Cagayan de Oro City – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – 12 Technical Services team collaborated with DENR – 10 in a two-day Technical Conference and Leveling Off to address the boundary conflict between the provinces of Bukidnon and North Cotabato. The event took place on January 9-10, 2025, at Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, Limketkai Drive, Cagayan de Oro City.
The activity was organized as part of the implementation of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) established between the Regional Directors of DENR-10 and DENR-12. The agreement underscores the provision of technical assistance to facilitate the peaceful resolution of boundary disputes involving the two provinces. Specifically, the conference focused on the relocation survey for the Municipality of Kadingilan in Bukidnon and the Municipality of Carmen in North Cotabato.
Key officials present at the event included Assistant Secretary for Field Operations – Western Mindanao Arleigh J. Adorable, DENR-12 Regional Executive Director (RED) Atty. Felix S. Alicer, DENR-10 RED Henry A. Adornado, Ph.D., DENR-12 Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services (ARD-TS) Engr. Mama G. Samaon, DENR-10 ARD-TS Ronald D. Gadot, and PENR Officer of Cotabato Radzak A. Sinarimbo. Other division and section chiefs under the Technical Services Division of both regions were also in attendance.
The conference provided a platform for participants to align their strategies and methodologies in addressing the boundary dispute. Discussions included technical and legal aspects of delineation, ensuring that all measures comply with existing regulations and promote cooperation between stakeholders. The relocation survey is expected to provide an accurate basis for resolving the long-standing boundary issues.
Assistant Secretary Adorable emphasized the importance of collaboration in resolving inter-provincial boundary conflicts. “The partnership between DENR-10 and DENR-12 is a testament to our shared commitment to peaceful and efficient resolution processes. Through technical expertise and mutual understanding, we aim to achieve lasting solutions,” he said.
RED Alicer of DENR-12 echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the initiative not only strengthens inter-regional cooperation but also contributes to sustainable land management practices. RED Adornado of DENR-10 added that the joint efforts would serve as a model for addressing similar conflicts in other regions.
The conference concluded with a set of action plans and timelines for the relocation survey and further consultations with local government units and stakeholders. Both regions expressed optimism that the collaborative approach would yield positive outcomes, fostering harmony and development in the affected areas.