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Atienza reshuffles DENR regional executive directors

01/06/2009

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza yesterday issued a special order reorganizing the department’s regional executive directors (REDs) nationwide.

“The reassignment of our regional executive directors is part of our continuing organizational development. President Arroyo expects a more vibrant management of our environment and natural wealth and we will do just that,” Atienza said.

“We had done so much last year. With the new team, I expect stricter enforcement of environmental laws,” the DENR chief added.

He added that the regional officials will not only exercise authority but also observe accountability. “The REDs will be made responsible and liable for any illegal activity in their respective jurisdictions, especially illegal logging, illegal mining and degradation of water bodies and protected areas. If warranted, charges will be filed against negligent DENR officials,” Atienza stressed.

The newly assigned regional executive directors are as follows:

Primitivo Galinato Jr., Cordillera Administrative Region; Corazon Davis, Region 1;

Laureano Lingan Jr., Region 2; Antonio Principe, Region 3; Jose Andres Diaz, National Capital Region; Nilo Tamoria, Region 4-A; Marcial Amaro Jr., Region 4-B; Joselin Marcus Fragada, Region 5; Ricardo Calderon, Region 6; Leonardo Sibbaluca, Region 7;

Regidor de Leon, Region 8; Maximo Dichoso, Region 9; Ernesto Adobo Jr., Region 10; Jim Sampulna, Region 11; Raquil-ali Lucman, Region 12; Edilberto Buiser, Region 13.

Under DENR Special Order 2009-01, all the newly assigned REDs are directed to report to their new assignment on Jan. 9. As such, they were ordered to clear themselves from all their accountabilities from their prior assignments.

To emphasize their accountability to DENR resources, the reshuffled officials were barred from bringing their service vehicles to their new assignments.