Cagayan de Oro City- To strengthen the collaboration and participation of stakeholders with other government organizations in the implementation of its programs and projects, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region X (DENR X) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the implementation of the Tayo Ang Kalikasan-Environment and Natural Resources (TAK-ENR) Ambassador Project with the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) on October 22, 2021 in Cagayan de Oro City.

The MOA on the implementation of TAK-ENR Ambassador Project was aimed to forge to involve students in the protection and conservation of our environment and natural resources through information, education and communication (IEC), advocacy, social mobilization and partnership building.

DENR X Regional Executive Director (RED) Arleigh J. Adorable thanked USTP President Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II for accepting the call of the Department in the implementation of ENR Ambassador project in their University and articulated the concept and the roles and responsibilities of an ENR Ambassador.

He also challenged ENR Ambassadors to help develop students to be competent and credible champions of DENR in the rehabilitation of degraded areas, proper solid waste management, climate change and other environmental issues.

“I encourage the TAK-ENR Ambassadors to make an impact in their respective community or school and be an agent of change. Let us help preserve the very planet that gives us life by educating respective families, peers and other people through interpersonal communication, social media and other IEC activities,” Director Adorable added.

On the other hand, USTP President, Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II recognized DENR’s effort in choosing the University as partner in the MOA on TAK-ENR Ambassador Project in the University. He said that the MOA is very timely since USTP will be partnering with Barangay 26 in the establishment of their Material Recovery Facility (MRF). Through this, USTP-ENR Ambassador will be tasked to lead the partnership and hopefully replicate it with other barangays.

The Tayo Ang Kalikasan was conceived through Special Order No. 2017-974 at the start of the leadership of Secretary Roy A. Cimatu in the DENR. It is a platform that that aims to strengthen collaborative efforts among the government, locals, and stakeholders “to protect the natural resources and maintain the ecological balance for the future generation.” #TayoAngKalikasan (RSCIG MR No. 10-269-2021)