DENR Forges Partnership to Protect Zamboanga Sibugay's Matilum Cave Complex
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Zamboanga Peninsula has officially formalized a strategic partnership with local government units and key stakeholders in Zamboanga Sibugay province. This collaboration focuses on the comprehensive protection and sustainable management of the Matilum Cave Complex, a vital natural resource within the region.
Memorandum of Agreement Signed for Coordinated Management
A Memorandum of Agreement was signed last week, bringing together DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula, the municipal governments of Ipil and Titay, and the village governments of Mate, Timalang, and Lumbia. Tenant-partners are also included in this initiative to implement the Matilum Cave Complex Management Plan effectively.
The Matilum Cave Complex spans across the towns of Ipil and Titay and is renowned for its significant ecological and geological value. This recognition underscores the shared responsibility among government entities and community partners to safeguard this natural treasure.
Framework for Conservation and Sustainable Use
According to DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula, the MOA establishes a coordinated framework designed to ensure the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of the cave complex and its surrounding resources. The agreement clearly outlines shared responsibilities among all partners, aiming to maintain ecological integrity while supporting sustainable use practices.
Marie Angelique Go, OIC-Executive Director of DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula, emphasized that collaboration is central to the initiative's success. She highlighted that active community participation and accountability across various sectors are crucial for sustaining conservation efforts over the long term.
Community Engagement and Environmental Stewardship
"When communities remain actively engaged and each sector fulfills its role, conservation efforts become more meaningful and sustainable," Go stated in an official release. She expressed deep appreciation to all partner agencies and stakeholders for their continued support in advancing environmental protection initiatives throughout the Zamboanga Peninsula.
This initiative reflects DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula's ongoing efforts, conducted through its field offices and in close collaboration with stakeholders, to strengthen environmental stewardship. The goal is to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources for both present and future generations, preserving the region's ecological heritage.
