Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose "Lito" L. Atienza Jr. will conduct a "People’s Hour" every Thursday starting next month, during which he will personally listen and attend to the complaints and suggestions of anyone, from the penniless to the richest of the rich.
"The People’s Hour will bring the government, specially the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), closer to the people. It will facilitate decisions and hasten actions for the environment. There are no bureaucratic layers here. I will be at the service of any individual who needs my attention," Atienza said during his keynote speech at the "Forum on Philippine Rivers" at the DENR central office in Quezon City.
The DENR chief highlighted the importance of conducting a dialogue and having direct contact with the people and stakeholders, noting that a candid discussion with Gina Lopez of Bantay Kalikasan Foundation led to a partnership to rehabilitate and develop the Metro Manila Basin, which includes the Manila Bay, Laguna Lake, and Pasig River.
"This is a timely and necessary partnership," Atienza said. "One of the important environmental activities that needs immediate action is the clean up of the country’s rivers."
Atienza said cleaning up the country’s rivers and lakes to ensure safe and clean water supply and to boost development has received his special attention. "We cannot take water for granted because without clean water, we cannot survive," Atienza said.
He said the country has a global commitment to clean up its waters.
Atienza said water is life, and that rivers in any part of the world make man’s life possible.
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