DENR7, BFP7 ink partnership for forest fire protection in Central Visayas

 CEBU CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Region VII signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen forest fire prevention, emergency response, suppression operations, capacity development, and environmental protection throughout Central Visayas.

DENR7 Regional Executive Director Laudemir Salac and BFP7 Regional Director FCSUPT Fred Trajeras Jr., represented by BFP Assistant Regional Director for Operations FSSUPT Rogelio Bongabong Jr. signed the partnership at the opening of the Training on Forest Fire Management, Prevention, and Suppression on June 17, 2026, at SOI Suites, Talibon, Bohol.

“Climate change continues to heighten the frequency and intensity of forest and grassfires and this collaboration marks a proactive and strategic step toward safeguarding the region's forests, watersheds, biodiversity, and communities that rely on these critical ecosystems for their survival and well-being,” said Salac at the signing ceremony.

Salac said that the memorandum of understanding is more than a formal agreement, it represents a shared pledge of action, partnership, and resilience. It brings together environmental stewards and fire responders under a common mission—to prevent disasters before they occur, protect lives and natural resources, and ensure that future generations inherit healthy and thriving forests.

With the partnership, DENR7 and BFP7 believed that protecting forests is not solely an environmental responsibility but a collective commitment to securing communities, sustaining livelihoods, and building a climate-resilient future for all.

DENR-Bohol Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Forester Wilson Henson, Bohol Provincial Fire Marshal FSUPT Raul Bustaliño, and Vincent Pairault, Civil Protection Regional Attaché of the Embassy of France, were present to witness the signing of a multi-sectoral cooperation in addressing emerging environmental and disaster-related challenges. (Photos: DENR7)