RLA-ARMM confirms appointment of Kedtag as DENR reg’l secretary

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGER --- Forester Kahal Kedtag sworn into office before members of the 9^th Regional Legislative Assembly following his confirmation as cabinet secretary of the DENR-ARMM. (PHOTO COURTESY OF DENR-ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- Members of the Regional Legislative Assembly in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RLA-ARMM) confirmed last November 16 the appointment of Forester Kahal Kedtag as regional secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In a press conference following his confirmation, Kedtag said that as per directive of the national and regional leadership, the DENR-ARMM shall strengthen its functions of governing and supervising the exploration, development, utilization, and conservation of the natural resources in the autonomous region.

“As part of our continuous commitment, we have requested the mining companies operating in the region to submit a rehabilitation plan as part of their social responsibility,” he said.

During a previous interview, Kedtag announced that his office will sue local government units (LGUs) in the region that do not comply with Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Kedtag said LGUs in the region that do not implement the provisions of RA 9003 will be charged administratively based on Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991.

He appealed to the LGUs to comply with the law, adding: “There is need to impose the law.”

“Our office shall coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to compel LGUs to implement the provisions of RA 9003. We also encourage the LGUs to provide and submit their comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) as mandated by RA 9003,” said Kedtag.

Secretary Kedtag said the law defines the policy framework, institutional mechanisms, and mandate for LGUs to achieve a 25 percent waste reduction target through an integrated SWMP based on the 3Rs – reduce, re-use, and recycle.

He said waste mismanagement has serious environmental effects, hence, the rationale behind the passage of RA 9003.

“The department can provide technical assistance to LGUs in the formulation and implementation of their SWMPs,” he said.

Secretary Kedtag expressed his gratitude to members of the RLA for the confirmation of his appointment as cabinet secretary in the autonomous region. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)