San Fernando City, La Union – In a step to strengthen environmental education and sustainable development, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 1, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 1, inaugurated its P77 million-worth Training Center and Hostel on Dec. 12.
During the ceremony, DENR Region 1 Regional Executive Director, Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo highlighted the importance of the new facilities in supporting the agency’s mission.
“This inauguration marks a significant step toward enhancing the competency of our workforce while maximizing government resources. These facilities will be our home for development and the future,” Barcelo said.
Barcelo also expressed gratitude to DPWH for their invaluable support for the completion of the infrastructure, adding that the structure provides a conducive environment for training, learning, and collaboration.
“This will eliminate the need for private venue rentals and even allow us to cater to other government agencies at affordable rates,” Barcelo added.
DPWH Region 1 Assistant Regional Director Richard A. Ragasa meanwhile reiterated the shared commitment of the two agencies to environmental stewardship.
“These twin buildings remind us of our collective responsibility as stewards of the environment. Our actions today will influence the health of our planet for generations to come,” Ragasa said.
The construction of the Training Center began with an initial allocation of P28.95 million, supplemented by P9.6 million in additional funding. Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was completed successfully, alongside the DENR Hostel, which followed a similar funding structure.
“This milestone demonstrates the strong collaboration between DENR and DPWH, reflecting our shared vision of public service excellence and sustainable development,” Barcelo noted.
The inauguration was attended by DENR and DPWH officials and other stakeholders, underscoring the importance of inter-agency collaboration in achieving development goals.
The new facilities align with the national government’s environmental goals by enhancing the capacity of DENR personnel to implement policies, conduct training, and engage communities in addressing ecological challenges. They also create opportunities to promote environmental awareness and practices through knowledge-sharing initiatives.
As DENR continues to build a greener future, the twin buildings symbolize its commitment to sustainable infrastructure. Their energy-efficient designs and eco-friendly functions contribute to the agency’s long-term vision of a healthier, more resilient environment for future generations. (CCMT/AIHR/PIA Region 1)
