Fresh from the success of the first-ever multi-stakeholder forum organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) last October 5-7, 2022, Regional Executive Director Jacqueline A. Caancan of DENR National Capital Region expressed her support in the conduct of a series of consultation meetings with stakeholders here in Metro Manila.
Director Caancan was particularly impressed with the results of the 3-day activity held at Diamond Hotel in Manila which saw the attendance of over 200 industry and sector leaders. “The conduct of the forum is a clear indication of the direction our agency will take under the leadership of Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga”, Director Caancan said.
“Our secretary wants to create synergy between DENR and its stakeholders. An important pre-requisite for this is empowered clients and partners. This is only possible by including them – our stakeholders – in the process of planning through consultation and dialogue”, Director Caancan explained.
Secretary Loyzaga clarified as much when she stressed the importance of building and nurturing partnerships in her opening statement for the forum. “In order [for DENR to fulfill its tasks], we will need to work with partners to develop integrated strategies for a science-based, risk-informed, ethical and equitable stewardship of our environments”, Sec. Loyzaga said.
“It is our hope that our conversations, the planned national natural resources geospatial database, a new experts advisory council, and an organizational review will ensure that our people, processes, and products will result in synergies that will transform our department into one that is fit for its complex purpose,” Sec. Loyzaga concluded.
During the consultations, Director Caancan listened and took note of the concerns and insights of stakeholders on environmental issues affecting Metro Manila. She also revealed plans to conduct a series of focused group discussions with stakeholders to cull out details and come up with a strategic plan for the sustainable development of the region’s environment, ecosystem, and people.
“As stated by our Secretary, DENR needs to focus on water security, improvement of our capability for environmental observation, monitoring and analytics, integrated development of mangrove forests and protected areas, and contribute to the development of a climate resilient and sustainable ecotourism plan. We will do just that in NCR and more,” Director Caancan assured.
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