The new Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu is asking for time to study the sector and for everyone to cooperate and work with the DENR as a team, in response to the criticisms that he lacks experience in environmental management.
“Here I am wading far, removed from soldiering that is why you will please excuse me if I ask that I will be given time to scan and study the terrain in an agency which impacts considerably on our very life as a people and the future of our beloved Philippines,” he said during his speech at the turnover ceremony at the DENR office in Quezon City.
“Please help me learn the ropes and earn your respect. We are all in this together,” Secretary Cimatu said. “We have to work together as a team. With teamwork, we can do so much more,” he added.
He also thanked the outgoing DENR Chief Gina Lopez for giving him a quick lecture regarding environmental protection, prior to the turnover ceremony. He said that it was an “environmental protection 101.”
“I will try to do my best as President Duterte’s pointman in the daunting task of protecting our environment in all, in its forms. From the mines, to the lakes and rivers, to the forest, to the plains, to our waters, to our sewers, to the very air we breathe. You name it, while promoting the wise and proper use of these God-given resources for the public good, that is what I understand being a steward means,” Secretary Cimatu assured.
As a military man and now a DENR Chief, he said that he is being guided by 3Ps. The first is to protect the people and the land, protect the Overseas Filipino Workers from harm and protect the environment and safeguard the mining laws that should be implemented.
“I intend to listen to all the voices out there and make full use of our powers and resources to ensure that these various concerns, some of which oftentimes clash, will be properly and judiciously addressed,” he added.
Meanwhile, the MGB chorale sang the Philippine national anthem during the opening remarks of the turnover ceremony.
By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publications Division
Outgoing DENR Chief Gina Lopez passes on the DENR flag to the new DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu.
MGB Chorale singing the Philippine national anthem during the opening part of the turnover ceremony.