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)

 

 

Sto. Nino Mactan College provides scholarship for Air Force personnel in Cebu

LAPULAPU CITY – The Sto. Nino Mactan College, Inc. (SNMC) and the Air Mobility Command (AMC) in Mactan Island signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), Monday, January 26 at the VVIP Lounge, Base Operations. Brigadier General Benito N Ebuen Air Base (BGBNEAB) in Lapu-Lapu City, to establish a scholarship program for Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel assigned at BGBNEAB, offering full tuition coverage for either the service member or one immediate family member and the PAF will oversee the ROTC program of the SNMC through the 5th ARCEN.

 

“The MOU is a constructive engagement that emphasizes education, training, and human capital development for the Air Mobility Command and the collaboration's role in producing well-rounded, educated personnel and shaping responsible citizen-soldiers,” AMC Commander, MGen. Ramil Oloroso said, in his message at the signing event.

Oloroso described the MOU as very significant and the partnership is said to enhance the quality of the ROTC program at Sto. Niño Mactan College focusing on academic competence and leadership.  He expressed appreciation for SNMC’s support and looks forward to a productive collaboration.

The scholarship covers all educational levels, including basic education, college education, and the College of Law.  The Philippine Air Force personnel can choose from various programs offered by SNMC including bachelor's degrees in education, sports, and performing arts.

 SNMC owner and president, Sunshine Lim, acknowledged MGen. Oloroso and all the officers of Air Mobility Command, as well as the faculty and administrators from Santo Nino Mactan College for the shared values between the Philippine Air Force and Santo Nino Mactan College, particularly the commitment to serving humanity.

“We have academic offerings from the various educational levels and programs offered by the school, including preschool, elementary, senior high school, baccalaureate degrees, and postgraduate courses as well as the introduction of Scholarship Programs especially for members of the Air Force and their families,” Lim said.

Lim mentioned that the scholarship programs available at the school now include the Juris Doctor program offered by the School of Law.   She indicated that the details of the scholarship programs will be discussed later by the program head from the Bachelor of Science in Criminology and she reiterated her appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with the Air Mobility.

M/Gen Oloroso described the MOU as an agreement of hearts and vision, adding that airmen and their families will only pay miscellaneous fees, receiving the opportunity to uplift their future.  In return, PAF and SNMC talked about the oversight of the ROTC program and the responsiveness to students.

“We hope to impart the concept of service and compliance, the importance of adaptability, resiliency, and dependability as core values to the students, and highlighted role of serving with heart, life, purpose,” M/Gen Oloroso said and expressed his gratitude to SNMC for this collaboration. (Photos: MBCNewman)