Despite the global pandemic brought about by Covid-19, DENR PENRO Cavite still managed to facilitate a consultation meeting as part of the department’s efforts in ensuring coherent planning in addressing core Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) management, rehabilitation, and protection. This Office through the Planning and Management Section (PMS) spearheaded the said activity on January 14, 2021, through a blended face-to-face and teleconferencing approach.

Local Government Units, OGAs, NGAs, and People’s Organization attended the activity via zoom while the majority of PENRO Cavite Officials participated physically in the Conference Room of the PENR Office main building. PENRO Januel R. Peras and Focal Person of MBSCMO Judaline A. Fabro opted to join the event through video conferencing due to health reasons. The Provincial Consultation is an initiative to present this Office’s target plans and programs for CY 2022 as well as the forward plans for CY 2023 to 2025. The said activity is an effective platform for information exchange and a venue to recognize the efforts of our constituents and partner agencies towards a successful implementation of PENRO Cavite’s programs, projects, and activities from the previous to the preceding years.

The Local Government Units of General Trias City, Tagaytay City, Bacoor City, Kawit, Noveleta, Carmona, Rosario, Magallanes and Silang were represented during the event. On the other hand, representatives from Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Cavite Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Provincial Government – Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), Palangue Agrarian Reform Cooperative, and Ramirez Upland Farmers Association (RUFAI) were also present in the consultation.

Cavite PENR Officer Januel R. Peras expressed his gratitude to all the guests and participants who showed their support and exerted efforts to join the event. He mentioned that the consultation meeting is part of the transparency approach of the department so that they will be informed and aware of the plans and programs of PENRO Cavite for the calendar year and the years to come. It is also a venue to establish camaraderie and solicit support from the local government units for the effective implementation of ENR plans and programs in their respective areas of jurisdiction (AOR). PENRO Peras encouraged everyone to continue their efforts and to always submit their proposals, for they might be considered in the planning activities for the coming years. “When it comes to environmental protection and conservation hindi lamang ito tungkulin ng DENR bagkus ito ay nangangailangan ng pangkalahatang suporta sa lahat ng sector sa sama-samang pag-gawa para sa ikakaganda ng ating kapaligiran.” – Cavite PENR Officer Januel R. Peras.

In her opening message, the newly appointed Chief, Management Services Division Ma. Joy Grace S. Sazon was quoted saying “Isang karangalan ang makasama namin kayo at sa pagpapaunlak ninyo sa aming imbitasyon”. She mentioned that the department is continuously doing its commitment to be the LGUs partner towards effective environmental management, hence, this Office needs the LGUs’ inputs and programs as well as their support since they are the frontline agencies on the ground within their respective AOR. The said inputs will be included in the short-term or medium-term plan of PENRO Cavite for possible funding.

Each LGU was requested to fill up the strategic planning template for their proposed plans and programs contributory to environmental protection and conservation for inclusion in the forward plans of DENR PENRO Cavite. 

The Provincial Consultation was conducted primarily to adopt a participatory planning process, to identify priority activities incorporating concerns of the LGUs, OGAs, CSOs, POs, Academes, and other stakeholders, and to apprise the participants of the latest developments pertaining to the implementation of the department's programs and projects within the province. Further, the event is also a venue to kick-start the year with camaraderie and support from our cooperative participants. ###