TUGUEGARAO CITY: “Commit to climate-proofing and new set climate lens in the formulation of policies of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.”

These were the words of DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Juan Miguel Cuna during the recently concluded management conference of DENR Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) at the Go Hotel, Tuguegarao City.

Cuna underscored the benefits of climateproofing to DENR’s strategic development plans and projects to ensure that actions to reduce climaterelated risks are integrated and harmonized with sustainable development and initiatives of the department in its pursuit of environmental protection and management.

He emphasized engaging with multisectoral stakeholders and other related environmental sectors for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and less use of plastics and plastic bags.

“We have to work with local authorities, planners, and developers to create better and safer places,” Cuna said as he encouraged the key officials to walk the talk towards climate-proof environment protection and conservation programs and to start making changes in their respective offices.

In his message, DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs Jonas Leones discussed the five priority directions of the new administration as accounting for the country’s natural resources; building resilient communities; working with cities; implementing practical climate change adaptation measures; and protecting indigenous species and harnessing them for the country’s benefits.

“Let us continue to collaborate with our partners to strengthen our mitigation activities against climate change,” said Leones.

Gwendolyn Bambalan, DENR regional executive director, instructed the regional executives to fasttrack the accomplishment of targets before the year ends. “We should mean excellence in all we do,” she said as she acknowledged the virtual presence of the two undersecretaries for their motivating messages.

The three-day regional management conference with the theme “DENR Region 2 Promoting ScienceBased and Climate Change Resiliency Approach in ENR Management” has paved the way to resolve issues and concerns on implementation management.

“We put in consideration not only on a number of accomplishments alone but on how to also become environmental stewards in democratic, excellent and scientific ways,” Bambalan added.

Bambalan also thanked the presence of Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba and Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Rosario Ting-Que, who both demonstrated their support for DENR programs and projects.

The DENR key officials have also planted 100 Narra seedlings in Namabbalan, Tuguegarao City in support of the National Greening Program of the department.