Senate panel endorses DENR's P28-B budget for 2027

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A Senate Finance subcommittee on Monday endorsed to the plenary the proposed P28.04-billion budget of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its attached agencies for 2027.

In his presentation, DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said P20.62 billion of the proposed budget would go to the department’s central office, staff bureaus, regional offices and other smaller offices.

The remaining funds would be allocated as follows: P3.10 billion for the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), P1.98 billion for the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), P1.89 billion for the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), P284.35 million for the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) and P149.3 million for the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS).

Aside from the DENR’s proposed programs and projects for next year, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who led the budget hearing, urged the department to prioritize preparedness and emergency response measures against the threat of a super El Niño.

“Hindi pwedeng taumbayan lang ang mag-aadjust (the public shouldn’t be the only ones expected to adjust). DENR must step up to a historic challenge. It will be a critical and leading agency in the government’s response to this looming risk of widespread drought," Hontiveros said.

"The agency’s work will have real, tangible implications for the economy, health and daily living conditions of millions,” she added.

Hontiveros stressed that the DENR’s budget should adequately fund preparations and emergency response measures to mitigate the impact of the looming drought on Filipinos.

“Filipino people expect agility in the response and fitness for purpose of the budgets of frontline agencies such as the DENR. Its budget should reflect this," she said.

"Dapat buhusan ng pondo ang paghahanda at emergency response sa paparating na tagtuyot para maibsan ang dagok nito sa bawat Pilipino,” Hontiveros added.

(Funds must be allocated for preparations and emergency response to the looming drought to mitigate its impact on every Filipino.)

Hontiveros also called for funding for small water impoundment systems to collect and store rainwater for use during droughts. She said available technologies, such as atmospheric water stations developed by the Local Water Utilities Administration, should also be tapped to identify alternative sources of potable water.

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, meanwhile, called for stronger environmental education in elementary and high school curricula.

He said the DENR should work closely with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to ensure that practical lessons on ecology and conservation are integrated into school curricula.

Sen. Pia Cayetano likewise urged the DENR to collaborate with education agencies to ensure that environmental education addresses the specific needs of coastal and mountainous communities.— MCG, GMA News

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