Koronadal City, South Cotabato – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12, in partnership with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-12, conducted a Youth Resiliency and Geohazard Awareness Campaign for residents of the DSWD Field Office-12 Home for Girls and Women (HFGW) on May 23, 2025, in Tantangan, South Cotabato.
The orientation, themed “Empowering the Youth through Resilience and Disaster Preparedness,” aimed to educate and equip 22 young residents of HFGW with the knowledge and skills needed to become more resilient in the face of natural hazards such as landslides and floods.
DENR-12 Regional Executive Director Atty. Felix S. Alicer underscored the importance of inclusive approaches in delivering environment and natural resources (ENR) services, especially to vulnerable sectors like children and women in residential care. “It is crucial that no one is left behind in our efforts to promote resilience and disaster preparedness,” he said.
MGB-12 Geologist Ray Padernilla led an informative session titled “Ligtas at Matatag: Understanding Geohazards,” which introduced the participants to the basic concepts of landslides and floods and how young people can help build disaster-resilient communities. Another discussion titled “Bata, Mahalaga Ka: Youth’s Role in Environmental Protection” was facilitated by the DENR-12 Youth Desk, emphasizing the value of youth participation in environmental advocacy.
To support the youth further, DENR-12 and MGB-12 turned over hygiene kits, school supplies, snacks, and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on disaster preparedness and geohazard awareness.
HFGW Center Head Rosemarie C. Alcebar expressed her gratitude on behalf of the residents and house parents. “We are thankful for this opportunity to learn how we can protect ourselves and each other before, during, and after a disaster,” she said.
The activity was organized by the Regional Pool of Youth Desk Officers, led by DENR-12 Youth Desk Focal Jeacoh P. Durban, MGB-12 Youth Desk Officer Princess Kate Castillanes, Regional Alternate YDO Hope Pacomo, and PENRO Cotabato YDO Harry Gullon.
The HFGW is a residential care facility under the DSWD that caters to girls and women in difficult circumstances, providing them with protection and a range of services for healing and recovery. This initiative also forms part of DENR-12’s Gender and Development (GAD) efforts to create an inclusive, safe, and rights-respecting environment where all individuals can thrive.