Carmen, Cotabato– The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Cotabato took center stage as resource speakers during the Capacity Development Training on Wildlife Protection held on December 20, 2024, in Carmen, Cotabato. The event brought together 366 participants from various municipalities across the province, including volunteers, youth, students, and community leaders, to prepare them as potential Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs). The training aimed to empower these future environmental frontliners with the skills and knowledge needed to actively safeguard and conserve Cotabato’s rich and diverse biodiversity.

The training focused on equipping future WEOs with the knowledge and skills needed to address environmental threats, including illegal wildlife trade and habitat destruction.

Resource speakers from PENRO Cotabato delivered insightful discussions on key topics. DMO III Jeoffrey Laraya, Chief of the Monitoring and Enforcement Section, emphasized the significance of Philippine biodiversity, highlighted regulations on wildlife trade, and outlined the critical responsibilities of WEOs. Forester Regineth B. Agramon provided a comprehensive overview of Republic Act 9147, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, while Forest Technician II Junalyn Cabanlig discussed essential provisions of the ENIPAS Act (RA 11038) and shared valuable insights on Protected Area Management.

This initiative aligns with the commitments made by the SOCCSARGEN Environmental Protection Task Force (SEPTF) and the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Cotabato to strengthen biodiversity conservation in the region. Upon accreditation through the DENR’s Regional Special Order, these WEOs will serve as environmental frontliners—or “abanteros”—in safeguarding Cotabato’s natural heritage.

With their enhanced capabilities and a deeper sense of purpose, these conservation champions are poised to lead the charge in protecting Cotabato’s ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable and thriving environment for generations to come.