Outgoing Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje warmly welcomed the appointment of environmental advocate Regina “Gina” Lopez as his successor in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“In behalf of the entire DENR community, I would like to congratulate and welcome the appointment of Ms. Gina Lopez as the next secretary of the department,” Paje said.

Paje said he could not think of anyone better to succeed him in the DENR than Lopez whose passion and track record on various environmental causes cannot be understated.

“I’m sure the incoming DENR Secretary will do a good job. I feel that the department is in good hands,” said Paje, who is scheduled to step down from office on June 30.

Lopez announced on Tuesday that she had decided to accept the offer of incoming President Rodrigo Duterte to lead the DENR, the primary government agency responsible for the conservation, management, development and proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources.

A noted environmentalist, Lopez is currently the chairperson of the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation and the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission. ###