DENR Caraga Wins 1st Runner-Up in 2022 IDBD Capture Quest

DENR Caraga under the leadership of Regional Executive Director (RED) Nonito M. Tamayo, CESO III bagged the 1^st Runner-up (2^nd place) in the Kabahagi: An International Day for Biological Diversity (IDBD) 2022 Capture Quest, photo marathon contest organized by the DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) in partnership with Canon Philippines, USAID- Investing in Sustainability and Partnerships for Inclusive Growth and Regenerative Ecosystems (INSPIRE), Gerry Roxas Foundation along with USAID-Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans and Landscapes or SIBOL project, DENR-UNDP-Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) project and DENR-UNDP/GEF Project on Integrated Approach to Management of Major Biodiversity Corridors in the Philippines (BD Cor) project.

The Kabahagi Photo Marathon Contest was held on May 20, 2022 nationwide. It is a prequel event in celebration of the IDBD 2022 with the theme, "Building a shared future for all life." The activity showcased not only the beauty and ecological values of featured protected areas in every region but also the photographic talents of the DENR employees.

Sixteen (16) regional teams competed in this simultaneous one-day shoot photo contest where the participants interpreted the five (5) given categories namely: Flora and Fauna, Symmetry, Movement, Details and Creative using subjects within their chosen protected area. All images were submitted straight out of the camera without editing or enhancement.

In the case of DENR Caraga, its Regional Team dubbed as “Team Kalagan” featured the Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (SIPLAS) in Surigao del Norte. The term Caraga originated from the word “Kalagan”, “Kalag” meaning soul and “An” meaning land. Given the region’s rich history, Caraga is known as the “land of the brave and fierce people.”

Team Kalagan is composed of CDO II Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga from the Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG); MEO Felipe D. Armihar, Jr., MEO Karen Kenneth Bonotan, FR Roxan P. Lunasin, EMR Jane B. Diaz, and RSWO Sheryl U. Azarraga from the Conservation and Development Division (CDD); FR Seth S. Pimentel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Lianga, Surigao del Sur; and DMO III Franklyn L. Arcadio, FR Ed Vincent G. Empron, ISA Arthur S. Juanite, FPO Anthony Jan P. Borga, and EO Arieyl C. Jamodiong from the Protected Area Management Office of SIPLAS.

DENR Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna received the Php 30,000.00 cheque and a brand new Canon Inspic in behalf of the team during the awarding ceremony at the launching of the Year of the Protected Areas (YoPA) at the EDSA Shangrila, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City on May 23, 2022.

RED Tamayo congratulated the team and expressed his appreciation towards BMB’s undertaking. “Congratulations Team Kalagan! Good job! We should print these photos and display them in our office. I would also like to congratulate the BMB for successfully spearheading this event. It indeed brought the best out of our employees and we were able to showcase the beauty of SIPLAS as a protected area.”

Director Tamayo further encouraged everyone to take part on advocacies that involves environmental protection and conservation.

Region V’s Team Oragon bagged the grand prize while Region X’s Team Marine Terra ranked third and got the Canon's Choice Award for one of its photos. ###

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