TACLOBAN CITY-“Even in your retirement years, you should not forget that you were once part of DENR and that your contribution has already made a mark. But I believe that you still have what it takes to passionately contribute for the protection of the environment,” said RD Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo, during his message to the retirees of the Department. He challenged them to continue their environmental advocacies in support of the Department’s mandate.
Responding to the challenge, the retirees organized themselves into an association that will closely coordinate with the Department. In particular, it will serve as support group from among the retirees and will be the official link to the Department. They will also be coming up with a Memorandum of Agreement with the DENR for them to avail and implement some of its programs in the region such as the National Greening Program (NGP).
Among the retirees who answered the call and were voted as officers of the association were Forester Manolito Ragub, former Regional Executive Director (RED) as President; Forester Leo Poculan, former Supervising Forest Management Specialist of the Watershed Philippine Model Forest, as Vice-president for External and Mr. Romeo Golong, former Legal Officer, as Vice-president for Internal.
“We are fortunate that our present leadership in the Department recognizes the contribution of our former officers and employees because we cannot be what we are today without you, our retirees. We have evolved from your humble beginnings and we draw inspiration from your previous services,” shared RD Atty. Barcelo as he thanked the retirees for their support.
The “DENR Retirees Homecoming 2018” was a venue for them to reminisce their years of service for the environment and as a way of paying tribute to their contributions to the Department. This was held on July 25, 2018 at the Graduate School Function Hall of the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) in Tacloban City. (PR)