And she said yes!
On Tuesday, June 21, Gina Lopez accepted the offer of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to be the next Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary.
“I’m deeply honored since it’s a controversial decision; that you have decided to trust me. I give you my firm commitment that I will do everything that I can and it’s not only to protect the environment [but also] to eradicate poverty,” she reportedly told the president.
Being a staunch critic of irresponsible mining practices, Lopez is a rather unconventional choice for the position.
However, the environmentalist and ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation chairperson, said that she wants wants to meet up with mining companies to help regulate their ways. “Hindi naman sila kaaway eh,” she emphasized.
(“They are not enemies.”)
“As long as she believes in responsible mining, and the continuation of such practices, then we will cetainly be in line with the objectives,” said Chamber of Mines chairman Artemio Disini about the new DENR head.
Lopez also wants to promote the development of renewable resources, such as solar and wind.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer writes, “Currently, Lopez is the chair of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC). She said that she would want to keep her position in the agency working on the reviving the Pasig River since to her knowledge, environment secretaries in the past have headed the PRRC.”
