Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu will strictly impose the mining law and implement responsible mining in his administration.

“Responsbile mining. Malaking bold letter yan.Responsible. Strict implementation of the mining law will be applied to all mining companies,” Cimatu reiterated during his first flag ceremony at the DENR Central Office grounds in Quezon City this morning.

He added that the mining companies are supposed to be already well-informed about the mining law because aside from their companies’ vision and mission, they were issued a copy of the law as well. He assured that there wouldn’t be a problem, as long the mining law is implemented properly.

The Secretary has also made it clear that he will never ask money from the mining companies and warned everyone about the “impostors” who use his name to get information from the “inside” so they can extort from mining companies. He will never allow anybody to use his name and he will not tolerate such actions.

Cimatu’s administration will also implement sustainable development by responsibly utilizing the country’s natural resources, while protecting the environment and providing the Filipinos with economic benefit. These include the heightening of the ban on illegal logging and enforcing environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Waste Management Act.

The cleaning of the Pasig River, Marikina River and Antique River, along with solid waste management, will be among his main concerns.

Corruption will not be tolerated. Secretary Cimatu is expecting that every personnel and official of the DENR will serve the public “in the highest standard of public service.”

During his term as the DENR Secretary, Cimatu will also “promote and safeguard the welfare of all DENR employees.” The value of meritocracy will be upheld and employees who perform well and exceed expectations will be recognized. “If you are doing good, magaling ka sa opisina, nagagawa mo yung trabaho mo, you will be recognized,” he added. Promotion will be within reach for employees who deserve it.

“I assure you that we will have a good time together here in the DENR,” Cimatu ensured, referring to the current inter-agency sports fest being held at the DENR.

By: Mineral Economic, Information and Publications Division

 Secretary Cimatu delivering his speech during the flag ceremony at the DENR Central Office in Quezon City.