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
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Cimatu lauds law enforcement authorities behind large wildlife bust
Tuesday, March 20, 2018Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu has commended personnel of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the rescue of over 300 smuggled live animals and arrest of four suspects in what has been dubbed as one of the country’s largest wildlife busts. The successful operation was carried out on Tuesday by joint operatives from the NBI-Environmental Crime Division and the DENR’s Philippine Operations Group of Ivory and Ille…
Other News
- DENR urges public to observe ecofriendly Holy Week
- Cimatu lauds law enforcement authorities behind large wildlife bust
- DENR spearheads World Water Day 2018 celebration
- DENR creates Regional Foreshore Area Task Force in Cebu
- DENR to strictly enforce sewerage connection in Boracay
- 3rd MVNP outdoor festival held
- DENR honors 28 outstanding wildlife law enforcers
- DENR to LGUs: Be prepared for increased garbage this summer
- Cimatu: DENR to reclaim ‘missing’ Boracay wetlands
- DENR leads local celebration of World Wildlife Day 2018
Photo Releases
DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu (in black coat) officiates the turn-over ceremony from outgoing RD Arleigh J. Adorable to incoming RD Crizaldy Barcelo.
DENR 8 Regional Director Atty. Crizaldy Barcelo lights the Flame of Sportsmanship to formally start the DENR Sportsfest 2017.
DENR 8’s ARD for Management Services Arturo N. Salazar presents Updates on Government Policy on Climate Change during the 2nd Regional Climate Change Conference conducted by PH Haiyan Cooperative in cooperation with the Climate Change Commission.
Mangrove forest and eco-park in Naungan, Ormoc City developed by the Naungan San Juan Mangrove Planters Association from what used to be a plain mudflat.
DENR 8 technical personnel record and monitor sightings of migratory birds in the wetlands of Eastern Visayas.
Residents of Brgy. Tagpuro join the mangrove tree planting activity spearheaded by the PH Haiyan Advocacy Cooperative.
CIMATU INSPECTS CONFISCATED ENDANGERED SPECIES. Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu inspects the confiscated sulfur crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) at the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) Wildlife Rescue Center in Quezon City with BMB Director Theresa Mundita Lim (beside Cimatu). Three species of the cockatoos including the moluccan cockatoo (cacatua moluccensis) and the black palm cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) totaling 154 heads were confiscated by the joint forces of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Philippine Operations Group on Ivory and Illegal Wildlife Trade (DENR POGI) and the National Bureau of Investigation Environmental Crime Division in a buy-bust operation in Pasay City. The cockatoo is considered an endangered species and is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Its trade should be subject to a CITES export permit from the country of origin and a CITES import permit from the country of destination. A total of 316 heads of species were confiscated in the successful operation.
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