MINDANAO CONSULTATION. Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Antonia Loyzaga (second from right) leads colleagues in answering questions from the media during the two-day Mindanao leg of the multi-stakeholders forum in Cagayan de Oro City that began Thursday (Feb. 2, 2023). Some 300 participants from the six regions of Mindanao converge in the forum for a dialogue among stakeholders on major environmental issues. (PNA photo by Nef Luczon)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Local chief executives must possess competence and commitment in implementing policies on disaster and climate resiliency for enduring results on the ground, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Antonia Loyzaga said here Thursday.
During the opening of the Mindanao leg of the DENR multi-stakeholders forum here, Loyzaga said they have engaged with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and local government mayors to streamline disaster risk reduction management and climate action policies.
"It is important for chief executives. If there's no committed and competent and visionary leadership, no amount of science will help us,” she said.
The time has come, she said, that different sectors and government agencies get involved in addressing environmental and climate issues.
Loyzaga said the DENR has a good working relationship with the city government in the past years, and that they will continue exploring for more partnerships with the administration of incumbent Mayor Rolando Uy.
Loyzaga said Mindanao “requires a localized and contextualized approach” and assured stakeholders that the DENR will continue its extensive consultations with local communities.
In December last year, Uy encouraged members of the anti-illegal mining task force to intensify its drive against illicit mining operations as he discussed his position in a mining forum.
Uy also opened a partnership with a startup firm, Galansiyang, enabling the city to become the first in the Philippines to adopt drone technology for reforestation while providing livelihood opportunities to communities.
At least 300 industry and sector leaders signed in to join the Feb. 2-3 multi-stakeholders forum in a move to refine and craft adaptive, inclusive and sustainable development pathways built on strategic partnerships and sound science for the agency’s Resiliency Framework for Environment and Natural Resources. (PNA)
