DENR Secretary Gina Lopez meeting with Filipino community members in New York. CONTRIBUTED
NEW YORK CITY — Members of the Filipino community here heard visiting Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Gina Lopez explain that social justice is a component of her department’s projects in the rural areas.
Lopez was attending at the Global Leadership Forum timed with the United Nations General Assembly.
Members of the Fil-Muslim community, the Lumad, Fil-Am press and National Federation for Filipino Concerns attended the event organized by the Philippine Consulate.
Lopez explained that the environmental resources of the country should benefit the local population and laid out plans that include prioritizing happiness, health, environment, economy and peace and order.
She cited DENR’s plans to develop Sibugan Romblon (the densest forest in the world) and Batangas (known for marine biodiversity).
She said Filipino Americans can contribute to prosperity and national progress by investing capital with the help of the Natural Resources Development Corporation (NRDC). She also said that the leadership of President Duterte is a catalyst for changes in the country.
Lopez addressed environmental issues such as open pit mining in Davao and Caraga region, and protection of local farmers and fishermen. Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Abella was also on hand to convey the government’s official position on criminality, peace and order and the government’s ongoing war on illicit drugs.
Sec. Lopez explaining her plans for developing environmental resources to help local communities. CONTRIBUTED
Earlier in the day, Lopez was in the UN headquarters to speak at the Global Leadership Forum upon the invitation of Dr. Scott Massey and Bryan Thomas, in support of a proposed Caraga region sustainable development project in Mindanao.
Sultan Julius Mabandos, leader of 21 Lumad Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) attended the UN forum, representing his people and also joined the town hall forum as a guest.
The Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC have been in conversation with Dr. Scott Massey, the Department of Agriculture in Washington DC, and Sultan Mabandos on the proposed Caraga development project in the Lumad’s ancestral land involving sustainable practices that preserve the environment.