COTABATO PROVINCE: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – PENRO Cotabato actively participated in the “3rd Gob Lala Balik-Kinaiyahan Festival” held on July 24–25, 2025, at The Basket, Capitol Compound, Amas, Kidapawan City. Spearheaded by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) in collaboration with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the event brought together various government agencies, LGUs, NGOs, and academic institutions to promote environmental protection through booths and exhibits that highlighted the use of indigenous and recyclable materials.

PENRO Cotabato’s “DENR on Wheels” offered free services such as assistance with land patent and wildlife permit applications, ENR legal consultations, and distributed over 400 indigenous tree seedlings and 250 flyers. Visitors joined environmental trivia games, winning seedlings and eco-friendly prizes for correct answers. DMO III Elmer D. Oliveros, PhD also delivered lectures on environmental protection, sustainability, and the importance of restoring natural ecosystems. The festival served as a platform for promoting environmental consciousness and collective action to combat climate change, soil erosion, and disaster risks. PENRO Cotabato’s participation demonstrated its commitment to fostering environmental stewardship and educating communities on the importance of sustainability.