DENR conducts media tour in Mt. Timolan Protected Landscape

By Jhun C. Corgue

TIGBAO, Zamboanga del Sur, October 1 – About thirty (30) journalists in Zamboanga Peninsula participated in the media tour organized by the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-IX) in Mt. Timolan Protective Landscape (MTPL) in the municiplaity of Tigbao on Sept. 27 and 28.

The journalists who attended the media tour were from Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP)-Zamboanga del Sur chapter, PIA, radio and print media from Zamboanga City.

Regional Executive Director Arturo Fadriquela said that the media tour, an initiative of DENR-9 that aims to introduce to journalists the rich biodiversity resources that are still developing in this part of the region and preservation and conservation of Mt. Timolan Protective Landscape that attracts many local and foreign tourists.

Fadriquela added that the DENR as the only government agency tasked with the protection, management, conservation and sustainable use of the environment and natural resources in the country, with the active cooperation of the LGU and local communities, the agency believes that through their partnership they can gain both for protecting the environment and empowering the local community.

He added that the media as partners in progress, it has a very powerful voice and influence among their followers. "Your presence can validate the progress that we can gain from the inception of this program," Fadriquela proudly announced.

On the first day of the tour, the participants listened to the lecture and overview of MTPL and the importance of biodiversity by foresters Mario Ronulo and Brendelyn Madarang, and success stories of the Tourist Guide Association and Habal-habal Drivers' Association and best practices of MTPL.

The media practitioners explored the beauty of MTPL and enjoyed their nature trail hiking, swimming in Maragang Lake and bird watching.

On the second day, a tree planting activity was held where the participants planted 200 hardwood seedlings in the Maragang Lake Reforestation Park.

Melchor Coronel, the chairman of the KBP local chapter was impressed by the beauty of the provincial park, especially the 22-hectare hear-shaped lake, the many endangered species that cannot be found in other eco-parks in the country.

"I hope that the residents of the community will continue their support to the DENR in preserving and conserving the natural resources found in our provincial park-- the Mt. Timolan Protected Landscape and I also encourage our local and foreign tourists to explore the MTPL so they can see the extreme beauty of our nature," Coronel concluded.(jcc/The Pagadian Times)