DENR chief vows to end degradation of environment

Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes vowed yesterday to put an end to the degradation of the environment and ensure responsible exploration and development of the country’s natural resources.

"Our mandate is clear: protect and secure the environment," he said.

Speaking during turnover ceremonies with his predecessor, Michael Defensor who is now President Arroyo’s chief of staff, Reyes said the environment is the country’s life support system.

"Responsible management of the natural resources will ensure a better future for the Filipino nation," he said.

Defensor turned over to Reyes the DENR banner and the agency’s roadmap for the next six years.

"Secretary Reyes is the right man for the job," he said.

Defensor said with Reyes’ military experience and track record, the crackdown on illegal loggers, illegal miners and the enforcement of the Clean Air act, smoke belching law and the Solid Management Act will be carried out effectively.

"If, during his stint as the chief of the anti-kidnapping task force, Secretary Reyes was able to dismantle well-organized and armed syndicates, there is no reason why he will not be successful in the crackdown on forest violators which are less aggressive than the kidnappers," he said.

Defensor said since the government is launching a total war against those wreaking havoc on the environment, a seasoned warrior like Secretary Reyes should be at the forefront of the battle.

Among the major concerns facing Reyes is the implementation of the Ecological Solid Management Act, which provides for the closure of open dumpsites into controlled facilities, he added.

Reyes said he would meet with Congress and local governments to resolve the issue because most of them were not able to comply with the law.

He will conduct a regular review of the agency roadmap presented by Defensor, he added.

The DENR roadmap for the next four years includes forestry development, land management, distribution and cadastral survey, biodiversity and marine coastal management, and environment and mineral resources development.