Photo By: DENR Central Luzon
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the City Government of Palayan, has strengthened environmental protection efforts in Nueva Ecija through a program focused on youth engagement and sustainability.
The initiative was formalized through the signing of a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding for the Nueva Ecija Alay Para sa Kalikasan (NAPAKA) program. The agreement was signed by DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo, OIC Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Merliza Torre, Palayan City Mayor Viandrei Nicole Cuevas, and representatives from Atate Elementary School.
The partnership aims to promote environmental awareness, biodiversity conservation, and community participation, particularly among students and young people in Nueva Ecija.
Photo By: DENR Central Luzon
Under the agreement, the agencies will establish a native tree nursery featuring indigenous species, develop a Wildlife Observatory Walk to encourage appreciation and protection of local habitats, and implement a youth awareness campaign dubbed “Tinig ng Kalikasan, Dinig ng Kabataan.”
Mayor Cuevas emphasized that the program empowers communities, especially the youth, to take an active role in safeguarding natural resources. Meanwhile, Pablo highlighted the importance of educating young people on environmental responsibility and sustainable practices, including proper waste management and forest fire prevention.
Torre also reported that as part of the NAPAKA program, DENR Nueva Ecija donated confiscated lumber to Atate Elementary School in August 2025. The materials—comprising white lauan and common hardwood flitches totaling more than 1,300 board feet—were used to support the school’s educational needs.
Since its launch in October 2024, the NAPAKA program has implemented various activities, including biodiversity awareness campaigns, birdwatching events, wildlife identification seminars, and hands-on learning sessions in Materials Recovery Facilities, all aimed at strengthening youth participation in environmental conservation.
The initiative underscores the continued collaboration among government agencies and local stakeholders in promoting environmental stewardship and building a more sustainable future for the next generation.