Environment Secretary Heherson T. Alvarez designated movie and television personality Dingdong Dantes as DENR Youth Envoy.
"Because of Mr. Dantes’ commendable altruism, sense of civic-mindedness and concern for the environment, he has volunteered himself to become a partner of the DENR in our battle against environmental degradation," Alvarez stressed.
Through a memorandum of agreement signed by Alvarez and Dantes, who waived his usual talent fee, agreed to promote the programs of the DENR and will lend his voice to the various environmental concerns of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration.
The 22-year-old actor, who is Jose Sixto Dantes III in real life and currently portrays "Carlos Miguel" in GMA-7’s top rating drama series Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga, will also participate and appear in various public awareness campaigns of the department, particularly in its environmental programs for the youth.
He is also best remembered as "Inaki" in the defunct GMA-7 youth-oriented show TGIS and is viewed by the general public as an actor with an overall wholesome image with a very positive outlook in life  qualities that make him a perfect choice as role model for the youth.
For its part, the DENR will keep Dantes updated on environmental policies and programs of the department for the effective discharge of his duties and responsibilities as its official youth spokesperson and will be closely working with the DENR Youth Desk.
Alvarez said he has always believed in the capabilities of the youth sector to drum up public support for the environment.
"The youth could rightfully claim to be the vanguards of the environment. They are modern-day soldiers who must rally the entire nation through their collective energy and enthusiasm, reminding our people of the urgent need to protect the environment," he said.