ILOILO – An environmental management specialist of the Iloilo Provincial Government has made history as the first recipient of the Outstanding Regional Forester of the Year award, earning national recognition for her contributions to environmental protection, sustainable forestry and community-based conservation programs.
Forester Mitzi S. Peñaflorida, supervising environmental management specialist of the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), received the distinction during the 2026 Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc. (SFFI) Convention held in Vigan City on October 16.
According to PGENRO, Peñaflorida’s selection as the first regional awardee represents a milestone for the forestry profession and underscores Iloilo’s growing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable natural resource management.
“Her accomplishment serves as an affirmation of professional excellence and a source of inspiration to fellow forestry practitioners and environmental advocates,” PGENRO said in a statement.
Peñaflorida has played a leading role in implementing the provincial government’s environmental initiatives under the administration of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., particularly the Tanum Iloilo tree-growing program, which promotes environmental conservation through tree planting and growing activities.
She has also actively advocated proper waste segregation and disposal practices and supported Limpyo Iloilo, among other provincial initiatives aimed at strengthening environmental awareness and responsible waste management.
Her contributions reflect the provincial government’s continuing efforts to integrate environmental protection into local governance while encouraging communities to participate in conservation activities.
In recognition of her achievement, the Iloilo Provincial Government, through its Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee, presented Peñaflorida with a plaque of recognition during the flag-raising ceremony at the Provincial Capitol on Monday, October 19.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, together with members of the PRAISE Committee, led the presentation honoring her distinction and contributions to public service.
The Outstanding Regional Forester of the Year award recognizes forestry practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional professional competence, integrity and dedication in their respective workplaces and professional engagements.
It also acknowledges individuals whose work has contributed significantly to community welfare and sustainable forest management.
Among the criteria for the distinction are outstanding professional competence and integrity, meaningful participation in SFFI or other professional organizations, significant contributions to the advancement of forestry, and active involvement in socio-civic activities that demonstrate the profession’s social responsibility.
Peñaflorida’s recognition highlights the importance of forestry professionals in addressing environmental challenges and advancing conservation programs at the local level.
Her achievement also places Iloilo’s environmental initiatives in the spotlight, demonstrating how dedicated public servants can contribute to sustainable development while inspiring greater community participation in protecting natural resources./PN
