Task Force Cali-Kasan meeting at Brgy. Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro.

In the continuous endeavor of the Task Force Cali-Kasan from  the day it was approved on February 8, 2021, until this time amidst the pandemic, it can be labeled as  a young multi-sectoral organization that has accomplished a leap of movements towards the environment and natural resources protection, conservation and awareness in the municipality of Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro.

These actions undertaken by the Task Force were being recognized measured through the full participation and support of all sectors within  the municipality when solicited. However, TF Cali-Kasan knew that their actions today must be supported by other programs to ensure its sustainability and continuity.

Despite the threat brought by the COVID-19 virus, the Task Force was not hindered in  securing and accentuating the importance of the environment especially in these trying times and health prevailing issues. Thus, on September 21, 2021, TF Cali-Kasan agreed to conduct a meeting at Brgy. Iriron, Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro with the assurance to follow the basic health protocols and guidelines provided by the Local IATF.

The meeting was presided by the Task Force Co-Chairperson and OIC, CENR Officer for San Jose- Forester Efren L. delos Reyes in the absence of the Task Force Chairperson- Mayor/ Atty. Eric C. Labrador was recently diagnosed positive with COVID-19 virus.

“Ipinararating po sa atin na kahit ano man ang ating mapag-usapan at mapagkasunduan ay siya na ring desisyon ni Mayor”, said LGU Calintaan MENRO Delmer B. Garingalo as he ended his presentation on the Task Force’s accomplishments during the meeting.

In the continuation of the meeting, Forester delos Reyes presented the status of apprehensions conducted in Calintaan. The presentation led the Task Force to think of other ways to strengthen the protection of their natural resources.

After a thorough deliberation from the suggestions given by the members, the Task Force agreed to strengthen the CEPA campaigns to prevent some of the residents of Calintaan from committing illegal forest and other environmental-related violations.

To implement the intensified CEPA campaign and activities, resolutions were drafted, deliberated, and approved during the meeting.

Task Force Cali-Kasan approved Resolution No. 2021-01 entitled: Resolution Requesting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources -Community Environment and Natural Resources Office - San Jose for the Immediate Conduct of Orientation/Training on the Deputation of Environment and Natural Resources Officers (DENROs) and Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs) this Calendar Year 2021 and the Municipality of Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro for the Provision of Available Funds Thereof.

Another resolution was carefully deliberated and approved by the Task Force aiming to encourage the public to establish their private plantations and the government to have a communal forest to provide for the lumbers needed for development within the municipality.

Resolution No. 2021-02 entitled: Resolution Requesting the DENR-CENRO San Jose to Conduct Orientation/ Training on the Establishment, Operation, and Management of Barangay Nursery/ies and the Municipality of Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro for the Provision of Available Funds Thereof was agreed and approved by the multi-sectoral Task Force.

OIC, CENRO delos Reyes on behalf of the CENRO San Jose expressed his gratitude and full support in these endeavors that the Task Force will be taking. That during the economical and health issues that the county is experiencing, a group of public servants are consistently battling against environmental and natural resources abuse and degradation and to ensure that these natural resources will be enjoyed by all today and for future generations.