Wednesday, August 22, 2007 Atienza is not fit for DENR: Greepeace By Carlo P. Mallo
THE international environmentalist group Greenpeace doubts the capacity of former Manila City Mayor Lito Atienza to head the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DENR).
Among others, Francis dela Cruz, public outreach coordinator of Greenpeace said, Atienza was not even able to solve the solid waste management problem of Manila City during his long tenure as mayor.
"He did not reduce the amount of solid waste produced by manila, he only made the collection and dumping of thte solid waste more efficient," Dela Cruz said in an interview the other day.
"If he failed as a mayor, with only one city as his jurisdiction, how much more if it is the entire country," dela Cruz said.
Dela Cruz acknowledged that they have had a long working relationship with Atienza -- on opposing ends.
Former Manila City Mayor Lito Atienza assumed the post of DENR Secretary at the start of the month despite strong opposition from environmentalist groups and other sectors.
Dela Cruz meanwhile pointed out that the DENR itself cannot be expected to serve the environment, saying the department is a paradox in itself.
"First it says environment, meaning it is mandated to protect and preserve the environment, however, it is proceeded by natural resources, which is connotated with the exploitation, exploration, and use of the natural resources," dela Cruz said.
"The very reason why it does not act in a clear-cut manner if it is for the protection of the environment or for the interest of those who wish to exploit our natural resources," dela Cruz added, "Parati na lang medya-medya (it's always half baked), they play safe."
