DENR Acting Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna (JEL SANTOS/MB PHOTO)
Newly appointed Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Acting Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna on Friday, Feb. 27, vowed to serve “with integrity, vision, and urgency” as he assumes leadership of the agency.
During a press briefing, Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Marcos designated Cuna as acting DENR secretary, succeeding outgoing chief Raphael Lotilla, who will assume the post of Philippine ambassador to the Holy See.
In a brief statement, Cuna said he is honored by President Marcos’ confidence in appointing him to the position.
“For now, I would just like to say that I am honored by President Bongbong Marcos’ confidence in appointing me as DENR Secretary, and I pledge to serve with integrity, vision, and urgency for our environment and our communities,” he said.
He, however, declined to grant interviews until the formal turnover process is completed.
“Out of respect for the formal turnover process, I will do media interviews when the handover is complete,” Cuna said.
The incoming DENR chief also acknowledged the leadership of his predecessors.
“I thank Secretaries Toni Loyzaga and Raphael Lotilla for their exemplary leadership, and I humbly accept the challenge to build on their work for a greener, more resilient Philippines,” he added.
Prior to his appointment, Cuna served as undersecretary for Field Operations covering Luzon and Visayas, and concurrently as undersecretary for Environment and supervising undersecretary for the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).