PENRO Laguna and CENRO Sta. Cruz conducted a consultation meeting with its key stakeholders and presented to them the 1) State of ENR within the province of Laguna as of December 31, 2023, 2) FY 2024 Work and Financial Plan (WFP) addressing concerns based on previous forum, and 3) ENR-related strategic actions and 3-year plans with the participation of key stakeholders, for inclusion in the DENR Forward Planning covering the period FY 2025-2027.

The consultation meeting was held in line with the directions and principles under the leadership of DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, particularly, on building and nurturing partnerships with various stakeholders to develop integrated strategies in the proper management and protection of environment and natural resources.

The consultation meeting was attended by a total of 59 participants consisting of representatives from partner local government units (LGUs) throughout the province, delegates from the offices of members of the House of Representatives, Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), Provincial Environment and Management Office (PEMO) – Laguna, Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO) - Laguna, and partner People’s Organizations (POs) under the Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) Program. 

OIC-PENRO Venerando U. Garcia, OIC-CENRO Isagani Q. Amatorio, Division Chiefs, Section Chiefs, and Unit Heads of both PENRO and CENRO likewise participated in the said meeting. DENR CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria added distinction to the said meeting by gracing the same with his presence and guidance. 

In his opening remarks, PENRO Garcia mentioned that the consultation meeting is very timely as there has been a significant change of leadership in PENRO Laguna and CENRO Sta. Cruz. The meeting provided the opportunity for the newly designated officers to meet the various stakeholders of the province and the platform to briefly introduce the strategic direction and operational instructions anchored on the seven priority thrusts of Secretary Loyzaga. He also encouraged active participation from the stakeholders to agree on other possible areas of collaboration in the effective management of the ENR sector in the province.

PENRO Laguna Management Services Division Chief, For. Mailene M. Gecolea-Laviña discussed the overview of the meeting, its set objectives and expected outputs. She also explained that the Provincial Stakeholders Consultation Meeting is a strategic and inclusive approach to governance that fosters collaboration, transparency, and effective decision-making at the provincial level, engaging with local communities and organizations, ensuring that their diverse voices are heard and considered, fostering a sense of community involvement and ownership in the decision-making process. It also ensures that policies are aligned with the needs and aspirations of the people residing in the province, and provides an opportunity for the stakeholders to address existing issues and leverage opportunities for growth, identify potential challenges, discuss proposed changes, gather suggestions and work towards mutually acceptable solutions. 

“Isang mahalagang aktibidad po ang pakikipag-konsultahan, lalong-lalo na sa mga stakeholders para mabuo po natin ang plano sa hinaharap, maging ground-based po ang ating mga proposed na plano, mapagkunan ng references din ang mga kinatatayuang sitwasyon ng iba’t-ibang stakeholders para sa pagbabalangkas ng ating plano na na-aangkop at nakasalalay sa talagang pangangailangan ng bawat komunidad.”, RED Tamoria pointed out in his inspirational message. 

Atty. Carolane P. Gonzales, the OIC, Chief of Technical Services Division led the integration and synthesis of what transcribed during the open forum, and identified proposed programs and projects where the PENRO and CENRO can collaborate to address the identified significant ENR issues and concerns.

The meeting was officially concluded with CENRO Isagani Q. Amatorio’s closing remarks, expressing appreciation and gratitude to all participating stakeholders, and ensuring that the outputs from the consultation meeting will be considered and taken into account in the forward planning of the office. ###