The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) and DENR Zamboanga Peninsula, in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay, PENRO Zamboanga Sibugay, CENRO Kabasalan, and CENRO Imelda, celebrated World Wetlands Day on February 2 at the Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve (SWNR).
The event commenced with a ceremonial tree planting led by DENR Assistant Secretary for Biodiversity and concurrent BMB Director Marcial Amaro and Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Dulce Ann Hofer, with participation from government officials and local stakeholders. A significant highlight of the celebration was the awarding of the Ramsar Site Certificate to the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay and representatives from various municipalities and barangays at the Provincial Capitol Building.
Other activities included a wetland products exhibit showcasing potential Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprises (BDFEs), a 𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘸-𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘰 session with selected secondary school students, and an exposure trip to the SWNR.
ASec Amaro underscored the importance of wetland conservation, aligning with this year’s global theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.” He emphasized the role of local communities in biodiversity conservation and integrating wetland protection into national policies such as the Philippine Development Plan and the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Additionally, he called for the enactment of the Wetland Bill to establish a national policy for wetlands conservation.
Governor Hofer reaffirmed her commitment to environmental conservation, emphasizing that the people of Sibugay are the stewards of their natural resources. She lauded the collaborative efforts of stakeholders in making the event a success and reiterated that the province has the potential to serve as a model for conservation. She also highlighted the significance of ecosystems in sustaining health, food supply, and tourism, pledging to continue advocating for sustainability in the province.
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands designated SWNR as a Ramsar Site during the 10th Asian Wetlands Symposium in Quezon City last November, making it the 2,552nd Ramsar site globally. Spanning 175,551 hectares across nine municipalities, SWNR serves as a crucial habitat for migratory and endemic waterbirds, including the Philippine duck and Chinese egret.
The event was attended by DENR IX OIC Regional Executive Director Marie Angelique C. Go, EMB IX Regional Director Atty. Abbas I. Lao, ARD for Technical Services Christopher B. Babaran, DOT IX Regional Director Dara May Cataluña, PENROs, CENROs, BMB personnel, and local officials from municipalities and barangays within the SWNR. Representatives from the academe, youth, and people’s organizations also participated.
DENR continues to urge communities to support wetland conservation by engaging in local programs and promoting sustainable practices. The designation of SWNR as a Ramsar Site highlights the necessity for ongoing collaboration to safeguard these vital ecosystems for future generations.