In line with its ComPassion Project and continuing stakeholder partnership, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) conducted a gift-giving activity for the indigent patients of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center ((PCMC) on December 16.

The DENR ComPassion Project was launched on May 11, 2020, as a community outreach initiative that initially aimed to support the government’s fight against COVID-19 and ensure the welfare and protection of DENR employees.

“The ComPassion Project now goes beyond its initial cause to help those affected by the pandemic. We want the project to also extend a helping hand to those in need not only because of this health crisis. That is the true essence of compassion,” DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said.

DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs and DENR’s Association of Career Executives (ACE) president Atty. Jonas R. Leones; DENR Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change and ACE advisor Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, DENR Strategic Communication and Initiatives Service Director and ACE vice president Hiro V. Masuda led the turnover of Christmas gift bags for the children at the PCMC ward to PCMC Ancillary Department Manager Neonita Benafin. DENR Human Resource Development Service Director Ric G. Enriquez also joined the activity.

The gift bags included an environmental craft book and DENR-produced books on biodiversity and climate change—Ang Paglalakbay ni Niño at Niña, Ang Kwento ni Papa Gong, and Ang Ating Kalikasan—and toys from McDonald’s Philippines.

“The DENR ACE joins this activity as a way of advocating programs for the community in pursuit of the DENR mission and vision. Through these children’s books, the youth will learn about caring for the environment and natural resources, and climate change in a colorful and interesting way,” Leones said.

“Christmas, as they say, is for children. And this year, though we may have not personally greeted them because of the restrictions of the pandemic, we hope that we can spread joy and cheer to them through this simple gift-giving activity,” Masuda said.

The activity was conducted in coordination with PCMC OIC Executive Director Sonia B. Gonzalez.

DENR and PCMC have been long-time partners in various initiatives, such as the annual bloodletting activity.

In July 2021, DENR employees donated blood as part of the agency’s COVID-19 response efforts.

The DENR also provided free transportation to medical frontliners using its fleet of buses.

Furthermore, Leones said that the DENR ACE has been actively joining the DENR in its ComPassion Project activities since the onset of the pandemic.

In 2020, the DENR ACE took part in the distribution of some 100 relief packs for the marginalized families in the Kristong Hari Parish Church in Quezon City, Parokya ng Mabuting Pastol in Brgy. Commonwealth, and Good Shepherd Cathedral in Brgy. Fairview.

Likewise, grocery bags and face shields were given to the DENR security personnel. ###