P20 billion needed for DENR's priority projects
About P20 billion is needed to finance the implementation of the priority projects of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the next five years, said Secretary Angelo T. Reyes.
Secretary Reyes said that among the DENR's priority projects that need foreign assistance include the setting up of the River Basin Control Office and its compliance with the Philippine Government's role as a party to multilateral environmental agreements.
The DENR secretary said that the River Basin Control Office under the DENR was created under Executive Order No. 510, and together with the Department of Public Works and Highways, the DENR will rationalize the various river basin projects to enhance the country's flood control efforts.
Of the P20 billion projected budgetary requirements, P8 billion will be sourced from the DENR budget and P12 billion will be sourced from other sources including foreign assistance, Reyes said.
The DENR-Central Office press report said that Secretary Reyes recognized the important role foreign assistance plays in promoting growth and development in the country and in addressing worldwide environmental concerns such as global warming, transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and illegal trafficking of endangered species.
Secretary Reyes explained that the financial assistance is very necessary in pursuing DENR's priority projects to ensure a healthier environment and more sustainable use of our natural resources."
(T.Villavert/PIA)