The DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Cavite facilitated the conduct of an environmental field exposure event or eco-tour adventure entitled “Exploring Protected Area: Eco-Tour Adventure in Mts. Palay-Palay-Mataas-Na-Gulod Protected Landscape (MPPMNGPL)” on December 12, 2023.

Twenty (20) selected YES-O student members, 10 males and 10 females, from Cavite Science Integrated School and Ternate Integrated National High School participated in the activity.

The activity aims to inspire and empower the youth to actively engage in environmental conservation and protection through an organized, informative, and hands-on activity that raises awareness on the importance of protected areas and natural resources.       

This DENR Provincial Office believes that the active participation of youth is essential in creating awareness and advocating for change towards the conservation, protection, and sustainable development of the natural resources and vital ecosystems. The eco-tour will serve as a venue to introduce to the youth the lone protected area in the province and encourage the same to appreciate the wonders and beauty of nature through field exposure and activities.

The results of the 8-year Strategic Communication Action Plan revealed that 90% of the community members in MPPMNGPL have a low to average level of awareness and knowledge of the biodiversity present inside the protected area. Hence, the primary goals of the said action plan are: instill behavioral change among the communities of MPPMNGPL, and transform the public to have a proper environmental mindset and inherent love and affection for MPPMNGPL. The primary intended audience for the said goals are the grade 5 students and generations X, Y, and Z. Hence, the activity engaged the YES-O student members because they belong to the Gen Z population.

A short lecture on the forest types that can be found in the Philippines as well as the basic identification of floral species inside the park were discussed to the participants. Afterwards, several fun-filled activities were undertaken, applying the topics discussed such as “Tree Detectives”, “Take A Hike”, nature walks, and “Wildlife Habitats and Human Impacts”. The said exercises aim to help the participants appreciate the rich biodiversity of MPPMNGPL and encourage them to take positive actions to protect and conserve the environment and natural resources through sharing of realizations. ###