Ex-DENR chief Gozun named PNoy adviser on climate change

Malacañang on Saturday announced the appointment of former environment secretary Elisea Gozun as presidential adviser on climate change. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Gozun was appointed to the post for her strong advocacy for environmental protection. “She’s really a staunch environmental advocate even after her stint in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources [DENR], so I think [she’s] very welcome addition," she said in an interview over government-run dzRB radio on Saturday afternoon. Gozun, who served as DENR chief during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from December 2002 to August 2004, will now occupy a post at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Global Warming and Climate Change under the Office of the President, according to Valte. The newly-appointed presidential aide on climate change is currently involved in various civil society groups advocating the protection of the environment, such as Earth Day Network Philippines and the Earth Council Asia Pacific Philippines. In 2007, Gozun was recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a “Champion of Earth" for the Asia and the Pacific region.—With Andreo C. Calonzo/JV, GMANews.TV