Defensor replaces heads of four DENR bureaus

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Michael Defensor ordered the relief of four high ranking department officials, citing the need for immediate implementation of its programs "with more vigor and aggressiveness."

The officials affected by the reshuffle which would take effect today include Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) director Julian Amador, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) chief Horacio Ramos, Forestry and Management Bureau (FMB) chief Romeo Acosta and Land Management Bureau (LMB) director Concordio Zuniga.

Defensor stressed the relief and replacement of the four officials is "in the interest of the service and as part of the continuing organizational development of the DENR."

"The replacement of four bureau directors does not mean they did not perform well in their job or they have been doing something wrong," Defensor said.

"It’s just that I have to push more. We need to monitor enforcement of environmental laws with more vigor and aggressiveness," he added.

Defensor said that for the first time in eight months since he assumed the post as DENR chief, the department came up with a detailed plan of action which needs immediate implementation.

Defensor appointed lawyer Lolibeth Medrano as EMB officer-in-charge; Assistant Secretary Jeremias Dolino for the MGB; Provincial and Natural Resources Officer Marcial Amaro Jr. to FMB and lawyer Allan Barcena as LMB officer-in-charge.

With the exception of Acosta who was appointed as officer-in-charge of the Policy and Planning Service Office of the Undersecretary for policy, planning, research and legislative affairs, the three other replaced officials were ordered to report to their respective supervisors for new work assignment.

"They (replaced bureau directors) could always go back to their positions depending on their performance (of) their new duties, which will be given by the undersecretaries," Defensor said.

"They (undersecretaries) should make this people (replaced bureau directors) functional and effective," he said.

Defensor went on to warn DENR regional directors and even the undersecretaries that they are "under (his) observation."

"The regional heads and undersecretaries will be answerable to me while I will be answerable to the accomplishment of the DENR," Defensor said.

"That’s why I want a more aggressive and dynamic agency. This move should serve as note to my officers — from undersecretary down — that we should see more results. We have to be beyond business as usual," Defensor pointed out.

Defensor said the DENR came up with a detailed action plan to a bid to effectively implement environmental laws.

He said the action plan covers the protection of air, water, and coastal areas; improvement of air and water quality; reforestation and land use; promotion of "responsible mining," all achievable under sustainable development.