“Greening the Philippines” program to push stronger DENR-LGU collaboration

Sec. Reyes calls for a closer DENR-LGU collaboration.

Caring for the environment is a shared responsibility between the community and local officials.

In his presentation on the “Greening the Philippines Program,” before the governors, Environment and Natural Resources Sec. Angelo T. Reyes emphasized on the need not only to plant trees but also on rearing and nurturing these vegetations.

He posed a challenge to all that caring for the environment is a foremost and a shared responsibility of the community and the local officials, hence, a close collaboration by the DENR with the LGUs is imperative.

Reyes noted that humans are the only species that destroy its own habitat and called on all the governors to act to save the environment before the process of its destruction becomes irreversible.

Taking off from the statement of Reyes on the need for the department to work closely work with the LGUs, Gov. Ma. Elena Palma Gil, expressed her concern over the uncooperative and dismal performance of duties of the DENR provincial director in Davao Oriental.

She also requested the secretary to deputize the provincial government in the protection of the forest in her province.

For his part, Cotabato Gov. Manny Piñol requested the DENR to promote and prioritize the planting of rubber trees in the country given its economic benefits.

Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez likewise pointed out that the private sector must be invited to be part of the endeavor to promote a green Philippines.

Aurora Gov. Bella Flor Angara-Castillo also urged the DENR to study what trees are best to plant in particular provinces.

On the other hand, Oriental Mindoro Gov. Arnan Panaligan requested Reyes to cancel the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) of a mining operator in Mindoro which was reinstated during the term of Sec. Mike Defensor at the DENR.

Additionally, Gov. Joel Reyes thanked the secretary for his invaluable help in protecting the environment in Palawan. (JSA / AJS)

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