HISTORY AND BACKGROUND OF CENRO ARGAO

The CENRO (Community Environment and Natural Resources Office) Argao is located in the southeastern part of Cebu Province, approximately 67 kilometers away from Cebu City. The office is responsible for the management and conservation of the natural resources in the area, including forests, watersheds, coastal areas, and protected areas.

The building that currently houses the CENRO Argao office has a rich history. It was originally built before World War II as a train station and endpoint of the Philippine National Railway. In 1967, the building was renovated and used as the official station of the Southern Cebu Reforestation Development Project (SCRDP), which was established under R.A. 4715 and operated until 1978. At that point, the office was renamed as Natural Resources District VII-6 (NRD VII-6) and became part of the Bureau of Forest Development, in accordance with President Decree No. 705 which merged the SCRDP, Bureau of Forestry, and Parks and Wildlife Bureau.

Following the implementation of Executive Order 192 and the creation of DENR in 1988, the same building was utilized as the official station of CENRO Argao, where it has remained ever since. Over the years, the office has been responsible for various programs and initiatives related to natural resource management, including forest management, biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, and sustainable livelihoods.

The CENRO Argao has been led by a number of distinguished officers, including Regional Director Jose R. Gapas, Assistant Secretary Renato A. de Rueda, and USEC Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo, who have all served as CENR Officer. Despite the age and historical significance of the building, the office remains a vital center for environmental management and conservation efforts in the region.

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