The DENR chief is confident that the revamp would steer the DENR to carry out its mandate as one of the government’s social justice champions. Undergoing evaluation are the positions for the 78 Provincial Environment and Natural Officers (PENROs), and 140 Community Environment and Natural Resources Officers (CENROs). Initially, the DENR has designated 29 priority areas: 13 in Luzon, 6 in Visayas and 10 in Mindanao. The priority areas in the Visayas are the provinces of Guimaras, Antique, Samar, Bohol and Cebu, and the city of Iloilo. Hamiguitan/Mati, Talaingog in Davao del Norte, Rajah Buayan, Dinagat Island, Tawi-Tawi, and Lanao del Sur make up the areas in Mindanao.

Source: Manila Times January 23, 2017 15:08 UTC