COTABATO CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENR-ARMM) acknowledged Tuesday the 10 outstanding environmental stewards and 48 other organizations for their contribution in protecting and preserving the region’s ecosystem.
Some of those given awards during the Gawad Kalikasan 2018 ceremony held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Complex were the Army’s 603rd Brigade, Foundation for the Philippine Environment, lawyer Randolph Parcasio, the Hineleban Foundation, Inc., the municipal governments of North Upi, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Ampatuan, Maguindanao, Parang, and Datu Odin Sinsuat, all in Maguindanao; and of Wao, Lanao del Sur.
DENR-ARMM Secretary Kahal Kedtag led the awarding ceremony, assisted by ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia, and regional environment assistant secretaries Alindatu Pagayao and Abdelwin Sangkula.
During the ceremony, plaques of appreciation were also given to 48 entities — including the Philippine News Agency–Cotabato News Bureau, which the regional government said has made its own contribution to making ARMM “environment-friendly. “
“We can’t achieve these milestones of the DENR-ARMM without the help of our strategic partners,” Kedtag said in his speech.
“These groups of people contributed their resources, time and effort in advancing the cause and mandate of the department. It is only fitting that we honor them through the 2018 Gawad Kalikasan,” he added.
Brig. Gen. Juvymax Uy, deputy commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the military will continue to support initiatives aimed at preserving the environment.
“We are one with the DENR-ARMM in protecting our environment,” Uy said. (Noel Punzalan/PNA)
