In celebration of the 2022 International Day of Forests, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol led by Regional Executive Director (RED) Francisco E. Milla, Jr. through the Conservation and Development Division (CDD) spearheaded the “Yaman Gubat Trade Fair” at the Ayala Malls Legazpi on March 21 to 25, 2022.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Rodrigo Aguilar graced the opening of the fair, which was also attended by DENR officials and employees. He said that the DTI is giving its full support to the Department in all its programs and activities, especially in promoting the livelihood of the community.
Meanwhile, RED Milla said that the Yamang Gubat Trade Fair is not only an event which highlights the goods and services we derive from our forest ecosystem. “With the support of Ayala Malls and DTI, we feature the synergy and partnership to beef up environmental protection,” he added.
Around sixteen (16) DTI Accredited Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and DENR accredited People’s Organizations all over the region participated in the exhibit and displayed their products. Featured products include storage boxes, baskets and slippers made from Abaca fibers, bags and mats made from Karagumoy, Coco Coir slippers, citronella essential oils, dishwashing and hand soap, repellant lotion, hand sanitizer. Wooden and bamboo furniture and some wooden handicrafts were also among the product lines at the trade fair.
“As we feature these locally made forest products highlighting sustainable practices, let us be reminded of the generosity of our nature and our task to protect it,” RED Milla said.
The Yamang Gubat trade fair is one of the highlights of this year’s International Day of Forests with the theme, “Forests and sustainable production and consumption” emphasizes the importance of forests to people and their vital role in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability, and food security.
The DENR Bicol celebrates the IDF to raise awareness on the importance of forest preservation and encourages citizens to undertake local efforts, organize and support tree planting and growing activities and other campaigns toward protection and revival of ecosystems in the Region.
(Source: DENR Bicol)