DENR honors 6 POs, 2 persons

CEBU, Philippines - Six people organizations in Cebu and two Cebuano environment advocates have been recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in a separate ceremony held recently. 

The six organizations won in the Competition for the Most Outstanding PO under the National Greening Program (upland category). They are the Basak Upland Farmers for Forestry and Agro Livestock Organization, Camp 4 Manipis Minglanilla To-ong Association Inc., and Lunas Latab Camari Pit-os United Farmers Association.

For the lowland and mangrove category, Pangan-an Island Cooperative and Community Development, Barangay Suba Olango Fishermen Association  and Nagkahiusang Mananagat sa Bang-bang  in Barangay Bang-bang, Cordova, bagged the award.

The two Cebuanos bestowed with the awards for the “Inang Kalikasan for Eco-Tourism” were Mayor Cynthia Moreno and Estella Oral.

Moreno got the award for the Bojo Aloguinsan Eco-Tourism Association, while Oral for the Olango Island Eco-Tour Association.

Also received the same award was Gloria Abing of the Luyang Fisher Folks Association in Siquijor.

DENR said “Inang Kalikasan Champions” for eco-tourism is the first ever award bestowed upon individuals who are role models in pursuing ecotourism as an enterprise and for their determination to protect the environment through social equity.

Isabelo Montejo, DENR-7 executive director, said that eco-tourism is a form of sustainable tourism within a natural and cultural heritage area where community participation, protection, and management of natural resources, culture, and indigenous knowledge and practices.

Cebu’s new eco-tourism destination is the Bojo, Aloguinsan river cruise which concept was espoused by Moreno.  — (FREEMAN)