Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro — The Mindoro Biodiversity Corridor Project Management Unit (MBC-PMU) of the DENR-UNDP/GEF Biodiversity Corridor Project (BD Corridor Project) conducted a two-day Capacity-Building Training on Environmental Laws and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, held from April 15 to 16, 2026, at the Magsaysay Hillside Resort in Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro.
Representatives from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) were present during the capacity-building activity and featured key speakers such as For. Rolando D. Aguilar, Chief of the Conservation and Development Section (CDS) of Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of San Jose and Atty. Sancho S. Niedo III of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) MIMAROPA.
The training aimed to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in environmental law enforcement and indigenous rights governance. Grounded in their cultural values of stewardship, respect for nature, and collective responsibility, the activity promoted responsible resource management, legal compliance, and active participation in conservation and ancestral domain stewardship. This initiative empowers IP communities to take a more active role in protecting their ancestral domains and contributing to the goals of the project.
The training highly emphasized biodiversity conservation by highlighting the need to protect endemic species and ecosystems amid threats such as illegal logging and poaching. It also provided practical knowledge on key environmental laws, particularly the Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) and Republic Act No. 9175 (Chainsaw Act), helping participants better understand enforcement procedures and their roles as Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs) and Deputized Environment and Natural Resources Officers (DENROs).
Atty. Sancho S. Niedo III, Attorney II of DENR MIMAROPA, leading the discussion with participants by sharing experiences and insights on environmental law enforcement and indigenous governance, fostering collaboration and strengthening their roles in biodiversity protection and community-based conservation
The sessions also covered deputation processes, proper documentation, and coordination with authorities to strengthen law enforcement efforts. At the same time, discussions on sustainable land management and responsible resource use were anchored in indigenous knowledge systems and practices, ensuring that conservation strategies remain culturally relevant and community-driven. The training further reinforced the rights of IPs under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), including ancestral domain governance, the application of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), and respect for both customary and national laws, empowering IP communities as decision-makers and co-implementers of conservation initiatives.
Overall, the discussions fostered a shared understanding among IP participants, strengthening their commitment to responsible resource management and supporting more effective project implementation. In turn, this supports the long-term sustainability of the MBC Project by community-led conservation, stronger law enforcement, and greater ownership of biodiversity protection initiatives within ancestral domains.
This initiative is part of the DENR-UNDP/GEF project on “Integrated Approach in the Management of Major Biodiversity Corridors in the Philippines” or BD Corridor Project, which seeks to operationalize integrated management of biodiversity corridors to generate multiple benefits, including effective conservation of globally threatened species and high conservation value forests, reduce deforestation and degradation, and enhance local biodiversity-friendly livelihoods.
The project is implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the Global Environment Facility. 👥⛰️
