Better days ahead for environment with Loyzaga as DENR head

As the new DENR Secretary, Yulo-Loyzaga is 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. (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) welcomed the nomination of Ma. Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga as its new secretary under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

DENR OIC Secretary Ernesto D. Adobo Jr. expressed optimism over Yulo-Loyzaga’s nomination, as he envisions a more climate-resilient Philippines under her leadership.

“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,” Adobo, also the DENR Undersecretary for Legal, Administration, Human Resources and Legislative Affairs, said in a news release on Sunday.

He said the previous DENR administration 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.

“We assure the new Secretary that she has our full support. We will work with her for the effective implementation of environmental laws, programs, and projects under the new administration,” Adobo said.

Adobo pointed out that the environment is still faced with several challenges, such as disasters caused by climate change, environmental pollution, illegal wildlife activities, and various issues on land, mining, biodiversity loss and forestry.

He said these issues have to be addressed not just by the DENR with Yulo-Loyzaga as its new secretary, but by everyone being part of the solution.

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles announced the nomination of Yulo-Loyzaga as the next DENR chief on July 12.

Known for her expertise in climate and disaster resilience, Yulo-Loyzaga has experience in leading and working with the National Resilience Council, Manila Observatory, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Command and General Staff College.

With the environmental expertise of Yulo-Loyzaga and support of President Marcos in prioritizing climate change issues, 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.

As the new DENR Secretary, Yulo-Loyzaga is 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. (PR)