DENR trains officers for enforcement of environmental laws

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently conducted a paralegal training for its officers in order to intensify enforcement of environmental laws.

The DENR Region IV-A, through its Enforcement Division, conducted the Paralegal Training and Orientation on Environmental Laws, Rules and Regulations, for its enforcement officers.

Enforcement Division chief Giovanni Gamo said the activity aims to strengthen implementation of environmental laws, rules and regulations for the protection and conservation of the remaining forest and natural resources of the country through the support of Deputized Environment and Natural Resources Officers (DENROs).

He noted the importance of the training in capacitating the enforcement officers.

Meanwhile, lawyer Arnel Rodriguez, assistant regional director for technical services, said the activity would help expand the participants’ knowledge.

The activity covered topics on DENR vision, mission and thrusts, constitutional mandate (Executive Order 23 and EO 26), roles of DENRO, Philippine laws on forestry, public land disposition and titling, salient features of Wildlife Act, wildlife permitting, forest resources utilization permitting, protected areas and coastal resources, salient features of Republic Act 7586, environmental laws, Philippine Mining Act and paralegal procedures.

Potential DENROs from Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices as well as representatives from the local government units of Region IV-A attended the event.

Gamo also stressed how difficult the role of DENROs in enforcing the law. He reminded the participants to evaluate the situation and take appropriate action without compromising their security as DENR personnel.

He also encouraged the participants to disseminate information on environmental laws in their respective communities.