The priority thrusts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have recognized new support as the department closes a deal with a long-established management organization in the Philippines to strengthen efforts in attaining global climate goals.

DENR and the business group Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) joined hands through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) held in Makati City on June 12 to boost the country’s climate actions and submission to international and national policies and agreements by supporting the department’s prime thrusts, specifically clean air, carbon emission inventory, solid waste management, and the National Greening Program, as well as the country’s hosting of the 2024 Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR).

“The MOU we signed today is an affirmation of our shared commitment to pursuing the agenda of building a resilient Philippines and Asia Pacific Region,” said DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga.

Under the partnership, MAP will conduct information, education, and communications campaigns among MAP members and pursue advocacy programs on the DENR’s major initiatives. MAP is a 74-year-old management organization, comprising of 1,100 members, including a diverse group of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Chief Operating Officers (COOs), and other top executives from leading local and multinational companies in the Philippines. Its extensive industry experience will help bring awareness on the ground about environmental issues in the country and nationwide.

The group will also hold general membership meetings where representatives from the DENR will serve as resource persons, providing insights and information on environmental issues and related topics. These meetings aim to foster a deeper understanding and active participation among members in initiatives addressing environmental challenges.

The MOU serves as a prelude to the Philippines’ hosting of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) where MAP members will also be encouraged to collaborate and participate. Set to be held from October 14 to 17, 2024, the APMCDRR is the biennial conference that will convene global leaders to collectively address challenges and accelerate progress in disaster risk reduction. This will be spearheaded by the DENR, Department of National Defense, together with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

“Our partnership is a commitment to accelerating real change and a recognition that though we may take different paths toward our collective goals of building a resilient Philippines, we remain united in purpose,” the environment chief said.
Both parties will coordinate closely for the effective implementation of this MOU through their designated point persons.###