DENR-7 evaluates programs, projects

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is conducting a three-day year-end assessment and regional management conference from December 10-12, 2012.

Aimed at getting the lessons learned and experiences in the implementation of the various priority programs and projects, DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Isabelo R. Montejo said the activity is an opportunity to discuss and review the issues and concerns in the field from the provincial and community environment and natural resources officers and regional technical directors in terms of project execution and fiscal or financial stewardship.

“We have been very stringent in monitoring and evaluating our projects and programs as espoused by DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje so that we would be able to determine the extent of the implementation and appropriate interventions or measures could be made if necessary,” he added.

Attended by nearly 50 officials from the DENR 7, Mines and Geosciences Bureau-7, and the Environmental Management Bureau-7, the status of physical performance as of November 30 this year, cadastral survey, public land system, integrated coastal resource and management program, and land administration and management system were presented.

Montejo, in his message, emphasized the importance of pointing out the key lesson points and best practices as these could be harnessed as benchmark tool in the other field offices.

Also, he outlined the need for field officers in the four provinces to actively dip their hands particularly in the cadastral survey program and project failure should not be tolerated.

In a related development, based in the 2013 work and financial plan, the DENR 7 will be operating a total budget allocation of P734.933 million to cover personnel services amounting to P212.741 million, wages with P12.529 million, maintenance and other operating expenses with P290.031 million, and capital outlay with P219.632 million.

As part of the three-day activity, the DENR 7 officials are expected to develop a regional goal, vision and mission. — (FREEMAN)