The House Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, on Wednesday scrutinized the P27.1 billion proposed budget of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for 2025.
Committee senior vice chair and Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo considered the review timely, saying, “Napapanahon na, maigting nating repasuhin ang panukalang budget para sa susunod na taon para sa DENR na nangangalaga sa ating kapaligiran at kalikasan. Naging epektibo ba ang mga programa laban sa pagbago ng klima? The recent devastation caused by Typhoon Carina has served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our communities to the increased frequency and severity of natural disasters.”
She said that flooding, in particular, has brought immense suffering and loss, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to climate resilience.
“The DENR plays a pivotal role in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Its initiatives such as the National Greening Program, the Clean Water Program, the Coastal Marine Ecosystem Management Program are instrumental in addressing these challenges,” she said.
These programs focus on reforesting the country’s lands, rehabilitating waterways, and restoring critical ecosystems, all of which play a crucial role in reducing the risk and impact of floods, according to Quimbo.
“The devastating effects of Carina have highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to flood management and climate resilience. By integrating the DENR’s programs with infrastructure development, we can build a safer, more resilient future for our communities,” Quimbo said.
DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga said environmental protection, conservation, restoration, and regeneration are critical in achieving climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development.
Based on the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP) submitted by the Department of Budget and Management to Congress, of the proposed DENR budget, P10.1 billion would go to Personnel Services, P12.4 billion to Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), and P3.6 billion to Capital Outlays (CO).
Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez, vice chair of the committee, sponsored the DENR budget and ensured an orderly interpellation process was observed during the hearing.
“Yung mga mamamayan lalo na mga mangingisda, sobrang apektado sila ngayon. Gusto naming malaman ang current assessment, yung extent ng oil spill at yung affected marine and coastal (areas) and yung nearby biodiversity. What are the specific measures being implemented to contain the oil spill to prevent further damage to the environment? What are the plans of DENR? Do you have a rehabilitation plan for affected areas and recovery plan for the ecosystem?” Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas asked.
MT Terra Nova sank off the coast of Limay last July 25. The vessel alone was carrying about 1,494 metric tons of industrial fuel oil.
Loyzaga said the DENR took initial steps immediately after the directive of the President to locate the vessel, establish its position and orientation, in order for the agency to accurately work on the dispersion of the oil, together with its partners at the UP Marine Science Institute and the Philippine Space Agency.
“Also simultaneous to that, we already mapped out the different marine ecosystems that can be affected as well as the wild bird population and the significant environmentally-critical areas that are in three regions -- Region 3, NCR, and Calabarzon. This is an ongoing situation, therefore we are monitoring through our air and water quality instruments, which we have increased in number, in order for us to detect changes in the areas and to also establish what the potential impacts would be on these different ecosystems,” Loyzaga said.
Last week, the Philippine Coast Guard confirmed that motor tanker Jason Bradley sank off the coast of Mariveles, then three days later, MV Mirola 1 also sank in Mariveles.
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