MANILA, July 22 (PNA) — The “Third Forum of Women Leaders on Biodiversity Conservation,” organized by the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA), the training arm of the Supreme Court (SC); the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US Department of Interior-International Technical Assistance Program was held at the Diamond Hotel, Manila on Tuesday.
The Forum seeks to present and highlight the accomplishments of women leaders in the government and media in promoting biodiversity conservation and environmental law enforcement.
It also seeks to document their commendable efforts on women empowerment in defending the environment.
The Forum intends to make the efforts of women leaders in environmental law enforcement, policy implementation, law enforcement, prosecution and adjudication build up constituencies for biodiversity conservation.
Likewise, it aspires to generate ideas and agreements to increase collaboration for growth and development of efforts for the protection of the environment.
Gloria D. Steele, Mission Director of the USAID and Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim, Director of Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) graced the occasion.
The presenters were Court of Appeals (CA) Associate Justice Fernanda Lampas Peralta, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales; Camarines Sur Rep. Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo; Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila M. De Lima; Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Analiza R. Teh; Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Assistant Director Drusila Esther E. Bayate; GMA 7 News and Current Affairs Head Jessica Soho; Former President and Adviser to the University and President on International Concerns of Southern Luzon State University Dr. Cecilia N. Gascon; President of Catanduanes State University Dr. Minerva I. Morales; Senior Environmental Management Specialist of the Provincial Government-Environment and Natural Resources Office of the Province of Batangas Loreta A. Sollestre; and Park Manager of Tubbataha Management Office Angelique M. Songco.
Men leaders such as Quezon City Mayor Herbert M. Bautista graced the occasion and BFAR Director Asis G. Perez presented a “Solidarity Message”.
The first Forum was held in 2008.
It recognized significant contributions of women leaders in government involved in biodiversity conservation and environmental law enforcement.
Outstanding women leaders who shared their relevant work in the First Forum were former SC Associate Justice and founding PHILJA Chancellor Ameurfina A. Melencio Herrera, former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto, among others. (PNA)