Gina Lopez eyes forming civic sector arm in DENR
MANILA, Philippines — Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Gina Lopez said she is looking into establishing a civic sector arm in the agency.
“I see the critical role of the civil society (in protecting the environment),” Lopez said in her speech delivered during a policy forum on environmental defense in Quezon City last Friday.
“The civil society closed the mining companies, not DENR,” Lopez added.
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Lopez said without the help and reports from civil society, the immediate suspension of notorious mining companies would not be possible. She said civil society organizations (CSOs) presented the gaps in regulating and sanctioning the abuse of natural resources which she said “adversely affected local communities, especially the poor and marginalized.”
Lopez reiterated that the DENR would not only regulate and implement environmental laws but also initiate them. Last July 25, President Rodrigo Duterte defended her appointment saying he approves of shutting down mining companies that do not meet environmental safety standards. — Rosette Adel
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