The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol headed by Regional Executive Director (RED) Francisco E. Milla, Jr. alongside the different DENR V field offices spearheaded a series of environmental events in celebration of the World Wetlands Day on February 2, 2026.
With the theme, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” the celebration aimed to raise awareness the critical role of wetlands in maintaining ecological balance, conserving biodiversity, enhancing climate resilience and supporting sustainable development, while recognizing the value of traditional knowledge in environmental conservation.
The Regional Office through the Conservations and Development Division (CDD) spearheaded an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign and outreach activity. Kits containing educational supplies were distributed to some eighty-five (85) students of Danao Elementary School, Polangui, Albay on February 2, 2026.
The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO) Sorsogon headed by OIC, PENR Officer Marlon C. Francia in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Prieto Diaz, Barangay LGU and residents of Barangay Manlabong, Bantay Dagat, and Seamancor Eco-Developers Service Cooperative conducted a Mangrove Tree Growing activity and Coastal Cleanup on February 2, 2026 at Barangay Manlabong, Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon.
Some one hundred twenty (120) mangrove propagules composed of thirty (30) Tangal, thirty (30) Malatangal, and sixty (60) Bakauan Bato propagules were planted during the activity. Additionally, approximately one hundred two (102) kilos of solid waste were collected during the cleanup.
Likewise, the PENRO Albay headed by OIC, PENR Officer Narisol C. Divina conducted a tree growing activity and launching of the Albay Biosphere Reserve – Research and Development Center (ABRRDC) Biological Museum on February 2, 2026 at the Albay Biosphere Reserve – Research and Development Center, Barangay Cabit, Manito, Albay.
Some two hundred (200) Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) and fifty (50) Kamagong (Diospyros blancoi) seedlings were planted during the activity.
Also featured during the event was Project DANAO: Nag-aso Lake, a collaborative initiative of Sorsogon State University (SorSu) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) V. The project emphasizes the ecological importance of wetlands and promotes research-driven, science-based and community-oriented approaches to wetland conservation and sustainable resource management.
On the other hand, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Guinobatan led by OIC, CENR Officer Alejandro D. Maranan spearheaded an IEC campaign and seedling distribution on February 2, 2026 at Barangay Mapaco, Guinobatan Albay.
A coastal cleanup and IEC campaign was also conducted by the PENRO Camarines Sur headed by OIC, PENR Officer Herleo O. Pavericio together with CENRO Sipocot headed by CENR Officer Daisy M. Terciano, LGU Cabusao, BLGUs of Biong, Pandan and Barcelonita, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) Sipocot and School of Fisheries at Cabusao Wetlands Critical Habitat (CWCH) Cabusao, Camarines Sur on January 29, 2026.
The activity aims to raise awareness about the critical role of wetlands in sustaining ecological balance and mitigating climate change through a community-led clean-up drive, and empowering partners in the community with knowledge and information on waterbirds, mangroves and the importance of protecting the CWCH.
Similarly, CENRO Goa headed by CENR Officer Basil Cesar S. Camba in partnership with BLGU Catagbacan, Goa, New Partido National High School, Rangas Ramos National High School and Partido College conducted an IEC campaign and plogging activity at Catagbacan, Goa, Camarines Sur on February 2, 2026.
Additionally, CENRO Iriga led by OIC, CENR Officer Aldrin B. Barruga, II together with LGU of Iriga, and BLGU of Buhi conducted a coastal cleanup at Lake Buhi, Camarines Sur on February 3, 2026.
In the province of Masbate, PENRO Masbate headed by OIC, PENR Officer Ferdinand L. Baltazar together with CENRO Mobo led by CENR Officer Jean V. Imperial and the LGU of Baleno spearheaded an IEC campaign on the importance of inland wetland and tree planting activity at Baleno, Masbate on February 3, 2026.
Furthermore, CENRO San Jacinto headed by OIC, CENR Officer Lemuel A. Soriano also celebrated the WWD through an IEC campaign focused on the salient features of Presidential Decree (PD) 705 and Republic Act (RA) 11038 to the students of San Jacinto National High School, San Jacinto, Masbate on February 2, 2026.
The Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) of Bongsanglay Natural Park (BNP) and Ticao Burias Pass Protected Seascape (TBPPS) conducted a cleanup activity at Sitio Linobgan, Barangay Poblacion, Monreal Masbate and IEC campaign at Monreal Central School on February 2, 2026.
Meanwhile, PENRO Catanduanes led by PENR Officer Cyril C. Magdaraog in partnership with BLGU San Miguel celebrated the WWD through a Bamboo Planting Activity at Barangay San Miguel, Panganiban and IEC campaign at Panganiban National High School, Panganiban, Catanduanes.
Some fifty (50) rooted Kawayan Kiling (Bambusa vulgaris) cuttings were planted during the activity.
PENRO Camarines Norte led by PENR Officer Nestor Franz A. Fortuno spearheaded a Peer Learning Session and IEC campaign with the Manide Tribe to learn the traditional crab hunting within the mangrove area at Barangay Osmena, J. Panganiban, Cam Norte.
The observance of World Wetlands Day 2026 is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 74, Series of 1999, which declares the annual observance of World Wetlands Day every February 2. It reaffirms the shared commitment of stakeholders to protect and sustainably manage wetlands as vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, cultural heritage, and community resilience. ###
Source: DENR Bicol Region