The late Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Real Miliarete “Milet” Buisan- Panaligan was honored on April 22, 2022, as an Environmental Hero by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno and DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna assisted by Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria and Provincial ENR Officer of Quezon, Raymond A. Rivera, handed the plaque to CENRO Panaligan’s daughter, Ms. Joyce Panaligan-Quinan. The officials who also witnessed the awarding to the bereaved family were DENR USEC for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs Atty. Jonas R. Leones, and the President and Country Coordinator of Earth Day Network Philippines (EDNP) Atty Wigberto Tañada., Jr.

“She is the first Environmental Hero to be honored for exemplary and consistent service in protecting the environment rather than the circumstances of her death. Our glorious warrior of the environment deserves a dance with the angels” narrated by Atty. Daniel Darius M. Nicer, Assistant Secretary for Enforcement, Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units, and Executive Director of Environmental Heroes Foundation Inc. (EHFI).

According to RED Nilo, CENRO Panaligan was designated as OIC CENRO of Real, Quezon in 2010 during his term. “I already noticed her dedication and passion from the moment I met her (CENRO Panaligan)” Tamoria said.

CENRO Milet, who served as CENR Officer of Real from 2010 to 2016, made more than 200 apprehensions related to illegal logging. Her innovations in Real, Quezon include a close communication network with the People's Organizations, Indigenous Peoples, Law Enforcers, and Local Government Units. She has involved the Dumagat Tribe in the implementation of the National Greening Program in her area. Despite death threats, she continued her crusade against illegal logging in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, bordering the eastern part of Quezon province such as Real, Infanta, and General Nakar.

She passed away due to a lingering disease in August 27, 2018, National Heroes’ Day.###