PRESS RELEASE

August 13, 2019

DENR -RPAO

DENR 1 CONDUCTS ECOTOUR IN MANLELUAG SPRING

PROTECTED LANDSCAPE (MSPL)

Mangatarem, Pangasinan – The Department of Environment and Natural

Resources (DENR) Region I through the Regional Public Affairs Office (RPAO)
conducted another Eco-tour for selected college students from the Province of
Pangasinan. The activity titled, “Tara Kabataan, Lakbay Kalikasan Part II”, aimed to
bring the students closer to nature as well as an implementation of children’s awareness
program about sustainable environment. About 15 students of Mystical Rose College of
Science and Technology in Mangatarem, Pangasinan actively participated in the
educational and informative activity held last August 8-9, 2019.
A series of environmental lecture was conducted in coordination with the various
youth and designated information officers from PENROs Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La
Union, Pangasinan, Mines and Geosciences Bureau-I and Environmental Management
Bureau-1. CENRO Dagupan Information Officer, Angelica Esteban presented about the
general information about the protected area, the Manleluag Spring Protected Landscape
(MSPL) where the event was held. Conservation Development Division Information
Officer Jesli Marinas discussed the subject on marine coastal and forest biodiversity,
while Tourism Operations Officer of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region I Bon Derryl
Pugal shared to the participants how nature and ecotourism coexists as a significant
component of tourism industry in the country. He stated that DENR and DOT have
continuously pushing efforts to ensure that biodiversity conservation would not be
compromised by tourism development projects. Further, he emphasized the need for a
sustainable tourism in promoting the country’s natural resources and preserving the
biodiversity of the Protected Areas which attracts local and foreign tourists.
Despite the drizzling rain, a tree planting activity was completed with the students
on the second day of the event. A quick trekking around the MSPL area was done which
equipped them with knowledge on the various flora and fauna existing in the said forest
site. Meanwhile, Information Officer of the Environment Management Bureau I Divine
Joy Picar discussed on the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management
Act of 2000. An open forum followed regarding issues and concerns on solid waste
practices. A trivia fun game was also done as “ice-breakers” in between the lectures.
Few suggestions and recommendations surfaced regarding various topic during
the discussion of the information officers on the closing part of the activity. It was also
suggested that smoking and liquor should be banned in the protected area and should be
strictly implemented. Signages should be visible in the various areas around the MSPL.
Garbage should also be properly labeled and segregated while additional garbage bins
should be put up near the picnic sheds area. Information Officers were reminded of their
responsibility to take care of the environment.
Youth Desk Officer Zenaida Paday-os thanked students and information officers
of their active participation. She mentioned that the said eco-tour is one strategy to
develop the youth as role models and advocates of the environment. Again, this shall be
constantly done to raise awareness and work towards inclusive growth to the protection
and natural and cultural heritage of our motherland.
She also informed the body that as per arrangement with the Regional Public
Affairs Office Chief Renelita Santos, the same activity will be done yearly with the
information officers and selected students to enable them (students/youth) understand
how their decisions and actions affect the environment and their involvement to share
their voice and skills are vital to keep our environment healthy and sustainable for the
future. ##

Prepared by: Noted by:

ZENAIDA L. PADAY-OS RENELITA A. SANTOS

Information Officer II Chief, RPAO
Regional Youth Desk Officer
Photo Documentation: