DAVAO CITY — Citing the need to empower the members of the indigenous people in communities to protect the forest, a comprehensive training on environmental laws and processes was conducted to eighteen (18) Tonggo nang Kagul’langan (Forest guards) from the ancestral domains of Mati City and Tarragona town in Davao Oriental.
The primary objective of deploying forest guards throughout the province is to strengthen efforts in combating deforestation and safeguarding natural resources. By ensuring the monitoring and surveillance of the forest areas within their respective ancestral domains, these forest guards will play a crucial role in protecting the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of Davao Oriental.
The training was aimed at enhancing the forest guards’ understanding of critical legal frameworks vital to their roles in safeguarding the environment.
The training sessions covered various topics, including environmental legislation, enforcement procedures, evidence gathering, case management strategies in an effort to empower the forest guards with the knowledge and hone their skills to effectively protect their ancestral lands and contribute to environmental conservation efforts in the region.
Gualberto Cagunan, the Municipal Tribal Chieftain of Mati City, expressed his appreciation for Tonggo nang Kagul’langan’s significant contribution to strengthening forest conservation endeavors. He emphasized the importance of community-based approaches in promoting sustainable practices and maintaining ecological balance in Davao Oriental’s ancestral lands.
The training marked another milestone in the ongoing effort to empower the indigenous communities in Davao Oriental.
In November 2023, a similar training program was conducted for forest guards from Manay and Caraga ancestral domains, capacitating 20 indigenous forest guards. These initiatives underscore the commitment of all stakeholders to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of local forest protection efforts.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), will deputize the forest guards to effectively enforce environmental laws.
The forest guarding initiative is critical to the Mindanao Forest for People and Sustainable Livelihoods project (MinFor). The project engages with indigenous communities in Davao Oriental through forest conservation and protection, sustainable livelihood, and socio-cultural/community well-being activities.
The training was organized by Kennemer in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Davao Region and Indigenous Peoples Structures of Manay and Caraga municipalities, was held on February 12-13 at Don Enrique Lopez in Mati City,
The speakers were from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of Mati City
