It can be recalled that in August 2018, Secretary Cimatu issued DENR Administrative Order No. 2018-18 that established a centralized management and coordinative mechanism at the regional offices of DENR, MGB and EMB. The order also designated the DENR Regional Director as the Regional Executive Director providing overall command of regional operations.

Director Bambalan said the centralized mechanism will ensure effective coordination in the enforcement of environmental laws, rules and regulations.

During the meetings, the regional environment chief appealed for the support of the personnel in the implementation of the priority programs of the Department under Secretary Cimatu. The EMB leads the implementation of clean air, clean water and solid waste management while the MGB implements geo-hazard, groundwater assessment and responsible mining.

MGB Regional Director Mario A. Ancheta assured the new DENR regional chief of their full support. “Lagi kaming nasa likod ng DENR na nakasuporta just like what we did with the past administrations,” Engr. Ancheta said.

For EMB, OIC, Regional Director Virgilio Edralin L. Licuan said they will work together with the DENR to ensure the effective implementation of environmental laws.

Director Bambalan was joined by Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Marcos G. Dacanay in the meetings.#