In celebration of the 50th Founding Anniversary of the Career Executive Service Board (CESB), a Community Passion (ComPassion) Project was conducted by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol in collaboration with the Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc. (SFFI) – Bicol Region Council on November 14, 2023 at the DENR V Multi-Purpose Building, Regional Center Site, Rawis, Legazpi City.
DENR Bicol Regional Executive Director (RED) Francisco E. Milla, Jr., CESO III together with Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services (ARD-TS) Atty. Ronnel C. Sopsop, CESE and Assistant Regional Director for Management Services (ARD – MS) Grace L. Carino led the distribution of bags containing school supplies, dental kit, water bottle and towel to some twenty (20) indigent children from Purok 3, Barangay Rawis, Legazpi City.
ARD Carino emphasized the significance of instilling compassion in children. “Emphasizing that the capacity for empathy and understanding others’ feelings among the youth can profoundly impact the life they are currently experiencing and their future,” ARD Carino said.
Moreover, an inspirational message was also delivered by RED Milla wherein he acknowledged the positive impact of the activity. “Our Department is known as the agency responsible for the conservation, management, development, and effective use of the country’s environment and natural resources. However, I believe that we can be more than that. Our activity today symbolizes our commitment to our promise of a resilient and inclusive community, along with environmental quality and sustainability,” he said.
Focusing on the five (5) pillars of Sustainable Development Goals – People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership, the gift-giving activity was initiated by RED Milla and ARD Sopsop who are both active members of the DENR Association of Career Executives, Inc. (DENR ACE), an association composed of Career Executive Service Officers and Career Executive Service Eligible.
Furthermore, ARD Sopsop conveyed a message of endorsement, characterizing the event as a “heartening gift-giving ceremony that embodies the essence of sharing and unity across diverse organizations.” He underscored the significance of community involvement and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the prosperous execution of the Department’s initiatives, plans, and endeavors dedicated to the adept management of the nation’s environment and natural resources.
The DENR Bicol underscores its role beyond conservation, aiming for a sustainable and inclusive future, reaffirming its dedication to holistic environmental stewardship by embracing compassion and community collaboration.
(Source: DENR Bicol Press Release)