Tubod, Lanao del Norte — April 15, 2025
In a bid to reinforce local environmental stewardship, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte, through its Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), convened an Information and Consultation on Wildlife Management and Enforcement on April 10 at the Old Capitol Building.
The gathering brought together Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officers (MENROs) from across the province, reaffirming the crucial role of local government units (LGUs) as frontliners in safeguarding wildlife and natural habitats.
The session focused on the operational guidelines of the Wildlife Rescue Center (WRC) and the implementation of Republic Act 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Participants also reviewed key provincial ordinances aimed at enhancing wildlife conservation and natural resource management.
Norhasad Sangcopan, Section Chief of the Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation (PAMBC) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Lanao del Norte (DENR-LDN), served as the resource speaker. He underscored the importance of proactive local enforcement and the vital role LGUs play in preserving biodiversity and maintaining the integrity of protected areas.
“This initiative is not only about raising awareness, but about empowering our municipal officers to act decisively in the face of environmental threats,” Sangcopan emphasized during his presentation.
Participants welcomed the consultation, describing it as both timely and essential in light of growing environmental challenges. The event fostered a deeper understanding of conservation laws and highlighted the importance of consistent law enforcement at the grassroots level.
This initiative exemplifies the indispensable role of LGUs in environmental governance. Positioned at the heart of local communities, municipal officers are often the first responders to illegal wildlife trade, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. Equipping them with the right knowledge and fostering collaboration between the province, municipalities, and national agencies ensures that environmental policies are not only passed but effectively enforced on the ground.
As climate and ecological pressures continue to mount, localized efforts such as this reflect the province’s commitment to biodiversity protection, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from the region’s rich natural heritage.
