DAVAO CITY - The son of former cabinet secretary Leoncio “Jun” Evasco Jr is the new regional executive director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region XI (DENR-XI).
The DENR said the 34-year-old Bagani Fidel A. Evasco is an Environmental Science graduate at the Ateneo de Davao University and is currently taking up his Masters in Public Administration major in Public Policy in the same institution.
He is a licensed Dive Master and Technical Diver and a member of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors in Australia, the International Association of Nitrox, and Technical Divers in the United States of America.
He is also a member of Project AWARE, which is a global movement for ocean protection and marine conservation. The young director is also a licensed private and commercial pilot.
“My varied interests are closely related with the environment – taking care of nature, conquering mountains, diving in the oceans, loving the beaches, and navigating the air – all of which are the advocacies that I gladly share with my family,” he said.
In his acceptance speech last Monday, November 23, Evasco said that he will be a “listening leader” and will not make decisions without considering the stand of his officials on any issues.
“I will make most of my decisions after consultations if needed, but we have to remember that there is also such a thing as a management prerogative.”
He also asked for the cooperation of the employees in carrying out the programs of the DENR.
“It cannot be denied that most of you have been in your jobs for a long time and have prepared yourselves academically and your years of experience will be something I will give you credit for.”
During the turnover ceremony, outgoing DENR-XI OIC, Regional Executive Director Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan also expressed her support to Evasco.
“DENR -XI has always been working as a team. We work as one and have always been unified with one purpose which is to serve. Thus, we are also looking forward to a meaningful and efficient journey with you with the belief that we will further learn from each other,” Dumagan said.
Dumagan also expressed her gratitude to DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu for the opportunity to lead the department.
“Indeed, it was challenging but a learning experience as well especially when it came to coming up with big decisions that would benefit not only our Department but most importantly, our different stakeholders,” she said.
The ceremony was attended by Undersecretary for Enforcement for Mindanao and Indigenous Peoples Concerns Conrado E. Laza; Assistant Secretary for Administration and Human Resources Ruth M. Tawantawan; former Cabinet Secretary Evasco and; Davao City Water District (DCWD) Director Engr. Romel Alfredo R Ruiz.