Manila: As President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approaches his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reports significant advancements in service delivery and environmental protection, including the rehabilitation of Manila Bay and improved access to safe drinking water.
According to Philippines News Agency, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna emphasized the agency's efforts to streamline transactions without compromising environmental standards, in line with the administration's directive for more responsive government services. The DENR has implemented the DENR Express, a monthly caravan that facilitates permit processing and technical assistance directly in communities, reducing travel burdens for applicants and aiding compliance with environmental regulations.
Cuna assured that despite faster processing, strict oversight of environmentally permitted projects remains a priority. He highlighted the creation of Multipartite Monitoring Teams (MMT) to ensure continuous compliance with Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) conditions, involving stakeholders from the DENR, civil society, local government units, and industry.
In terms of environmental rehabilitation, Cuna noted measurable progress in the Manila Bay cleanup. The DENR recorded a decline in marine litter and improved water quality, with fecal coliform levels decreasing significantly. The deployment of the MV Nilad, a marine litter collection vessel from South Korea, has bolstered cleanup efforts, with capabilities to address oil spills.
The DENR has also expanded its water filtration and refilling station program to remote and underserved communities, with ongoing projects in various provinces. Cuna highlighted feedback from residents in Barangay Tumalutab, Zamboanga City, who no longer need to leave the island for potable water, improving their overall quality of life.
In mining, Cuna discussed the Philippines' Joint Declaration of Intent with Canada, focusing on cooperation in critical minerals through technology transfer and capacity building. The policy of progressive rehabilitation now requires mining companies to restore mined areas before starting new operations.
Additionally, Cuna mentioned river easement rehabilitation projects in Balanga, Bataan, and Sasmuan, Pampanga, which have transformed former informal settlements into linear parks, contributing to flood reduction and climate resilience.
Looking forward, Cuna stated that the DENR will continue to expand the DENR Express and streamline government transactions, ensuring efficient service delivery to Filipinos nationwide.
