CBCP civic arm backs Lopez’s confirmation as DENR chief

The social advocacy, development and humanitarian arm of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is pushing for the confirmation of Regina Paz Lopez as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). (Photo: Gina Lopez/Facebook)

MANILA –The social advocacy, development and humanitarian arm of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is pushing for the confirmation of Regina Paz Lopez as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

According to Fr. Edwin Gariguez, Executive Secretary, National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA)/Caritas Philippines, the DENR head, since her appointment to the position, “has consistently displayed unshakable faithfulness to the mandate of the department and has shown profound understanding of integral and holistic approach to resource conservation and environmental management.”

“She has introduced stronger biodiversity protection programs, increased emphasis and support for more sustainable projects like community-based ecotourism, and strengthened interagency collaboration towards clean air, clean water and transformative climate change policies – all within the framework of genuine partnership with environmental NGOs, church, academe, youth, farmers and fisherfolks,” the Catholic priest said in a statement.

Gariguez added, “She has courageously enforced the country’s environmental laws, often at great personal risk, not for ambition but for unwavering principle and commitment to the Filipino people. She revoked a number of deeply flawed extractive operations that already caused great suffering to poor communities. As a result, the pressure to block her appointment and remove her from office has been mounting.”

With this, he urged President Rodrigo Duterte to let Lopez stay as the head of the department since she support the people and environment.

“It is in this light that we implore President Rodrigo Duterte to stand by his decision to appoint an environmental champion who has genuine care for the people and the environment,” said the (NASSA)/Caritas Philippines official.

“Secretary Lopez’ presence at DENR portends the end of destructive practices and heralds the beginning of more sustainable ways of utilizing our natural resources,” he added.

Likewise, Gariguez asked the Commission on Appointments (CA) hear the voices of the people including various civil society groups and grassroots communities.

“Further, we call on the members of the Commission on Appointment to demonstrate resolute leadership by striving to hear the earnest cries of the grassroots over the loud clamor of big mining companies,” he said.

Gariguez added, “We urge them to protect the poor from further exploitation by putting the right person in DENR who can force the industry to do things differently and responsibly.

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At the same time, he said that they will pray for Duterte and the members of the CA to be guided in choosing pro-people officials to serve in the government.

“We uphold in them in prayer – our President and the members of the Commission on Appointment as they make a decision that is critical to the well-being of our country. May the wisdom of the God Almighty light their way,” Gariguez added.

Earlier, Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles wrote a letter to President Duterte to let Lopez stay as DENR chief.