ZABIDA through its Convenio 3 Project, supported by Manos Unidas and AECID conducted two (2) batches of Community Environmental Action Program from June 2-3, 2022 to address environmental concerns in 26 participating barangays composing of the Barangay Local Government Units’ Committee on Disaster, Sangguniang Kabataan Representatives, Youth Representatives, Farmers, and Women’s Association Representatives.

The first batch was conducted at the Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University and was participated by 14 Barangays from the West Coast Partner Barangays: Limpapa, Labuan, Sinubung, Talisayan, La Paz, Ayala, Sinunuc, Calarian, Malagutay, San Roque, Campo Islam, San Jose Gusu, Tumaga, and Tugbungan.

On the following day was batch 2 held at Centro de Paz y Desarollo, Suterville, Zamboanga City and was participated by 12 Barangays: Dulian Bunguiao, Bolong, Victoria, Lapakan, Cacao, Manicahan, Tolosa, Lanzones, Salaan,Divisoria, Lunzuran, Zambowood.

During these two days, partner line agencies were present as key observers and to answer any Disaster concerns by the participating barangays. In attendance were representatives from Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) represented by Mr. Felicito Diabordo, City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) represented by Ms. Jervie Agustin,  Philippine National Police (PNP) represented by PMaj. Benhar Salam, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO)represented by  Ms. Marlene Joy Perez, and  Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) represented by Forester George Brandes. They gave their feedback based on the output presented by the barangays for them to assist which plans identified by the Barangay they think can help and provide assistance that is also aligned with their agency’s projects.

The Convenio project aims to cause at least 43 prevention and response actions identified in the environmental and disaster risk maps prepared with the sectoral groups participation, have Public-Private Alliances legally recognized as project implementers and service- provider entities, increased by 30% the number of members (institutions, CSOs) at the end of Convenio interventions. Through this activity, it will have achieved an understanding and awareness of local environmental issues and challenges among the identified volunteer groups, and be able to identify urgent environmental hazards, issues at the community level and develop most viable participatory actions plans for environmental improvement and protection in the next 6 months. In addition, the barangays will be able to improve ownership of volunteer groups and BLGUs towards crafting participatory actions for environment.

This activity was implemented under the Convenio Environment program through the leadership of

Mr. Khamar Amsain- Environment Officer, and Emmanuel Manuel, Environment Staff.