To further strengthen partnership between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its stakeholders, a chapter formation on Tayo Ang Kaliksan (TAK) movement was initiated with the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Mahayag, Quezon, Bukidnon and a Community Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) on Solid Waste Management (SWM) for the rehabilitation of Manuto River of Quezon, Bukidnon in support to the newly formed TAK chapter on September 7, 2020.

CENRO-Don Carlos, OIC CENR Officer Virgilio N. Batocail in his opening statement thanked the BLGU’s support to CENRO Don Carlos particularly on TAK activities. He emphasized the role of the BLGU and the importance of taking care of the rivers particularly the conservation and protection of Manuto River which will be the extent of the Tayo Ang Kalikasan activities took place.

CENRO-Don Carlos TAK Focal Person Zaldy S. Caballes conducted a brief orientation and discussed its organizational structure and background as Citizens Movement program of the Department.

A signing of TAK Covenant of Membership was facilitated by Forester Harvey L. Noblefranca TAK Alternate Focal Person with the BLGU Mahayag Council representing Barangay Chairperson Editha S. Malabosa.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was also signed between DENR, CENRO-Don Carlos, the LGU of Quezon and the BLGU of Mahayag during the event.

Signatories of the said MOU will share responsibility in the management and improvement of the water quality of the Manuto River.

Moreover, the BLGU of Libertad, Quezon, Bukidnon also pledged support to Tayo Ang Kalikasan movement.

CENRO-Don Carlos personnel conducted a Community Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaign to orient members of the newly organized TAK chapter on their roles and responsibilities.

Forester Roy Aguanta and Environmental Monitoring Officer Anatolio Abellanosa discussed topics on Republic Act 9003 series of 2001 (Ecological Solid Waste Management), Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Laws which include PD 705 (Forestry Code of the Philippines) and RA 9175 (Chainsaw Act of 2002).

CENRO-Don Carlos TAK Focal Person Zaldy Caballes also discussed the updated programs and projects of the DENR such as the Enhanced National Greening Program, Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Programs and the Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management Project under CENRO-Don Carlos.

A signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and TAK Covenant of Membership, and recitation of the TAK Pledge of Commitment concluded the activity. #TayoAngKalikasan (With reports from CENRO-Don Carlos TAK Alternate Focal Person Harvey L. Noblefranca) #TayoAngKalikasan (RPAO MR No. 09-264-2020)