The outgoing chief has been designated another post.
On Friday, February 27, Malacañang announced changes in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Incumbent Secretary Raphael Lotilla, who had led the agency since the cabinet-wide reshuffle last year, is to leave his role for the position of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the Holy See.
Now in charge of the DENR is Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna, who had been designated the Acting Secretary.
During a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said that Cuna, a lawyer, previously served as DENR’s Director from 2010 to 2015 and became an Assistant Secretary and Undersecretary in 2017.
Cuna had also served as Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer at the DENR from 2008 to 2010.
He also was as a law professor at the Arellano Law Foundation and as a Director IV, Legal Officer, of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office under the Office of the President from 1998 to 2001.
“Upang masiguro ang tuloy-tuloy na operasyon sa DENR, nagpapatuloy ang matiwasay na transisyon sa pagitan nina Secretary Lotilla at Cuna,” Castro assured the smooth transition of power.
In line with this, the process of submitting the names of Acting Secretaries for confirmation is now ongoing.
DENR STATEMENT
Meanwhile, in its official statement, the department said that it welcomes the appointment of Cuna.
“Incoming Secretary Cuna has extensive experience within the DENR and in public administration, positioning him well to advance the Department’s ongoing programs and policy initiatives,” it said. “We are confident that Secretary Cuna will provide strong leadership and continue the DENR’s work with professionalism, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship.“
They also recognized Secretary Raphael Lotilla’s “long-standing commitment to public service” and supports his transition to this important diplomatic role.
“Under his stewardship, the DENR continued to pursue its mandate of safeguarding the country’s environment and natural resources in alignment with national development priorities,” the department added.
It ended its statement, “With the leadership transition, the DENR remains focused on its core mission to protect the environment, promote sustainable development, and uphold the welfare of present and future generations of Filipinos.”