SOME 50 city and village officials of Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte are set to become deputized environment and natural resources officers (Denros).

Rosevirico Tan, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional information officer, said Wednesday, September 29, 2021, that the 50 city and village officials have recently undergone a two-day orientation on environment and natural resources laws, rules and regulations.

“They will become deputized environment and natural resources officers upon the issuance of a deputation order from the Office of the Regional Executive Director,” Tan said.

Ronald Gadot, assistant regional director for technical services, said the orientation aims to raise awareness and capacitate the participants on the different environment and natural resources (ENR) laws, rules and regulations and harness them as partners in the protection and conservation within their area of responsibility.

Gadot said they conducted the two-day activity based on the request of Dapitan City Mayor Rosalina Jalosjos to conduct orientation and facilitate the deputation of selected officials as partners in the enforcement of ENR laws.

Jalosjos said her request for deputation conforms with the mandate of the local government units to help DENR protect and preserve the natural resources within their locality.

Jalosjos believed that the partnership shall raise their awareness and active involvement to safeguard the rich natural resources in their city.

The topics discussed include the following: Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines; Chainsaw Act; Denro Duties and Functions; Wildlife Act; The Extended National Integrated Protected Areas System Act; Warrantless Arrest and Inquest Proceedings, Preservation of Evidence and Case Build-up; Mining Act; and Minahan ng Bayan. (SunStar Zamboanga)