ALABEL, Sarangani Province — In a bid to strengthen grassroots forest protection efforts, 23 Barangay Multi-sectoral Forest Protection Committees (BMFPCs) were formally reorganized in Barangay Datal Anggas on April 15, 2025, under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Forest Protection Plan.
The reorganization aims to fortify forest law enforcement at the barangay level, enhancing the surveillance and monitoring of upland and forested areas that are often vulnerable to illegal activities. The move is also part of a broader strategy to empower communities to take a more active role in conservation work.
To ensure the BMFPC members are fully equipped for the task, the DENR-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Glan conducted an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign during the event. The orientation included in-depth discussions on key environmental laws such as Presidential Decree 705 (as amended by Republic Act 7161), Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and Republic Act 9175, also known as the Chainsaw Act of 2002.
The revitalized committees are expected to play an essential role in the ongoing conservation efforts for the Mt. Latian Complex — a biologically rich landscape currently under consideration for protected area status. Strengthening the capacity of local communities is seen as a vital step toward ensuring the ecological sustainability and resilience of the area.
These BMFPCs serve as frontliners and partners of the DENR in forest law enforcement, supporting surveillance operations while fostering environmental stewardship among local residents. Once the committees meet the requirements set by DENR Administrative Order No. 2008-22, they will be formally deputized by the DENR Regional Executive Director, allowing them to actively enforce environmental regulations.
Through this initiative, the DENR reaffirms its commitment to sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation across Sarangani Province. With local communities now at the forefront, the agency hopes to secure the long-term health and integrity of vulnerable forest ecosystems, including the Mt. Latian Complex.