The DENR CALABARZON through its Enforcement Division conducted a two-day Training/Orientation for the Prospective Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs) within CALABARZON Region. The participants were consisted of selected DENR Field Office personnel, Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group, Coast Guard, Peoples Organization, Local Government Units of Tanay, Rizal, San Pablo Laguna, Pangil, Laguna, Bauan, Batangas, San Francisco; Wildlife Farm Permit holders, and Certificate of Wildlife Registration holders.

Topics discussed during the first day of said event are a) Overview of the training; b) Duties and Functions of WEOs and Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Unit (WTMU); c) Status of Philippine Biodiversity; d) Salient Features of Republic Act (RA) 9147 otherwise known as Wildlife Resources Conservation Act of 2001 and Prohibited Acts, Penalties and Fines under R.A. 9147; and e) Wildlife Law Enforcement Protocols Techniques and Wildlife Law Enforcement Manual Forms and other documents relative to apprehension/seizure and confiscation of wildlife.

On the second day,  Dr. Nielsen B. Donato discussed the topic on the “ Identification of Commonly Traded Wildlife Flora and Fauna and Basic Wildlife Handling Techniques”. The participants also experienced Hands-on training on Wildlife Handling and Restraining with the guidance of Dr. Donato. On the same day, a topic on “Wildlife Trading in the Internet Age” was also presented.

The said training aims to capacitate the prospective WEOs within the region on various Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Laws and the duties of a deputized WEOs. The deputized WEOs will act as force multipliers to strengthen the implementation of wildlife related laws, rules and regulations.