COTABATO CITY ─ Exactly twelve (12) days after Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua took over the leadership of ARMM-DENR, now officially known as the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE), the agency held its first management conference in order to cascade development commitments of the new BARMM entity and in pursuit of the ARMM Development Framework and Regional Development Plan for 2017-2022.

Serving as the initial barometer for its 2019 platform, the ENRE agency aims to strengthen its plans and projects starting with the final and submitted 100-Days Action Plan. BARMM-MENRE, to be pioneered by Minister Macacua, will act on creating more initiatives and intensifying efforts for the ongoing and future environmental programs and projects.

“Pangalagaan natin ang gawa ng Diyos. Alagaan natin ang kalikasan,” Minister Macacua said in his message. “Let’s all be inspired to do our job for the betterment of BARMM,” he added.

Commencing the conference proper were presentations by the respective Provincial Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy Officers (PENREO) on the provinces’ regular accomplishment reports. Seedling productions, the establishment of seedling nurseries, massive tree planting, and forest protection activities are still being implemented by the provincial offices. Actualizing the green advocacy from the roots, these collective efforts would eventually amount to a huge contribution to the greening program of BARMM.

Moreover, BARMM-MENRE Assistant Regional Secretary Alindatu K. Pagayao stressed that the ministry will focus on the realization of its commitments and targets this 2019 onwards.

“We will continue what has been started,” Assistant Secretary Pagayao said, emphasizing that the projects and advocacies originated from the former administration will even be furthered and strengthened as the ministry transitions to the new BARMM.

Aside from focusing on environmental conservation and actions against climate change, BARMM-MENRE also aims to uplift the lives of the Bangsamoro through the livelihood programs attached to the projects implemented by the Ministry.

The latest BARMM-MENRE Executive Management Conference was held at Pagana Kutawato, Cotabato City on March 12-13, 2019.