The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) expressed optimism with the forthcoming change in leadership at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The PNIA said in a statement on Monday outgoing Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla, who is the incoming DENR Secretary, has “deep experience in public policy, sustainable development, and regulatory governance,” which “positions him well to continue advancing responsible mining practices and to reinforce the role of the minerals sector in inclusive national growth.”
“Secretary Lotilla brings to the DENR a legacy of policy leadership grounded in law, sustainability, and public service. His decades-long engagement in energy, environmental reform, and institutional development across government, academia, and the private sector reflects a broad and principled approach to navigating complex national priorities,” the PNIA further said.
The group added that his appointment can also be seen as an “opportunity” to sustain and deepen the momentum toward a more predictable, science-informed, and investment-ready regulatory environment.
“PNIA looks forward to working with Secretary Lotilla in aligning environmental stewardship with the goals of industrial transformation and competitiveness. We remain committed to our shared vision of a modern, accountable, and globally competitive mining industry that generates long-term value for the environment, communities, and the Philippine economy,” the group added.
When sought for comments on Monday, Lotilla said he still had to attend to his duties at the DOE.
“Since I still have to take my oath as SENR (Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources), I will, in the meantime, attend to my duties as SOE (Secretary of Energy). I will be happy to engage once I am onboard,” he said in a message to reporters.
An official of the DOE who requested anonymity, said that the exiting energy chief has been set to take his oath as DENR secretary by the second week of June.
Lotilla’s first term as DOE chief was during the term of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from 2005 to 2007. He was among the first batch of officials appointed to serve under the current Marcos administration when he returned to the same post in July 2022.
On its website, the PNIA states that its full members include the Carrascal Nickel Corp., Chan C Mining Corp., CTP Construction and Mining Corp., DMCI Mining Corp., Ipilan Nickel Corp., Kafugan Mining Corp., Marcventures Holdings Inc., Nickel Asia Corp., Platinum Group Metals Corp., Eramen Minerals Inc. and Strong Group Mining Corp.
The PNIA’s associate members include the Anseca Development Corp., Best Trucking and Transport Philippines Inc., Carson Shipping and Port Terminal Services Inc., IPM Construction and Development Corp., Kelly Construction and Supply Co., MRMJ Earth Movers Corp., Ocean Pacific and Forwarding Corp., Sturdybuilt Construction and Development Corp., Truck Lord Hauling Services Inc. and Virlo Construction Development Corp.
