It seems like only yesterday when I wrote about Raphael Lotilla taking the helm of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in this newsletter, but here I am writing about another leadership change in a department that demands stability in these urgent times.
Lotilla, just eight months into his new role in the Marcos Cabinet, is now headed to the Vatican as the President’s ambassador, reportedly preferring a “lighter assignment” over the workload at the DENR.
“Under his stewardship, the DENR continued to pursue its mandate of safeguarding the country’s environment and natural resources in alignment with national development priorities,” the department said about the outgoing secretary, who was thrice bypassed by the powerful Commission on Appointments.
Replacing Lotilla as acting secretary is Juan Miguel Cuna, a career official who’s been with the DENR for 18 years. He’s worked with the department’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau and Environmental Management Bureau, and served as undersecretary for over eight years before his latest appointment.
Having a new leader who rose through the ranks definitely has its advantages. Still, I can’t help but echo the concerns of groups such as the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development, who fear a “status quo” under Cuna’s leadership.
