The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Davao Region (DENR-Davao) awarded a Plaque of Appreciation to Davao del Norte Governor Edwin "Kuya Gob" Jubahib on June 25, 2026, for his leadership in advancing environmental conservation, solid waste management, and rehabilitation of the Pantaron Mountain Range (PMR). The recognition was part of the culmination of Environment Month celebrations.
Governor Jubahib highlights partnership success
Governor Jubahib credited the success of environmental initiatives to the support of various government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and communities. "It is the unwavering commitment of our partners and stakeholders that enabled us to turn ambitious goals into measurable, lasting impact. It showed the power of synergy in saving our ecosystem. We worked together not just to protect nature. It is a movement in securing our own future," he said.
DENR regional director commends collective effort
DENR-Davao Regional Director Atty. Ma. Mercedes Dumagan stated that the award honored government agencies and individuals for their dedication to protecting the environment. "We have honored a collective commitment to service excellence and shared governance in the pursuit of a sustainable and harmonious environment… we extend our deepest appreciation to our stakeholders and partners who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us in this noble endeavor," she said.
Excellence Leadership Award for solid waste management
Governor Jubahib also received the Excellence Leadership Award for establishing clustered shared disposal facilities among municipalities, strengthening the province’s solid waste management program.
Pantaron Mountain Range protection program
A major focus of the governor’s environmental programs is the protection of the Pantaron Mountain Range, the remaining forested area and watershed serving as headwaters for major rivers in the Davao, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga regions. A large portion of the PMR's dense forest, about 1,600 hectares, is located in Davao del Norte, facing threats from environmental degradation.
To address this, the provincial government launched a rehabilitation program covering around 150 hectares. The local government also planted 150,000 coconut seedlings and deployed 69 Bantay Gubat (Forest Guard) personnel. Over the past seven years, the province planted nearly 700,000 forest and fruit tree seedlings across approximately 3,000 hectares.
