Newly designated Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga yesterday said she will ensure all actions taken and policies implemented by the agency are evidence-based and science-backed.
In her first speech as DENR chief, Loyzaga also assured these programs will undergo consultations among stakeholders.
Loyzaga also ordered the “accounting” of the country’s natural resources, which will become the basis for the new administration’s plans moving forward.
“This will involve the use of science and technology as well as financial management and economics and that means we need to work across different departments to achieve that foundation,” Loyzaga said.
She added said she will push for the digitization and modernization of the DENR’s information management systems to enhance the delivery of services to stakeholders and ensure the level of excellence in terms of performance and impacts.
She said under her leadership, DENR plans to build resilient communities through risk sensitive and balanced development of resources; fight the climate emergency through practical climate change adaptation measures with the use of science on a national scale; and the protection of indigenous species as part of natural heritage while also harnessing resources for the benefit of the country, among others.
Prior to her designation as DENR secretary, Loyzaga was the executive director of the Manila Observatory for nine years where she advocated and implemented scientific research in climate and disaster resilience.
She holds a Master of Arts in Government degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
Meanwhile, Renato Redentor Constantino, executive director, in a statement, said
Loyzaga’s long leadership over the Manila Observatory bodes well for the bureaucracy in the DENR, given her background in science and her valuation of evidence and partnerships.
The Center for Energy, Ecology and Development (CEED), challenged Loyzaga to live up to the task of addressing urgent environmental issues of the country.
“Loyzaga’s science-based background can bring us an environment secretary who listens to science and works to avert worse ecological crises and irreversible damage from climate change,” said Avril De Torres, CEED deputy executive director, in a statement. Jed Macapagal
