By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Arturo ‘Art’ Valdez described the rejection by the Commission on Appointments of Secretary Regina Lopez as a “loss of opportunity” for the cabinet portfolio.
Valdez, the husband of former Bacolod City Mayor Luzviminda Valdez, said the DENR did little or nothing in protecting the environment before Lopez’s supposed appointment.
He said Lopez aggressively fought for the environment and is uncompromising.
“Maybe if she has given a little leeway, maybe her fight couldn’t that be too hardline,” Valdez said. “But overall, Gina is the best thing for the environment and the DENR really needs someone like her.”
Valdez also stated the officials of the Negros Island Region (NIR) should never allow mining as he has seen its effects firsthand during Lopez’s short stint as DENR head.
He stated one example in Surigao in which the province, he said, was devastated by mining.
“In spite of what they (mining companies) would say, Surigao is totally destroyed by mining,” he said.
Valdez said he is hoping the canceled four MPSA or “mineral production sharing agreements” previously issued by the DENR in Negros would not be revived.
Of the four mining companies being referred by Valdez, two are located in Northern Negros, one in Bago City, and one in Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
“If that happens, it will greatly harm the environment, especially the Bago River,” Valdez added.
He also called on the people to support Lopez’s replacement, former General Roy Cimatu, as he believes he has good intentions as environment secretary.
Valdez also confirmed to the media that he had resigned from the DENR last May 3, a few days before the CA finally gave the final decision on Lopez’s appointment./WDJ