Enviro News Asia, Manila – Several government agencies have joined forces in implementing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s whole-of-government approach to address flooding nationwide, with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) now working alongside the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to strengthen flood mitigation efforts, Malacañang announced on Monday.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the DENR, under the leadership of Acting Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, has formally aligned with other agencies in the government’s flood response.
In response to President Marcos’ directive, the DENR signed Administrative Order No. 2026-30 on June 29, formally adopting the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and institutionalizing its integration into all DENR policies, plans, programs, projects, and activities.
The administrative order establishes a national framework to expand ecosystem-based interventions expected to reduce disaster risks, ensure water supply, restore degraded lands and coastal areas, and deliver benefits to communities.
Castro said the Nature-based Solutions initiative will bring tangible benefits to ordinary Filipinos by helping reduce flooding and damage, providing cleaner water for drinking and agriculture, and creating new livelihood opportunities through restored ecosystems. (*)
