DENR chief exhorts LGUs to support 5-year environment agenda

Sec. Reyes explains to the LGU executives the 12-point agenda of the DENR in the next five years, as LPP EVP and Nueva Ecija Gov. Tomas N. Joson III listens on intently.

ENVIRONMENT and Natural Resources Sec. Angelo T. Reyes has called on local government executives to support the DENR’s five-year 12-point environment agenda which he laid out during a conference recently.

Last May 4, Sec. Reyes called for a meeting with officials of the four executive LGU leagues – namely the League of Provinces, League of Cities, League of Municipalities and the Liga ng mga Barangay, in order to present the 12-point agenda of the DENR to stop the “wanton destruction of the irreplaceable environment.”

The league was represented by its executive vice-president, Nueva Ecija Gov. Tomas N. Joson III.

Sec. Angelo T. Reyes is flanked by Gov. Carmencita Reyes of Marinduque and Gov. Tomas N. Joson III of Nueva Ecija, together with other LGU officials representing the four executive LGU leagues, during a conference called by the DENR to present the 12-point agenda of the department in order to preserve the environment and conserve its natural resources in the next five years.

The DENR’s five-year plan, as Reyes explained it is divided into four areas, namely: environment protection and conservation of natural resources; sustainable exploration and development of natural wealth; and, promotion of social equity and protection of communities and ensuring good and green governance.

The components of the DENR’s efforts to protect the environment and conserve its natural resources include restoring the air quality within standards; effectively managing the major river; improving the management of solid waste; and vigorously pursuing forest development in watersheds, protected areas and other upland areas.

Reyes likewise said the DENR will endeavor to promote responsible industrial tree plantations in degraded and idle areas, revitalize responsible mining, and completing the development and publication of topographic maps nationwide in order to sustainably explore and develop the country’s natural wealth.

The DENR chief emphasized that the LGUs are also expected to take a part in these 12-point environment agenda, especially with regard to the closure of all open and controlled dumpsites.

“Foregoing, we have already provided the guidelines to the local government units on the proper closure of their open and controlled dumpsites. We expect the local government units to start submitting their closure plans soon,” he said.

Banking on the strong partnership with the LGUs when he was still at the helm of the DILG, Sec. Reyes said, “here in the DENR, I request you to also make that choice for the environment and for sustainable development.” (ANGELICA SANCHEZ)

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