Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando was recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Office 3 (DENR RO3) for his environmental preservation efforts.
This was confirmed by Bulacan Provincial Public Affairs Office Head Katrina Anne B. Balingit on Wednesday, Feb. 8.
Signed by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Emelita Lingat and former Regional Director of Mines and Geosciences Bureau RO3 Engineer Alilo Ensomo Jr., the award acknowledges Fernando’s invaluable contribution and unwavering support to the programs of the DENR RO3 towards the protection, conservation, and development of the country's environment and natural resources.
In his message during Monday's flag-raising ceremony at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in the City of Malolos, Fernando also recognized the efforts of Bulacan Environment and National Resources (BENRO) head lawyer Julius Victor C. Degala and his team for the prompt and strict implementation of environmental programs and laws.
Fernando successfully ordered and implemented the suspension of all mining-related activities and mineral extracting operations for almost three months through Executive Order No. 21 where stricter policies to minimize illegal mining and avoid environmental degradation took effect following the effective execution of BENRO.
“Ang pagkilalang ito ay para rin sa ating BENRO sa pangunguna ni Atty. Julius Victor C. Degala dahil maayos nilang naipatupad ang mga direktibang naging dahilan ng kaayusan ng ating polisiya hinggil sa pagmimina dito sa lalawigan," (This recognition is also for our BENRO headed by Attorney Julius Victor C. Degala for putting in place the policy on mining in the province)," the governor said.
Fernando, known as the People’s Governor, also took the lead in replacing illegally cut trees by planting 11,000 seedlings in the province last year following the conduct of illegal logging operations in the mountainous areas of Bulacan where more or less 3,173 board feet of illegal lumber and six unregistered chainsaws were seized from illegal loggers.