USAID turns over new field gears to PCSDS
US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission John C. Law, in behalf of United States Agency International Development (USAID) Protect Wildlife, has officially turned over new field gears to Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) and Bantay Palawan Taskforce to assist enforcement teams and environmental frontliners in safeguarding Palawan’s natural resources, last March 15 at the PCSD Building.
USAID Protect Wildlife Project is a five-year P1.2-billion initiative of United States that seeks to address biodiversity loss and rampant wildlife trafficking in the Philippines.
On the other hand, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development is charged with the governance, implementation and policy direction of the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan Act. One of the policies it implements is the Republic Act 9147: Wildlife Resources and Conservation Act and PCSD Administrative Order 12 which contains the detailed guidelines in the implementation of the Act in Palawan.
Forty-nine sets of backpacks, hammocks, raincoats and boots, 25 tents, 5 first aid kits, and 10 android tablets were handed over.
According to PCSD Enforcement Team, the field gears will greatly help their operations, “Kaya na naming matulog sa mga hammocks kapag wala kaming matuluyan, mas madali na rin ang pag-akyat sa mga bundok dahil sa mga sapatos na talagang para sa pag-akyat. Makapagdadala na kami ng mga kailangang gadgets dahil sa mga bag na di agad pinapasok ng tubig.”
Law expressed the US Embassy’s gratitude to be associated with organizations in Palawan that actively works to conserve the wildlife.
Atty. Edward G. Lorenzo of Protect Wildlife Project said, “These items are our simple way of showing how we value the dedication and sacrifice of our Environmental law enforcers who go to great lengths to fulfill their duties.”
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Protect Wildlife has been working with PCSDS in various programs and projects in combating wildlife crimes and conserving biodiversity in the province.
