In celebration of the World Wildlife Day 2024, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CALABARZON conducted an Exposure Trip last March 2, 2024 at the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center (RWRC) and the Regional Seedling Production and Training Facility, both in Brgy. Lamot II, Calauan, Laguna.

Various youth organizations in Laguna participated in the activity including the Club for UNESCO-UPLB, Ugnayang Kalikasan, and some organizations affiliated with the Youth Development Affairs Laguna such as Gawad Laguna, Incorporated, and Angat Kabataan, Angat Kalikasan.

 Prior to the trip, short lectures on the Status of Forest Cover of CALABARZON and Wildlife Conservation and Protection Efforts of the Region were delivered by the Regional National Greening Program Coordinator Yul Jose F. Malicsi and the In-Charge of the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center For. Raymund F. Mercurio, respectively. In addition, For. Mercurio together with RWRC animal keepers demonstrated the proper procedures when encountering and handling wildlife species.

In his message, DENR CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria emphasized the threats encountered by wildlife. including online illegal wildlife trade. He also shared the Agency’s response in combating these challenges and encouraged the youth to serve as force multipliers in raising awareness in the digital age.

“Alam kong ang inyong henerasyon ang may pinakamalawak na platform upang magpahayag at magsulong ng ating adbokasiya para sa kalikasan… Hamon ko sa inyo na gamitin ang inyong natutunan sa inyong pang-araw-araw na buhay, ipamahagi sa iba, at magsilbing environmental champions ng inyong mga komunidad,” RED Tamoria said.

Following the lectures and demonstrations, the exposure trip proceeded at the RWRC and the Regional Seedling Production and Training Facility. Participants were reminded of rules so as not to disturb the wildlife under rehabilitation. For. Mercurio led the tour at the RWRC and shared stories behind the rescued animals. He also mentioned ongoing proposals to enhance enclosures and renovate the rescue center.

The participants then visited the Regional Seedling Production and Training Facility, where Mr. Malicsi presented their facilities and the indigenous and fruit-bearing seedlings they produce. Participants took home some seedlings to plant.

The activity aimed to promote environmental initiatives and efforts of DENR CALABARZON to the youth through experiential learning. When asked on their takeaways during the activity, one of the youth participants said “As an aspiring wildlife conservationist, na-browse-through natin ‘yong mga laws and regulations at nakita natin ‘yong mga animals na affected ng mga violations. Dahil dito, mas na-urge ako na ipaglaban pa ‘yong mga karapatan ng mga wildlife natin at mag-contribute to better policy-making and research”.

Also present during the activity were the DENR CALABARZON Conservation and Development Division Chief For. Victor D. Ombajino, RSCIG Chief For. Judaline A. Fabro, and PENRO Laguna Conservation and Development Section Chief Mr. Melvin Lalican.###