Manila, June 16 -- Newly appointed Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla formally took over the leadership of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Monday in a ceremony held in Quezon City.

In his speech, Lotilla extended his gratitude to outgoing Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga and acknowledged her efforts in steering science-based policy reforms and advancing climate resilience programs that benefited vulnerable communities across the country.

"I take on this responsibility of working with you in the task that lies ahead of us for the country and our people," he said.

Loyzaga said the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. are clear, primarily to build on the strength that the DENR has accumulated over ...