Knowledge Enhancement & Environmental Awareness

Recognizing that lasting environmental protection begins with informed and empowered communities, the Pulangi WAT conducted a two-day Environmental Awareness on Watershed Rehabilitation for Environmental Sustainability and Tribal Development for Plan 12 farmer-beneficiaries and community stakeholders. The activity aimed to deepen participants' understanding of watershed ecosystems and encourage greater community participation in protecting the region's vital natural resources.

The seminar served as a platform to educate participants on the critical role of watersheds in sustaining agriculture, ensuring water security, conserving biodiversity, and supporting the culture and livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples. The activity also integrated the principles of Gender and Development (GAD) by providing an inclusive learning environment where women and men were equally encouraged to participate, share insights, and contribute to discussions on environmental conservation. Through interactive discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions, participants gained a better appreciation of how healthy watersheds directly contribute to the well-being of both present and future generations.

One of the seminar's key learning sessions focused on understanding watersheds as interconnected ecosystems that collect and channel rainfall into rivers and other water bodies. Participants learned that beyond supplying water for households and farms, watersheds provide numerous ecosystem services, including flood regulation, climate moderation, soil protection, and habitat conservation for diverse plant and animal species.

The discussions also emphasized the importance of responsible land stewardship by examining the different components of a watershed, from its physical environment and biological resources to the socio-economic conditions of communities living within it. Participants were encouraged to recognize how unsustainable land-use practices, deforestation, pollution, and other environmental threats can significantly affect watershed health and the availability of essential ecosystem services.

Particular attention was given to the invaluable role of Indigenous Peoples as long-time custodians of forest landscapes. Their traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and harmonious relationship with nature were recognized as important contributions to sustainable watershed management. The seminar highlighted that environmental conservation and tribal development go hand in hand, reinforcing the need to actively involve indigenous communities in rehabilitation and resource management initiatives.

This activity forms part of NPC-PULWAT's continuing IEC program aimed at strengthening community participation in watershed conservation. A total of 38 participants attended the activity, comprising 20 women, including the two female resource speakers, and 18 men.

Throughout the seminar, both female and male participants actively engaged in the lectures, workshops, and open forum, demonstrating that environmental protection and watershed rehabilitation are collective responsibilities that benefit from diverse perspectives and shared leadership. The area team continues to empower stakeholders to become agents of the environment, ensuring that the Pulangi Watershed remains resilient and capable of supporting sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive development.

Recognizing that responsible agricultural practices are vital to both food production and environmental conservation, the Pulangi WAT conducted an Environmental Awareness Seminar on Safe and Judicious Handling of Fertilizer & Pesticides for UC-EC farmer-beneficiaries and PULWAT personnel. The activity served as a platform to strengthen participants' knowledge on the proper use, handling, storage, transport, and disposal of fertilizers and pesticides while promoting sustainable farming practices within the watershed.

The seminar emphasized that pesticides, while essential in protecting crops from pests and diseases, must be handled responsibly to minimize risks to human health, biodiversity, and water resources. Through a series of technical discussions, the resource speakers guided participants on fertilizer quality standards, proper storage and transport, the functions of essential plant nutrients, pesticide classifications, hazard and toxicity levels, interpretation of product labels and safety pictograms, and environmentally sound waste disposal methods.

Participants also learned the importance of complying with existing regulations governing fertilizer and pesticide management, as well as the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to product label instructions to ensure the safe and effective application of agricultural inputs.

The seminar likewise reflected the principles of Gender and Development (GAD) by fostering an inclusive learning environment where women and men actively participated in the exchange of knowledge and experiences. A total of 42 participants attended the activity, composed of 18 women, including three female resource speakers, and 24 men. The meaningful participation of both women and men highlighted their complementary roles in agricultural production, environmental protection, and community development, demonstrating that sustainable watershed management is a shared responsibility.

During the open forum, participants raised practical questions on pesticide selection, proper application techniques, safe storage, disposal of empty pesticide containers, and measures to prevent contamination of nearby water sources. The resource speakers responded with practical recommendations, reinforcing the importance of following prescribed safety measures and adopting environmentally responsible farming practices in their daily agricultural activities.

At the conclusion of the seminar, the participants expressed their commitment to apply the knowledge gained during the activity by practicing the safe and judicious use of fertilizers and pesticides, utilizing appropriate protective equipment, and promoting responsible pesticide management within their respective communities. They also pledged to share the lessons learned with fellow farmers to encourage wider adoption of safe and sustainable agricultural practices.