Revamp in the offing in DENR

MANILA, Philippines - A revamp looms over the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as Secretary Lito Atienza vowed to “crack the whip” within the agency. In a statement, Atienza said a major reorganization of the department is in the offing and that “key positions will be replaced and vital roles will be redefined.” He did not elaborate. He said the move is to ensure a more effective and efficient enforcement of environmental laws. “While we have done so much at the DENR, I know that we can do even more. That is why I urge all our employees and personnel to start the year right by redefining themselves (because) our environment and natural wealth are vital to the country’s economic well-being,” the DENR chief said. At the same time, Atienza announced that the DENR would now work even more closely with local government units (LGUs) and its “environmental partners” such as Bantay Kalikasan, Ecological Waste Coalition, Mother Earth-Philippines and other non-government organizations (NGOs). Atienza has earlier pronounced a revitalized alliance with the Catholic Church, Iglesia ni Cristo and other religious groups in the DENR’s bid to further intensify public awareness and involvement in environmental protection and the correct management of the country’s rich natural resources. Moreover, Atienza said that the DENR’s legal department would further be strengthened to guarantee that environmental justice is delivered. - GMANews.TV