Butuan City, Philippines – February 12, 2025 – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga and Caraga State University (CSU) have formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing for the formulation of the Cluster and Corridor Management Plan under the DENR-UNDP/GEF Integrated Approach in Management of Major Biodiversity Corridors in the Philippines, also known as the BD Corridor Project. The agreement aims to enhance conservation efforts in the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor.
The signing of the MOA was a key highlight of DENR Caraga’s New Year’s Call held at the LMX Convention Center in Bancasi, Butuan City. Representing DENR Caraga was OIC-Regional Executive Director Maritess M. Ocampo, while University President Dr. Rolyn C. Daguil signed on behalf of CSU.
Key officials also served as witnesses to the agreement, including OIC-Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Management Services Atty. Claudio A. Nistal and OIC-ARD for Technical Services and Chief of the Legal Division Atty. Redemtor A. Oja from DENR Caraga. From CSU, Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Extension Engr. Jeffrey T. Dellosa and Director of the Center for Research in Environmental Management and Eco-Governance (CRÈME) Dr. Romel A. Seronay signed as witnesses.
The MOA signifies a strengthened commitment between the two institutions to promote biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, and research-driven initiatives within the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor. The BD Corridor Project, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), seeks to integrate sustainable management practices to protect key biodiversity areas in the country.
This collaboration underscores the importance of academic-government partnerships in advancing environmental conservation efforts, with CSU providing technical expertise and research-based strategies to support DENR Caraga’s initiatives. The agreement is expected to pave the way for enhanced ecological protection and sustainable development in the region.
