ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA – In celebration of International Earth Day 2025, various Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) across the region launched initiatives aimed at environmental restoration and community awareness.
In Barangay Tinaplan, Sindangan, the CENRO Manukan and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) Sindangan, in partnership with TESDA Dipolog City and Sindangan Offices and the local community, spearheaded a reforestation activity in a previously denuded area. A total of 300 Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) seedlings were planted, underscoring the stakeholders’ commitment to sustainable land management, biodiversity restoration, and climate change mitigation. The Narra tree, known for its ecological value and resilience, is expected to enhance local habitats and promote long-term ecological balance. Organizers recognized the active participation of community members, emphasizing that their involvement is key to the success and sustainability of such environmental efforts.
Meanwhile, in Barangay Balangao, Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay, CENRO Imelda conducted a Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) activity to highlight the importance of protecting caves and other natural resources. The session, led by CENR Officer Neneth T. Ordoño with support from personnel of the Biodiversity Conservation Unit, Enforcement and Monitoring Section, and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), focused on educating residents about key environmental laws. These included Presidential Decree No. 705 (Revised Forestry Code), Republic Act No. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act), Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Conservation Act), and Republic Act No. 9072 (Cave Resources Management Act).
During the open forum, concerns on charcoal production, tree cutting, and improper waste disposal were raised and addressed by technical experts. Barangay officials, led by Hon. Jonathan Ambalong, expressed their support for stricter enforcement of environmental laws and vowed to work with CENRO to protect local ecosystems.
These Earth Day activities reflect the growing collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and stakeholders in advancing environmental stewardship across the Zamboanga Peninsula.