The Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau provided technical expertise in the Wetlands BioBlitz: Training of Trainers last March 21-23, 2023 in Pampanga.

For. Yrah Joy Panizales of the Laboratory and Experimental Services Division (LESD) and Mr. Alon Velasquez of the Coastal Zone and Freshwater Ecosystems Research Division (CZFERD) shared their knowledge and expertise on flora and fauna assessment.

The staff from the Watershed and Water Resources Research, Development, and Extension Center (WWRRDEC) also served as resource persons where For. Dorina Espenilla discussed the methods on hydrology assessment, while Ms. May Ann Espiritu focused on water quality assessment.

Wetlands BioBlitz is an activity under the Living Lakes, Biodiversity, and Climate Project of the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands (SCPW).

The objective of this 3-day event is to train wetland managers and various stakeholders to be equipped with appropriate techniques on wetland management and protection.

The goal of the project is to ensure that the conservation and restoration of wetlands and the protection of their associated biodiversity be improved in the long run.

For this activity, focus was given to the Paligui Wetland, a portion of the Candaba Swamp in Pampanga.

This wetland area shall also be the location of a Wetland Center Complex to be constructed which purpose is to support Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) activities and promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

During the first day, resource persons gave lectures on various methods that are commonly used in assessing inland wetlands.

Participants then had a field activity in Paligui Wetland to apply what they have learned in the discussion.

After which, participants were asked to create an action plan based on the results of their rapid assessment.

Following the learning activities, the SCPW held a groundbreaking event for the said Wetland Center Complex.

It was attended by various stakeholders, local government offices, and public officials. Gracing the event was Pampanga 4^th District Representative Anna York Bondoc. In her message, she emphasized how important is Candaba Wetland to the local community and their livelihood.

Adding to that is her willingness to support the project for the conservation and preservation of Paligui Wetland.

In the closing program, Brgy. Capt. Virgilio Manalili of Brgy. Paligui, Candaba, Pampanga, thanked the whole delegation of the Wetland BioBlitz activity.

He mentioned that the project is a big help for the community, and such initiatives are always welcome in their community.

Other DENR offices who participated in the activities are the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park Protected Area Management Office (PAMO), Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary PAMO, CENRO Calauag, DENR MIMAROPA, DENR Region 3, and PENRO Pampanga. Alon Velasquez, CZFERD

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