Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IX, through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Guipos, has donated 5,548.16 board feet of lumber to four elementary schools in Bayog to support much-needed school repair and renovation projects.
The donation was distributed as follows:
- Dipili Elementary School: 2,030 board feet
- Damit Elementary School: 1,241.83 board feet
- Bayog Central Elementary School-SPED: 1,229.33 board feet
- Camp Blessing Elementary School: 1,047 board feet
A formal signing of the deed of donation took place on November 19 at the TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) facility in Bayog. Deputy CENRO Pacifico D. Cabrido Jr. signed on behalf of CENRO Felipe H. Callorina Jr., with the event witnessing the participation of prominent local officials and DENR representatives, including Bayog Municipal Mayor Celso A. Matias, DENR IX Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Christopher B. Babaran, Enforcement Division Chief Atty. Ophelia Gella, and State Auditor IV Jaymar M. Lopez.
Other attendees included Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Diomides Pablo, PENRO Technical Services Division Chief Expedito R. Flores, PENRO Accountant Wina Glyn S. Alima, and representatives from the recipient schools.
The lumber was processed from logs turned over by TVIRD under Special Tree Cutting and Earth Balling Permits issued by DENR IX in 2021 and 2022. These materials were carefully allocated to ensure they met the schools’ renovation needs, adhering to the guidelines of Malacañang Memorandum Order No. 162.
This initiative represents the first phase of donations, with Dipili, Damit, Bayog Central, and Camp Blessing Elementary Schools being the initial beneficiaries after completing the necessary compliance requirements.
DENR IX emphasized that the donation reflects its commitment to community development and the improvement of educational infrastructure in underserved areas. “This effort underscores our dedication not only to environmental protection but also to empowering local communities through education,” said a DENR official.
The donated lumber is expected to play a vital role in enhancing learning environments for students, ensuring safer and more conducive spaces for education in these rural schools.
