Davao City, Philippines — March 20, 2025 — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region XI, through its Enforcement Division (ED), concluded a three-day training on the Deputation of Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs) held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Lanang, Davao City from March 18 to 20, 2025.
Spearheaded by Enforcement Division OIC-Chief and CENR Officer Engr. Mari Antoniette A. Andulana, the activity aimed to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement officers in the Davao Region in implementing Republic Act 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001. The training also covered basic wildlife handling techniques to equip participants with the practical skills necessary for field operations.
In her opening remarks, Engr. Andulana acknowledged the vital role of inter-agency collaboration in protecting the environment, especially given the challenging landscapes and complex nature of environmental enforcement in the Philippines.
“DENR cannot do it alone. The protection of our natural heritage requires unity and strong coordination among agencies,” she said.
The training brought together representatives from various national and regional agencies, including the Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), PNP-Maritime, PNP-Aviation Security Unit, Bureau of Customs, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) XI, National Veterinary Quarantine Services Division (NVQSD) XI, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) XI, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, Regional Prosecutor’s Office, Task Force Davao, and DENR’s Legal Division.
Participants actively engaged in discussions and consultations with resource speakers from DENR XI, Environmental Management Bureau XI (EMB XI), and Mines and Geosciences Bureau XI (MGB XI), raising operational concerns and sharing insights on enforcement challenges.
The event culminated in a closing ceremony led by DENR XI Regional Executive Director Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan, who lauded the participants for their commitment to wildlife protection.
“We have gathered here for three productive days with a common purpose—to save and protect our wildlife, flora, and fauna. We all play a crucial role in safeguarding our natural resources for the present and future generations,” she said.
The training reinforced the DENR’s mission of fostering a well-coordinated environmental law enforcement network and emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring a sustainable future for the region’s biodiversity.