THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DA) and the provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur signed an accord formally renewing their commitment to protect and conserve wildlife in Zamboanga Peninsula.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed Tuesday, August 12,2025, at the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center (RWRC) in Baclay village, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.
DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula Executive Director Arturo Fadriquela, Zamboanga del Sur Governor Divina Grace Yu, and Dr. Josephine Datoy, who represented DA-Zamboanga Peninsula Executive Director Marcos Aves Sr., signed the MOU reaffirming the support of the provincial government and DA in providing technical and medical assistance to the wildlife rescued and rehabilitated at the RWRC.
The renewed MOU reinforces the agencies' commitment to ensuring the continued operation of the RWRC, a facility dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of injured, confiscated, or surrendered wildlife species.
The RWRC serves as a critical sanctuary for endemic and endangered wildlife in the Zamboanga Peninsula, many of which are victims of illegal trade, habitat loss, or environmental disasters. Once fully recovered, the wildlife is released back into its natural habitat.
“This re-signing ceremony is more than a formal agreement—it is a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility to protect our wildlife resources and ensure that future generations continue to benefit from our rich biodiversity,” Fadriquela said.
Yu lauded the effort, pledging her support through the Provincial Veterinary Office, headed by Dr. Anita J. Chua, to provide veterinary services to all rescued wildlife at the center.
“Our presence at the signing ceremony symbolizes our strong support for wildlife conservation, not only for the province but for the entire region. Let us all unite to preserve wildlife for future generations,” Yu said.
Datoy commended the DENR for continuously implementing wildlife conservation programs.
She described the MOU as a reaffirmation of DA's pledge to provide laboratory services and medicines to rescued wildlife.
The MOU signing was highlighted by the release of two rescued wildlife species by the signatories of the agreement.
The release of a reticulated python and a yellow-headed water monitor lizard back into their natural habitats symbolized the success of collaborative conservation efforts.
Both species, which had been rescued and rehabilitated by the RWRC, were released in their natural environments, highlighting the impact and results of conservation partnerships.
The signing of the MOU was witnessed by other officials of DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula, the provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur, and DA-Zamboanga Peninsula. (SunStar Zamboanga)