The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has expressed optimism that the leadership of its incoming Secretary Ma. Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga will lead to a more resilient country.
“The DENR family looks forward to the effective and efficient implementation of the Department’s mandate under the new Secretary’s leadership. With her expertise and competence in climate and disaster resilience, I see better days ahead for the environment and for the Filipino people,” DENR officer-in-charge Secretary Ernesto D. Adobo Jr. said in a statement.
The previous DENR administration, according to him, ended with “significant achievements” in its programs on solid waste management, biodiversity, rehabilitation of Boracay Island and Manila Bay, and restoration of heavily silted rivers under the Task Force Build Back Better.
Adobo assured the incoming secretary of the DENR that she has their full support.
“We will work with her for the effective implementation of environmental laws, programs, and projects under the new administration,” he said.
Loyzaga, he said, will be facing several challenges, such as disasters caused by climate change, environmental pollution, illegal wildlife activities, and various issues on land, mining, biodiversity loss, and forestry.
With the environmental expertise of Loyzaga, Adobo said he is certain that climate actions will be strengthened and that the compliance of the Philippines to the Paris Agreement on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will be fulfilled.
DENR secretaries are tasked to uphold the agency’s mandate that aims for the conservation, management, development, and sustainable use of the country’s ecosystems and natural resources.
On July 12, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. nominated Loyzaga as chief of the DENR.
Loyzaga was the chairperson of the International Advisory Board of the Manila Observatory where she advocated for more scientific research on climate and disaster resilience.
For nine years, she served as the executive director of the MO and technical adviser of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation.
As such, Loyzaga is a member of the Senior Advisory Board of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Command and General Staff College.