Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael Lotilla called on the department’s workforce to remain focused on DENR’s core responsibilities of protecting the environment and natural resources of the nation while enabling responsible development.
Speaking at the DENR flag-raising ceremony, Lotilla stressed that the directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains clear: government operations must continue, and priority reforms under the administration’s agenda must proceed without disruption.
“We will continue to focus on our mission,” the environment chief said, underscoring that the Department’s performance should be measured by the consistency and quality of its outputs, rather than by personalities.
The environment head was bypassed three times after the Commission on Appointments failed to take up or act on his nomination before Congress adjourned last 30 December. Malacañang has said it is reviewing his appointment records to ensure all requirements are in order, while emphasizing that there is no Cabinet reshuffle.
Lotilla highlighted the Department’s immediate priority of preparing for its upcoming planning conference, which will be critical to the timely and effective implementation of the 2026 budget. With the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2026 approved later than usual, DENR expects a compressed timeline for budget execution in the first quarter, particularly for infrastructure-related programs.
“We need to balance timely decision-making with strict compliance with environmental standards to ensure that priority projects move forward responsibly.”
He urged offices to anticipate these demands and strengthen coordination with partner agencies, citing the limited construction period ahead of the rainy season. Lotilla stressed the need to balance timely decision-making with strict compliance with environmental standards to ensure that priority projects move forward responsibly.
On the international front, he noted the country’s participation in an upcoming global meeting on critical minerals, to which the Philippines was invited by the United States government alongside other countries.
Lotilla reiterated that all engagements will be guided by what serves the national interest.
“Integrity and accountability remain central to DENR’s work.”
He also emphasized that integrity and accountability remain central to the Department’s work, noting that adherence to due process is essential to maintaining public trust and institutional credibility.
“Let us continue to move forward inspired by the Almighty and by our dedication to the public interest,” Lotilla concluded.
