SKSU to sustain the RWRC.
 
Meanwhile, the DENR 12 also reminded the public to help the government protect and conserve the flora and fauna in the region and the entire country.
 
"We should let the wildlife species live in their natural habitat. Anyone caught harming or possessing wildlife especially those species with categories of vulnerable, endangered and critically
 
endangered will be penalized accordingly," said Forester Mangayao Macapodi, Chief of Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section
 
Section 32 of RA 9147 mandates the DENR Secretary to establish or designate wildlife rescue centers to take temporary custody and care of all confiscated, abandoned and/or donated wildlife
 
to ensure their welfare and well-being. ###

In the heydays of the yesteryears, every Filipino adored the beauty of this body of water. With its crystalline surface, tranquil environment and captivating scenery— that’s the Manila Bay our old foks had cherised for a long time. 

Feature Mani LOVE Bay web2

In the faraway Barangay Kalabugao, in the town Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon lives a Philippine eagle with the barangay’s namesake that has been through the extremes of life and death, and now, has fully matured and had her own family.  Kalabugao, a female raptor, is the world’s first case of a rescued and rehabilitated young eagle surviving and successfully breeding after her release back to the wild.  

Feature Kalabugao revised web2

Officials and employees of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), including visitors nowhavethe chance to familiarize themselves with the agency’s priority legislative agenda through an exhibit set up at the DENR Central Office main lobby.

The week-long exhibit, which runs from June 10 to 14,coincides with the 32nd anniversary celebration of the DENR, as well as the 121st Philippine Independence Day.

It showcasesproposals that have been pending in the legislative mill for years but are up for re-filing in the upcoming 18th Congress.

These include: the Land Use Bill (House Bill or HB 5240); amendment in the Mining Law (HB 6259); E-waste Management Bill (HB 2964); and the Delineation of Forest Limits Bill (HB 143).

DLLO pic1

The exhibit was put up by the DENR Legislative Liaison Office (DLLO), which is headed by Assistant Secretary Joan Lagunda as the agency’s appointed Legislative Liaison Officer.

Lagunda in her message assured the DENR of the DLLO’s steadfast commitment in advancing the interest of the environment.

“Under the present leadership, the environment-loving community can be assured that the LLO is striving to be heard by our revered lawmakers to craft legislations that will empower the Department more in performing its mandate,” she stated.

DLLO pic2

The exhibit also features a video presentation on the background of the DLLO, as well as the officials who have managed the office. Among these officials are Undersecretaries Ernesto Adobo, Juan Miguel Cuna, and AnalizaRebuelta-Teh; Assistant Secretary Joselin Marcus Fragada; and Director NiloTamoria.

The DLLO is the office tasked to liaise with both houses of Congress regarding all matters impinging on relations between the DENR and the legislative branch.

It is also the official representative of the DENR in the Legislative Liaison System of the Office of the President, with Secretary AdelinoSitoy, head of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, as the Chief Legislative Liaison Officer.

Parties interested in pending environmental legislative proposals may contact the DLLO via telephone number 920-1761, or through email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..###