TUPI, South Cotabato – The Protected Area Management Office—Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (PAMO-MMPL), in coordination with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) South Cotabato, conducted a Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaign on February 14 at Sitio Datal Ngisi, Barangay Kablon, Tupi.
The initiative aimed to raise awareness and promote the enforcement of key environmental laws, specifically Republic Act 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and the Enhanced National Greening Program (eNGP).
The campaign highlighted the significance of these laws in land conservation, sustainable land management, and biodiversity protection. Participants were encouraged to become advocates for environmental conservation while also supporting the socio-economic well-being of their communities.
The activity was well-attended by members of the Mt. Matutum Highland Farmers Association (MMHFA), sitio leaders, and eNGP beneficiaries. Also present were personnel from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Tupi, representatives from DOLE Philippines, Barangay Kablon officials, and staff from PENRO South Cotabato.
Through this initiative, stakeholders were empowered with knowledge and encouraged to take an active role in preserving the rich biodiversity of Mt. Matutum and its surrounding landscapes.