DATU Tungko Saikol, newly-installed Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional executive director (RED), has reminded the DENR officials and personnel in Zamboanga Peninsula to work hand in hand without any gaps and dispute to be able to lead the way for a successful implementation of projects, activities, and programs of the agency.
Saikol said the DENR regional office is an epitome of harmonious relationship of different tribes, religious and culture.
"I believe that the employees and officials of DENR Region IX are competent, dedicated and peace-minded people that anybody can rely on without fear of failure or feeling of uncertainty," Saikol said.
"As experts in your field of assignment and functions, it makes me confident to expect an efficient and effective governance for our environment and natural resources," he added.
He believes that Zamboanga Peninsula is both a historical and culturally diverse region as the presence of the Muslims, Christians, and Lumad is an evidence of a peaceful co-existence.
Saikol was designated as DENR executive director for Zamboanga Peninsula through Special Order 2022-07 issued by DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu dated January 6, 2022.
Saikol is a true-blooded Mindanaoan, as he hails from Cotabato City.
He has held various Director and Assistant Director positions in the DENR, particularly in Soccsksargen, and was also designated Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao's (Menre-Barmm).
Before his assignment in Zamboanga Peninsula, he served as director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) at the DENR Central Office.
He was welcomed by Environmental Management Bureau Regional Director Alex Jimenez, Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Director Hernani Abdon, Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Technical Services Ronald Gadot, ARD for Management Services Dante Oporto, Provincial Environment Natural Resources Officers, Community Environment and Natural Resources officers, and division and section chiefs of the DENR regional office. (SunStar Zamboanga)