Pro-environment groups hailed the appointment of Antonia "Toni" Yulo-Loyzaga as the new secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
In a statement, the Masungi Georeserve Foundation said it supports the appointment of Yulo-Loyzaga as it cited her background works that include a push to address deforestation and protection of watersheds when she was still the executive director of the Manila Observatory (MO).
"After typhoon Ondoy, the MO led the scientific studies which proved the impacts of the Upper Marikina Watershed's deforestation to increased flood risk in towns and cities," the Masungi Georeserve Foundation said in a statement.
"The science is clear: restore the watershed to protect the people. We are hopeful that the new Secretary will share our vision and those of many others, to make Masungi and the Upper Marikina Watershed free from quarry interests and other intrusive developments," it added.
For his part, Infrawatch convenor Terry Ridon said they are looking forward to an environment agenda grounded on the needs of the people, environment and the planet, with Yulo-Loyzaga at the helm of the DENR.
The group also called on the new DENR Secretary to take a serious look into the controversial projects of the Duterte administration that include the Kaliwa Dam project, the Manila Bay beach nourishment project and the Bulacan airport project.
"It is our position that continuously refilling the area is an absolute waste of public funding, particularly at this time of very limited fiscal space. It is funding that can be better used for the new administration’s social agenda, or other more effective programs to rehabilitate the Manila Bay," the group said.