Bacnotan, La Union– An intensive Environmental Governance Training seminar was held from May 20 to 24, 2024, at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) in Bacnotan, La Union. The event, initiated by the U.S. Department of the Interior in partnership with Tanggol Kalikasan and IEGs, saw significant participation from experts at the Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT).

The seminar, aimed at enhancing the environmental management and governance skills of Local Government Unit (LGU) department heads from Aurora and Quezon, covered topics such as Basic Concepts of Ecology, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Climate Change Adaptation-Disaster Risk Reduction (CCA-DRR), and Basic Environmental Law Enforcement Skills and Procedures.
ASCOT personnel played a role in the training, delivering key presentations:

Dr. RB J. Gallego, IEG Coordinator, on The State of Environment and Coastal/Marine Resources of Aurora.
Alberto B. Veloria, Faculty, IEG ASCOT, on Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management and Fishery Development Programs.
For. Mary Jane A. Marigmen, Faculty and ManCom Member, IEG ASCOT, on Mangrove Ecosystem Management (with Resource Valuation & Livelihood Opportunities).

Atty. Karl Thomas Olivar, IEG Mancom/Legal, IEG ASCOT, on The Blue Laws: Discussion on Relevant Provisions of Fishery Laws (RA 10654) and The Brown Laws: Relevant Provisions of Pollution Laws (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Solid Waste Management Act).

The ASCOT team’s contributions enriched the training program, equipping LGU department heads with the tools needed to implement effective environmental policies and practices. In recognition of the college’s partnership in environmental governance, a marker was presented to ASCOT, symbolizing its commitment to the cause.

Moreover, Tanggol Kalikasan donated 1 laptop, 1 printer, and 1 projector to ASCOT’s Institute of Environmental Governance (IEG), enhancing their capability to conduct future training sessions.