Over 700 student leaders from different schools in six municipalities in the province of Quirino were tapped and enlisted by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) as partners for wildlife and forests protection.

PENR Officer Mariam Frances Malana said the youth leaders are members of the Youth for Environment in Schools Organizations from San Martin Integrated School in Maddela, Landingan Integrated School in Nagtipunan, Pinaripad National High School in Aglipay, Diffun National High School in Diffun, Cabarroguis National School for Arts and Trades in Cabarroguis and Saguday National High School in Saguday.

“In collaboration with the Department of Education - Schools Division of Quirino, we oriented our young partners  on the salient features of Wildlife Resources Protection and Conservation Act in a series of symposiums from March 13 to 22, this year,” Malana said. 

The youth leaders were also given lectures on the importance, benefits and threats to biodiversity and protected areas, Landscape and Wildlife Indicator or LAWIN System, drone imaging and other innovations in the monitoring and protection of the environment and natural resources.

“Through a web of life activity, they learned the interconnectedness of everything on planet Earth,” Malana added.

The PENR officer thanked the youth for their active participation saying that they have a crucial  role in preserving the environment.

Malana likewise stressed the importance of educating the youth on the importance of technology and innovation in science-based environmental governance.

"At your young age, we are empowering you to become active stewards of the environment because you are our future leaders," the provincial environment chief said.

For their part, the student leaders committed to be active partners in advocating wildlife conservation by affixing their signatures to the pledge of commitment wall. (ALM/TCB/PIA-2, QUIRINO)