DENR Davao Region

07/08/2026

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝'𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐚 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐊𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐠, 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

A critically endangered leatherback sea turtle (𝑫𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒐𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒚𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒂), the world’s largest sea turtle species, was documented nesting along the shoreline of Barangay Kiobog, Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental, on July 24. The turtle was sighted once again on August 2, marking a rare and encouraging milestone for marine conservation in the region.

Public interest quickly grew after a Facebook Live video captured the massive turtle emerging from the sea to nest on the beach. The turtle was estimated to measure approximately 1.5 meters in length and weigh between 200 and 300 kilograms.

Field investigators reported that the turtle arrived at the nesting site at around 9:50 p.m. and completed the nesting process by 12:57 a.m. Throughout the activity, the turtle appeared healthy and showed no visible signs of injury or distress.

On August 2, 2026, the turtle was observed once more in the coastal waters of Barangay Kiobog, although no additional nesting activity was recorded. Studies indicate that leatherback turtles typically nest several times during a season at 8–12-day intervals and return to their nesting sites every 2–4 years.

Barangay officials and community members were briefed on the nest’s status and the projected hatching period, expected around September 22, 2026. Barangay Captain Eligio M. Garte Jr. subsequently directed their personnel to intensify monitoring and surveillance to ensure the safe emergence of hatchlings and protect them from potential threats.

Leatherback sea turtles are classified as Critically Endangered under DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2019-09. They face numerous threats, including accidental capture in fishing gear, marine plastic pollution, coastal habitat degradation, and climate change. Every successful nesting event, sustained habitat protection and heightened public awareness, therefore represents a significant contribution to their conservation.

07/08/2026

𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 (𝐃𝐀𝐎) 𝐍𝐨. 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟒-𝟓𝟓 provides the streamline procedure for the issuance of a Wildlife Local Transport Permit for wildlife, wildlife by-products, or derivatives. This ensures the legal, responsible, and sustainable transport of our country’s valuable wildlife resources.

𝐀𝐋𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐀 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐓 𝐁𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘. 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑-𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐑 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐘𝐎𝐔.☝️

Let us work together to protect and conserve our wildlife.

06/08/2026

𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) New Corella participated in the Coordination Meeting for the implementation of Provincial Ordinance No. 2026-006, otherwise known as the Pantaron Mountain Range Local Conservation and Protected Area (PMRLCPA), on July 27, 2026, at the PENRO–LGU Conference Room in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

The Pantaron Mountain Range Local Conservation and Protected Area cover 30,660.279 hectares of forestlands in Davao del Norte and forms part of the larger Pantaron Mountain Range, one of the last remaining contiguous tropical rainforests in Mindanao.

Spanning approximately 1.26 million hectares covering areas of Davao del Norte (Region 11), Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon (Region 10) and Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte (Region 13), the mountain range serves as a vital watershed that provides water to surrounding communities, harbors a rich diversity of endemic and threatened wildlife, and sustains the ancestral domains and traditional livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples.

Facilitated by the PENRO-LGU, the meeting brought together representatives from CENRO New Corella, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Kapalong, and Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) to review and refine the draft Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the ordinance, which will serve as a guiding framework for its effective implementation, reinforcing the protection and sustainable management of the Pantaron Mountain Range Local Conservation and Protected Area.

Through continued collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, local government units, and other stakeholders, the initiative aims to safeguard one of Mindanao's most ecologically significant landscapes, which also serves as a lifeline for countless communities.

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒: 𝟐𝟓 𝐍𝐄𝐌𝐒𝐔 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧

Pursuant to MHRWS-PAMB Resolution No. 15, Series of 2023, which authorized internship and on-the-job training programs in partnership with the North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU), and the expansion of this partnership to other NEMSU campuses through MHRWS-PAMB Resolution No. 2026-10, Series of 2026, the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) successfully concluded internship program for the twenty-five (25) interns, including fourteen (14) Environmental Science students from NEMSU Lianga and eleven (11) Forestry students from NEMSU Bislig Campus.

The interns were immersed to various environmental activities including the Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS), Geospatial Mapping and Analysis, Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprises (BDFE)—covering Almaciga Resin Production and Beekeeping—the Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring System (BAMS), community engagement through Key Informant Interviews (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) on protected area laws, preparation of Complete Staff Work (CSW), the updating of trekking guidelines, and the Impact Monitoring of Ecotourism Activities (IMEA).

The completion of the said program reflects the commitment of the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) – Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) to developing the future environmental professionals through meaningful learning and field-based experience.

05/08/2026

𝐀 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑 𝐗𝐈!🎉

We’re beyond proud to celebrate Asst. Regional Director for Technical Services Victor T. Billones on his well-earned appointment as Director III!

This 𝐕𝐈𝐂tory is yours, and we’re all celebrating with you!

Congratulations, Sir Vic!🙌

05/08/2026

The onset of phenomenon may significantly affect our water supply.

While the DENR continues to manage and safeguard our water resources, we can all help in ensuring that this resource is used wisely. Here are the smart ways to conserve water at home.👇

04/08/2026

𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭: 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐩𝐨’𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬

Mount Apo—the Father of Philippine Mountains—is a name many have heard countless times. Known for its mossy forests, towering trees, and remarkable diversity of wildlife, it has long been celebrated as the country’s highest peak.

Yet beyond its famed summit, Mount Apo holds another treasure: extraordinary geological wonders that have shaped its landscape over hundreds of thousands of years. Through successive eruptions, volcanic construction, collapse, uplift, and erosion, nature has carved a living masterpiece.

Hidden along its rugged trails are ancient crater lakes, steaming geothermal fields, cascading waterfalls, and volcanic formations that narrate the story of how this majestic mountain came to be. These distinct geosites enrich Mount Apo’s natural value, adding depth and meaning to every trekking journey.

Among the forty three (43) documented geosites are Lake Jordan, Pabudsaran Waterfalls, Lake Agco, Lake Maag, and the Mandangan Solfataras. Each site reflects the mountain’s volcanic origins—its crater lakes, geothermal features, waterfalls, and striking landforms standing as timeless witnesses to its fiery past.

From volcanic activity emerged a landscape that sustains diverse life within and beyond the mountain. Mount Apo is more than the Philippines’ highest peak; it is a living geo-bio-cultural landscape where Earth’s geological story continues to shape nature, culture, and people.

To some, Mount Apo may be just another mountain to climb. But to many, it is home—and a lifeline.

Today, Mount Apo bids for recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark. More than a nomination, this effort by the DENR seeks to foster deeper appreciation of the importance of conserving not only the park’s rich biodiversity but also its unique geological heritage.

03/08/2026

𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑’𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟕,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐱𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐱𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐬, 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐎𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥

𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐓: Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight. There are over 70 bat species in the Philippines and more than 1,400 species worldwide, making them one of the most diverse groups of mammals on Earth.

One remarkable species found in the Philippines is the Island Flying Fox (𝑷𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒖𝒔 𝒉𝒚𝒑𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒖𝒔), also known as the small flying fox or variable flying fox, which is the smallest member of the Pteropus (flying fox) group. As its name suggests, it is commonly found on offshore islands, where it roosts in coconut palms and other tall trees.

During the 2026 Monitoring of Threatened Species conducted in Barangay Bukid, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, DENR personnel estimated a colony of approximately 17,000–17,500 Island Flying Foxes and Large Flying Fox (𝑷𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒖𝒔 𝒗𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒚𝒓𝒖𝒔).

The assessment used the exit count method, a standard wildlife survey technique that estimates colony size and identifies roost locations by counting bats as they emerge from their roosts at dusk. Observers record bat emergence from about 30 minutes before sunset until activity ceases.

Monitoring bat populations provides valuable information on the health of local ecosystems and supports conservation efforts to protect these important pollinators, seed dispersers, and natural pest controllers.

𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑾𝑰𝑳𝑫𝑭𝑨𝑪𝑻𝑺 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔. 𝑭𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈.

Photos and Videos © CDD-PAMBCS

03/08/2026

𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬: 𝐍𝐆𝐏 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐖𝐀 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Lucod Mangrove Rural Women's Association (LUMARWA) in Baganga, Davao Oriental transformed the devastation caused by Typhoon Pablo (Bopha) in 2012 into an opportunity for environmental restoration and community development.

Established on January 15, 2015 the organization initially united Mandaya women to rehabilitate mangrove forests and has since grown into an inclusive association of 42 members—24 women, 18 men, including 10 active youth members—under the leadership of President Ms. Mary Joy A. Monteza.

LUMARWA's first major milestone came through the National Greening Program (NGP) in 2015 where the association secured a three-year contract worth ₱883,200.00 to rehabilitate 40.8 hectares of mangrove forest by planting 20,482 seedlings of Rhizophora mucronata (Bakuan Babae) and Rhizophora apiculata (Bakuan Lalaki).

Through the Expanded National Greening Program, members strengthened their expertise in mangrove nursery establishment, propagule collection, seedling production, planting, and rehabilitation site maintenance.

Following field validation, LUMARWA achieved the propagation and planting of 1,480,000 mangrove seedlings representing eight (8) native species, including Aegiceras floridum (Karamkam), Ceriops tagal (Tungog), Xylocarpus granatum (Tabigi), and Xylocarpus moluccensis (Piag-ao), across 114 hectares of coastal areas.

This accomplishment has contributed to the restoration of mangrove habitats, improved coastal resilience, and strengthened community participation in conservation efforts.

𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔. 𝑭𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈.