By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the shade of tall trees in Amparo Nature’s Park, a group of local officials gathered, listening closely as experts explained how to better protect the environment. For many of them, the session was more than a lecture—it was a chance to strengthen their role in safeguarding nature within their communities.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Metropolitan Environmental Office–North recently led a “Dalaw Turo” activity in Caloocan City. The program aimed to deepen awareness of environmental laws and promote responsible management of natural resources, especially at the local government level.
The event brought together representatives from several offices of the Caloocan local government. These included the City Environmental Management Department, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Parks Development and Administration Services, Engineering Department, Veterinary Department, and the City Zoning Administration Office. Their participation highlights the growing need for coordination across agencies in addressing environmental concerns.
A key part of the activity was the discussion led by Kathreen C. Diaz from the Licenses, Patents and Deeds Division – Forest Utilization Section. She explained the proper process for securing permits and complying with regulations on forest resource use. Her talk focused on ensuring that activities such as tree cutting and land use follow legal guidelines to prevent environmental damage.
Participants were also briefed on several important environmental laws in the Philippines. These included the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, which governs the protection and use of forest lands. Officials also discussed Presidential Decree No. 953, which requires tree planting and penalizes illegal cutting, and Republic Act No. 9175 or the Chainsaw Act of 2002, which regulates the ownership and use of chainsaws. Another key law covered was Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which aims to protect wildlife species and their habitats.
To make the learning more practical, the program included a demonstration on wildlife identification and proper handling. This is important for responders who may encounter wild animals in urban or forest areas. The DENR team also showed how to use the agency’s online system for tree-cutting applications, helping participants understand how to process requests more efficiently and legally.
Many attendees said the training gave them clearer guidance in performing their duties. They noted that understanding environmental laws helps them make better decisions, especially when dealing with issues such as tree removal, land development, and wildlife protection. They also emphasized that proper knowledge reduces the risk of violations and strengthens enforcement efforts in their respective offices.
The Dalaw Turo program is part of DENR’s Information, Education, and Communication campaign. It aims to bring government services and knowledge closer to communities. By conducting these on-site trainings, the agency ensures that local officials are equipped with the right information to protect the environment while supporting development.
As environmental challenges continue to grow, stronger cooperation between national agencies and local governments becomes more important. Programs like this remind everyone that protecting nature is a shared responsibility. With proper knowledge and action, communities can move toward a safer and more sustainable future.
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