A collaborative effort involving the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and the Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) of Villadulid, Loboc, and Manaba, Garcia Hernandez was conducted recently.

The event was aimed at promoting environmental management and disaster risk reduction in Bohol.

During the first day, there was a presentation on the Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management Project (INREMP) by For. Ma. Lorena Castino. She discussed the project’s activities and presented its results, highlighting the accomplishments from 2013 to 2021.

Following the presentation, the team engaged in a site visitation of the Wahig Inabanga River Basin. During the visit, they observed bamboo plantations along the river banks. Brgy. Captain Gilberto Socurin mentioned that these bamboos played a crucial role in controlling the water level, especially during the recent Typhoon Odette.

On the second day, the participants attended a workshop titled “Greening Red Cross and Red Crescent Disaster Risk Reduction: Saving Lives through Working or Greening DRR.”

The workshop took place at Monina RM Midtown Inn & Restaurant in Tubigon, Bohol. This session aimed to explore ways of integrating environmental sustainability into disaster risk reduction efforts, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural resources while mitigating the impact of disasters.

Overall, this two-day event brought together various stakeholders and experts to discuss and learn about environmental management, disaster risk reduction, and the vital role of green initiatives in promoting resilience and sustainable development.

The participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about these important topics and to network with other professionals working in these fields. They also expressed their commitment to working together to protect the environment and to reduce the risk of disasters in Bohol.