Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur — In a noteworthy move to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region IX (DENR IX) has entered into a Wildlife Loan Agreement (WLA) with a private individual for the temporary custodianship of two endangered Philippine Crocodiles (Crocodylus mindorensis).
The agreement, signed on May 7 between DENR IX and Mrs. Jenevell O. Lamiing, designates the Lamiing Private Facility as the temporary home for the crocodiles. These reptiles cannot be released into the wild due to the absence of a natural population in the region and limited space at the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center (RWRC).
Under the terms of the WLA, the crocodiles will be housed under an ex-situ conservation management setup. This arrangement ensures that care and management of the wildlife adhere to existing environmental laws and animal welfare standards. It also supports DENR IX’s goal of optimizing wildlife management while easing the operational burden on its rescue center.
The signing ceremony was led by OIC Regional Executive Director Arturo E. Fadriquela and Mrs. Lamiing, with key witnesses including Mr. Christopher B. Babaran, OIC Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services; Mr. Troy Audrey Vell O. Lamiing, co-owner of the facility; Zamboanga del Sur PENRO Diomides M. Pablo; Guipos CENRO Felipe Callorina Jr.; OIC CDD Chief Celerina D. Flores; and Atty. Dannah Karoline Rivera of DENR IX.
Director Fadriquela lauded the collaborative effort, highlighting the event as a “momentous step” in regional biodiversity preservation. He noted that private sector involvement in wildlife conservation remains rare and emphasized the importance of community engagement and long-term partnerships in safeguarding the region’s natural heritage.
Following the signing, guests conducted an ocular inspection of the Lamiing Facility, which was found to be fully equipped and ready to care for the crocodiles.
The Wildlife Loan Agreement underscores DENR’s continued dedication to protecting endangered species and signals a growing partnership between the government and private stakeholders in advancing environmental stewardship.