IP members in Zamboanga City prepare to become deputized environment officers

MEMBERS OF indigenous people (IP) communities, along with civil society organization representatives in Zamboanga city, were given training last week on forestry laws by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region 9 in preparation for deputizing them as environmental officers. The trainees have already been supporting and implementing environmental protection initiatives in their respective areas. “To effectively acknowledge your efforts, we (DENR) would deputize you as ENROs (Environment and Natural Resources Officers) or wildlife environmental officers, and this will give you authority to apprehend illegal activities (such as illegal logging),” DENR Chief Enforcement Officer Ben A. Acana told the training participants. The deputized ENROs will be working with other stakeholders, including the police and the military. — Albert F. Arcilla