Sixty members of the Bantay Gubat Brigade of the Ilog-Hilabangan Watershed Forest Reserve recently completed trainings on first aid and environmental laws at the training center of the Negros Economic Development Foundation in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City, a press release from organizers said.

The capacity-building training for the forest guard-volunteers is part of the two-year community-based initiative that will ensure the sustainable management of the IHWFR in Kabankalan and Himamaylan cities, being implemented by NEDF, together with the Foundation for the Philippine Environment.

Executive director Roseo Depra of NEDF said Red Cross trainers taught the Bantay Gubat volunteers first aid, which can prove beneficial for them during foot patrols. The volunteers were also briefed on environmental laws to better equip them with legal know-how as they perform their duties as guardians of the forest reserve, the press release.

Aside from trainings, upland farming technologies and livelihood opportunities will also be provided to communities in barangays Tan-awan and Carol-an in Kabankalan, ang Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan, to discourage residents from getting involved in illegal activities such as logging and charcoal-making.

The project also includes the rehabilitation of 25 hectares of denuded areas, the press release added.*

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