ILOILO City – The public was reminded to take part in saving the environment amid growing threats as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) celebrated its 31st founding anniversary.
“Environmental protection is not the government’s responsibility alone because everyone has a part to play in protecting the environment from damage,” DENR secretary Roy Cimatu stressed.
DENR’s anniversary this year is themed “Ikaw, Ako, Tayo ang Kalikasan,” calling for a concerted effort from the community to conserve the environment.
President Rodrigo Duterte is the guest of honor in the event held on Wednesday.
He led the distribution of 75 land titles to qualified residents from five cities and municipalities in Metro Manila. The patents cover a total area of 5,394 square meters.
The awarding of land titles is part of DENR’s “Handog Titulo” program.
Cimatu also gave updates on the ongoing rehabilitation efforts in Boracay and the agency’s other accomplishments over the past year.
The DENR traces its roots to mid-1800s when Spanish rule created the Inspeccion General de Minas in 1837 to administer minerals and mineral lands, and the Inspeccion General de Montes in 1863 for the management of wide range of natural resources, such as forest inventory and protection, land classification, watershed protection, water, and biodiversity.
Executive Order 192 of former president Corazon Aquino on June 10, 1986 prescribed the two agencies’ reorganization into one entity – the DENR. (With a report from DENR/PN)
