DENR calls for community involvement in environmental protection

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is urging communities in Central Luzon to more actively participate in environmental protection efforts.

During the eighth episode of the Philippine Information Agency’s Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, DENR Regional Director Ralph Pablo stressed the importance of collective action to achieve sustainable development and combat climate change.

“Our programs are designed to bring together government, the private sector and communities to work toward a cleaner, greener future,” he said.

Pablo highlighted the DENR’s efforts under the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program, which utilizes a newly developed dashboard from the Geospatial Database Office (GDO) to identify critical cleanup and rehabilitation areas.

This tool will enable the DENR to better coordinate its efforts and monitor progress more effectively.

“The GDO’s expertise allows us to identify areas that require immediate attention and allocate resources efficiently,” he noted.

DENR is also the driving force behind Project Transform in Bataan, a transdisciplinary approach aimed at creating resilient and sustainable communities.

This project works with local governments, national agencies and private organizations to protect mangrove areas, inventory public lands and set up air quality monitoring stations.

“Project Transform is an example of our commitment to inclusive, science-based and data-driven solutions to tackle climate change,” Pablo emphasized.

In addition, DENR has launched a large-scale clean-up project in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment, the Philippine Coast Guard and the office of Anna York Bondoc, Pampanga 4th District Representative.

This initiative will enable over 2,500 displaced workers to participate in the clean-up and restoration of Manila Bay, providing both environmental and economic benefits.

“We are not only improving our environment, but also creating jobs for people in need,” Pablo added.

The agency’s efforts also extend to marine research, with the establishment of a new marine research station in Aurora.

This facility supports ecosystem-based approaches to coastal and marine management and promotes partnerships and collaboration with various stakeholders.

“Our goal is to protect and sustainably manage our maritime resources, ensuring their health and productivity for future generations,” he stressed.

The DENR’s call for community engagement underscores the belief that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. By working together, communities can help build a sustainable future and address the pressing challenges of climate change. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3- Pampanga)