New DENR7 exec chief to look into Balili mess

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources 7 has a new regional executive director in the person of Maximo Dichoso. His first order of business: Address pressing issues in Region 7, including the Balili controversy.

Dichoso formally assumed the post from Director Leonardo Sibbaluca yesterday.

In an interview following the turnover, Dichoso said he will personally visit the controversial Balili property in Barangay Tinaan, Naga to check and assess the area in accordance to complaints presented by concerned individuals and environmental advocates.

The purchase of the property by the provincial government became controversial after it was discovered that more than 80 percent of the lot is submerged in water. Last year, DENR 7 issued an Environmental Compliance Certificate to the Province of Cebu, which enables the province to dump coal ash at the property.

“We will see to it that it is (process) transparent,” Dischoso said, adding that he will assess the status of the property in the presence of representatives from different concerned sectors.

Dichoso said he also intends to gather environmental groups and private advocates “for everybody to come to express their sentiments” on present environmental issues like climate change. 

Yesterday’s turnover ceremony was attended by DENR Usec. Atty. Ernesto Adobo Jr. and employees of the department. Sibbaluca will be transferred to DENR 13 or CARAGA region. He served DENR7 for more than four years.

In his speech, Dichoso outlined the six major areas being advocated by DENR: Eliminate opportunities for graft and corruption, advocate clean air and clean water, ensure compliance to environmental regulations, optimize benefits from land resources, and optimize benefits from mining.

“We need to pursue meaningful partnership and collaboration with the private sector and local government units (LGUs) to enable us to draw inputs or insights in enriching our “tuwid na daan” or good governance programs,” Dichoso said.

“We will be focusing on this six-point agenda without compromising other DENR programs for the coming years to better respond to the persistent issues in the environment and natural resources sector” he said.

After his installation, Dichoso called for an emergency meeting with regional department heads for him to be briefed on current environmental issues in Central Visayas.

Meanwhile, environmental advocate Vince Cinches told The Freeman that they are very hopeful of Dichoso’s promise of transparency at DENR. 

“This is what we are waiting for… to find how to address the problem” Cinches said, adding, “we will make it sure nga non-negotiable ang among stand.”

Cinches disclosed they have filed cases against some officials of DENR on alleged questionable transactions at the Ombudsman before 2010 ended. - THE FREEMAN