DENR chief gets CA nod, assures people-centered agenda

Newly-appointed Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu poses for a photo before he was sworn into office by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte prior to the start of the 15th Cabinet Meeting at the State Dining Room of Malacañan Palace on May 7, 2017. Robinson Ninal, Malacanang Photo

MANILA — Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sec. Roy Cimatu assured pursuing a people-centered agenda for environmental protection and sustainable development.

“It’s high time every Filipino, regardless of status in life, should have equal access to benefits of clean environment and sustainable natural resources,” he said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon.

He gave such assurance after securing the Commission on Appointments’ (CA) approval of his ad interim appointment as DENR head. Cimatu acknowledged facing the challenge of having to prove Malacanang and the CA right in trusting him with leading DENR and enabling the agency to fulfill its mandate.

“This gives me enough inspiration to carry out the seemingly gargantuan tasks of protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable use of the country’s rich natural resources in the face of climate change and dwindling natural wealth of the nation,” he said.

Cimatu thanked the CA for confirming his appointment as DENR head. “I am pleased, honored and humbled by the vote of CA confirming my nomination,” he said.

He considers his confirmation as DENR Secretary an opportunity to continue instituting reforms as well as to pursue programs and projects for protecting the environment and improving people’s lives. (PNA)