In celebration of the annual World Wetlands Day (WWD) every 2nd day of February with the theme “Wetlands and Water”, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of Oroquieta City (CENRO-Oroquieta City) joined the simultaneous worldwide awareness on the importance of wetlands, and commemoration of the signing of the Ramsar Convention of Wetlands on the shores of Caspian Sea in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971. The said activity was conducted at Barangay Taboc Norte, Oroquieta City on February 2, 2021.

Technical staffs from the Conservation and Development Section (CDS) of CENRO-Oroquieta City spearheaded the conduct of Communication Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) to residents and Barangay Officials of Barangay Taboc Norte.

Environmental Management Specialist II Lamberto C. Tumanda, the Chief of the CDS presented the background of the World Wetlands Day celebration and conveyed information to the audience on the significance of wetlands to all living creatures. He also informed the audience the importance of Philippine wetlands to more than 50 million migratory birds that passed in the Philippines yearly by the East Asian Australasian flyaway, one of the world’s biggest migratory flight paths as recorded by the DENR.

On the other hand, Forester I Mary Jean L. Uba, the designated Information Officer of CENRO Oroquieta City discussed and categorized the characteristics of wetlands and defined its features and capacity to clean water, recharge water supplies, reduce flood risks, and habitat to all forms of wildlife. In addition, wetlands also provide recreational spots, camping sites, and commercial fishery benefits, she added.

A total of 96 residents consisting of Barangay Officials, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) personnel, barangay health workers, senior citizens and community settlers from the said barangay attended the CEPA during the WWD 2021 celebration. #TayoAngKalikasan (RSCIG PR No. 02-047-2021)