BRP hosts biodiversity symposium

Sixty-eight participants attended the one-day symposium on "The Role of Biodiversity in the Well-Being of the People" on 5 June 2004 at the Function Hall, Provincial Capitol Compound, Oroquieta City.

Organized by the Biodiversity Research Programme (BRP), in coordination with the Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park - Protected Area Office (MMRNP-PAO), the symposium aimed to enhance the awareness of the different stakeholders of Mt. Malindang about the nature, status and importance of biodiversity. This activity was one of the highlights of the province-wide celebration of Mt. Malindang Week 2004, held on 31 May to 5 June 2004.

Participants included representatives from the 17 municipalities and cities of Misamis Occidental, municipal and city agriculture officers, officials of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), presidents of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), officers of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), and representatives from the academe, among others.

BRP researcher and MSU-Naawan professor, Dr. Renato D. Boniao, led the panel of speakers and discussed the nature, value and status of biodiversity conservation in the Philippines. Mr. Roel Dahonog, Environmental Management Specialist from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 10, presented the various programs of DENR. Protected Area Superintendent Rolando S. Dingal updated the participants about the status of Mt. Malindang and PAO's activities in the MMRNP. He also presented a very interesting "life insurance policy" for the local farmers.

Misamis Occidental Governor Loreto Leo Ocampos presented his "Target 1000" program. These are the programs which he aims to achieve on his 1000th day in office and includes "1000 hectares of land undergoing soil testing, 1000 hectares of farm lands using organic fertilizer, 1000 hectares of land reforested in Mt. Malindang, 1000 hectares of mangrove reforested, and 1000 hectares of riverbank reforested or protected", among others.

The afternoon session was devoted to the presentations by the different organizations in Mt. Malindang involved in conservation. Mr. Iver T. Alabanzas, BRP Site Coordinator, presented BRP's objectives and research activities towards management and conservation of biodiversity in Mt. Malindang. Mr. Andy O. Pestaño, Director of CARE AWESOME (Agencies Working for the Ecological Sustainability of Mt. Malindang's Environs), presented their organization's projects and accomplishments towards biodiversity conservation, and their plans as the project moves in its final phase. CARE AWESOME combines environmental protection with alternative livelihood assistance to the communities who depend on MMRNP's resources. Lastly, Mr. Romulo Baz presented the Philippine Australia Local Sustainability (PALS) program relevant to environmental conservation. PALS is undertaking community development programs in 26 barangays in Mt. Malindang.

A pictorial exhibit of BRP's activities in Mt. Malindang was set up during the symposium. The same exhibit was also displayed during the Protected Area Management Board's (PAMB) en banc meeting the day before.

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