Lopez's confirmation has faced stiff opposition from mining operators who questioned the DENR's cancellation of 23 mining concessions due to violations of environmental laws.
Valdez emphasized that the matter of the environment crosses political lines, religious affiliations, age, gender, economic condition, and is an issue that affects every Filipino.
"We're not just talking about current individual issues on mines, watershed protection, illegal logging or the dismantling of illegal fishpens. The more crucial and overarching concern is protecting an environment that can sustain us at present, and which our children and generations of Filipinos yet unborn can still enjoy in the future."
Environment groups have expressed support for Lopez's appointment and have sided with the Secretary in her row with pro-mining interests.
These groups cite mining industry statistics showing that the gross value added in mining averaged about 0.65 percent of GDP for 2012-2016. Metallic and non-metallic exports, for instance, account for only 5% of total exports.
"The forests, mountains, rivers, flora and fauna that we lose now due to failure to enforce our environmental laws in exchange for short-term economic gains cannot be replaced anymore. They are lost forever. I'm sure our lawmakers don't want that. The CA vote is nothing less than a once in a lifetime opportunity for our Senators and Congressmen to affirm their stand on the environment." Valdez clarified. ###
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News
DENR recognizes partners on environmental protection, Kicks-off observance of Month of the Planet Earth
In observance of April as Month of the Planet Earth, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in region 8 recognizes the contributions of its partners in environmental protection and natural resources conservation.
As a kick-off activity for the month-long celebration, DENR presented a Certificate of Recognition to Barangay Chairman Noel Tabao of of Barangay 69, Anibong, Tacloban City. Chairman Tabao’s invaluable assistance to the rehabilitation of mangrove areas in Leyte through the Leyte Gulf Rehabilitation Project launched after Super Typhoon Yolanda, particularly in the rehabilitation and development of a 12-hectare mangrove area in Bgry. 69 was recognized by the DENR. His assistance in organizing the Greening Initiators and Nature’s Advocate People’s Organization or GINAPO as DENR partner in the establishment, maintenance, and production of seedlings for DENR 8 Central Nursery in Anibong was also cited.
Other News
- DENR recognizes partners on environmental protection, Kicks-off observance of Month of the Planet Earth
- DENR signs MOU for Samar Fellowship Circle
- DENR highlights role of youth in environmental protection
- DENR releases green sea turtles, underscores campaign for pawikan conservation
- DENR distributes Free Patents in Lilo-an
- DENR 8 intensifies PA management and biodiversity conservation efforts
- Cimatu calls for solidarity in protecting the environment as he takes over DENR
- Former AFP Chief Roy Cimatu as New DENR Secretary
- DENR Secretary Gina Lopez, Sinimulan ang pagtulong sa mga apektado ng operasyon ng minahan sa Zambales; Mga katutubong Aeta, makakatuwang.
- Lopez: zero tolerance for corruption in DENR under my watch
Photo Releases
DENR Secretary Gina Lopez leads employees of DENR region 8 in an oath to take care of the environment and be better stewards of the earth. Employees also committed to work for integrity, public service, and common good. The oath of commitment was made by the employees during the visit of Secretary Lopez to DENR regional office on January 16, 2016.
DENR 8 Regional Director Leonardo Sibbaluca presents the region’s central nursery and the 12-hectare Leyte Gulf Mangrove Rehabilitation Project site at Brgy. Anibong, Tacloban City to Green Climate Fund (GCF) Director Javier Manazares (seated, 3rd from left) and Demetrio Innocenti (seated, 4th from left). The project implemented in 2014 in the hardest hit provinces of Leyte, Samar, and Eastern Samar by Typhoon Yolanda envisions to restore the lush mangroves in said areas, emphasizing on the crucial role these mangroves play in protecting the coastline, preventing coastal erosion, serving as buffer for tidal currents and storm driven waves, and mitigating the unavoidable impacts of climate change. GCF visited the area for an ocular inspection in response to the request of Secretary Lopez for financial assistance in support to the department’s programs and projects on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Also in photo are (seated L-R) ERDB Director Henry Adornado, ASec Junie Hernandez, Assistant Secretary Evelyn Cruzada of the Performance and Projects Management Office, office of the Cabinet Secretary.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in region 8 recognizes the important role played by indigenous communities in the protection and preservation of the region’s protected areas. In photo is the Mamanwa Indigenous Community in Burauen, Leyte joining this year’s Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park Outdoor Festival held on February 3, coinciding with the declaration of MVNP as a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act. The event intends to showcase the natural park as a home to various species of flora and fauna including the Philippine Eagle, and promote the preservation of the rich biodiversity in the area.
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