US gov't launches P24 million two-year training program to counter environmental crime in Palawan
By Roy Mabasa
The United States government on Tuesday launched a P24 million ($500,000) technical and practical training program for the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) to help address wildlife trafficking, illegal logging, and other environmental crimes in Palawan island.

A partnership between the Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the US Embassy in Manila and the US Forest Service (USFS), the project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of PCSD and its national law enforcement partners to combat and prevent environmental crimes – from apprehension to prosecution.
During the official virtual launch meeting, PCSD Director TJ Matta noted that this US government support would be beneficial to building the capacity of the organization, as it looks forward to the passage of legislation that would equip PCSD with the authorities necessary for success.
“Together, we can galvanize the engagement of the local, national, and international justice community to counter environmental crime,” said INL Director Kelia Cummins.
The US Embassy said this latest project is one component of the Embassy’s comprehensive program to counter wildlife trafficking in the Philippines.