The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff Legal Services Section participated in a three-day Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaign on November 20-22, 2024, organized by the Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat (CNCH) Management Office to promote the conservation and protection of the CNCH. The activity focused on increasing community awareness of relevant environmental laws, regulations, and the preservation of priority threatened species.
On the first day, Atty. Ira Dela Rosa of the PCSDS Legal Services Section joined the campaign in Barangays Binduyan and San Rafael. She provided in-depth discussions on critical environmental law, such as SEP Law, Republic Act 9175 (Chainsaw Act), PCSD Administrative Order Nos. 5, 7, and 12, Republic Act 9147 (Wildlife Act), and the Republic Act 9072 (Caves Act). She also highlighted the importance of collective action to combat illegal activities like poaching of wildlife and logging in the area. Community members from both barangays were highly engaged, asking questions and sharing perspective on local environmental conservation efforts.
On November 21, Mr. Aldin Aparecio and Mr. Dennis Creach Barcelona of the PCSDS Legal Services Section visited Barangay Concepcion to discuss pertinent laws in biodiversity conservation and the legal frameworks supporting it. Special attention was given to the rights and responsibilities of the Batak Tribe, and indigenous communities residing within the CNCH.
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The final day of the campaign, November 22, was conducted in Barangay Tanabag. Ms. Ma. Chari Le Janne Cantara and Ms. Ofel Jemaimah Oblan of the PCSDS Legal Services Section Staff held community sessions at the barangay gymnasium and the Kalakwasan Tribal Hall, where discussions revolved around environmental laws, conservation objectives and the Batak Tribe’s active role in preserving CNCH’s biodiversity.