Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte — In a bid to strengthen environmental protection and community resilience, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), through its Forest Management Services (FMS), recently concluded a two-day training for Forest Law Enforcers.
Held on June 17–18, 2025, at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, the “Forest Law Enforcers’ Training on Forest Management, Climate Change, and Peacebuilding” aimed to enhance the capabilities of MENRE frontline staff and community partners in safeguarding the region’s natural resources.
The training was led by Dr. Abdul-Jalil S. Umngan, RPF, EnP, head of MENRE-FMS, and was implemented in partnership with the Kutawato Greenland Initiatives, Inc. (KGI) chaired by Danilo T. Mocsin. It was supported by The Asia Foundation (TAF) through Project WEAVE under the InFoRCE PEACE IN BARMM initiative.
MENRE Deputy Minister Muslima A. Asmawil highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying, “This training underscores our commitment to protecting our natural resources, building climate resilience, and fostering peace in our communities. Empowering our frontline enforcers with the right knowledge and tools is essential for sustainable and inclusive development in the Bangsamoro region.”
Participants included foresters, forest rangers, and Palaw rangers from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENREO) of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur. Also present were members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade (BIWAB), emphasizing a gender-inclusive and community-centered approach to environmental stewardship.
The training covered key forestry laws and policies such as Presidential Decree 705, DENR Administrative Order 9732, Executive Order 23-2011, and the Chainsaw Act of 2002. It also delved into practical applications including permitting, geotagging, and forest monitoring techniques.
Participants explored the interlinkages of climate change impacts and peacebuilding, reinforcing the need for integrated, grassroots-level environmental governance to secure a sustainable and peaceful future for BARMM communities.
Expert resource speakers from MENRE-FMS included Zaidamin K. Dibaratun, Datu Daud B. Mangalangkat, Aladin K. Ismael, Sahabudin O. Singh, Moamar M. Macadato, Kaharudin M. Mansol, Samson A. Angkad, Sahud P. Keda, Azis P. Marandang, and Badrudin B. Sendad. They were joined by Edwin Camacho, FMS Consultant; TAF’s Addie T. Unsi; and KGI leaders Danilo T. Mocsin and Raisah Cayoga.
The initiative reflects MENRE-BARMM’s continued commitment to environmental protection, climate action, and peacebuilding through inclusive and empowered local partnerships.