Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga has resigned from her position as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) amid controversy over her firm stance on environmental reforms. Her leadership sparked strong reactions. Some praised her science-based direction, while others questioned the pace and politics behind her reforms.
But through it all, she stayed the course. She anchored policy on facts, pushed for accountability, and made calls that, while unpopular in some circles, prioritized long-term impact over short-term approval.
Institutionalizing Environmental Accountability Through Data
One of her top priorities was making the country’s natural resources visible—not just in principle, but in practice. Under her watch, the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Law was passed. It now requires forests, watersheds, and other ecosystems to be factored into national accounting frameworks.
This wasn’t just a bureaucratic shift—it was a fundamental reframing. She knew that if resources remained unmeasured, they would remain unprotected. The same logic applies across sectors: whether managing time, finances, or development goals, progress depends on clear, measurable data.
Upholding Scientific Integrity in High-Stakes Decisions
In 2023, she ordered the suspension of 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay following a cumulative impact assessment that flagged serious environmental and social risks—flooding, marine degradation, and the displacement of vulnerable communities. The pushback came fast. Some developers called it an obstruction. Others framed the move as economically regressive.
She held the line. The evidence demanded caution, and she responded with decisive action. In an environment where speed often trumps sustainability, her decision signaled a different kind of leadership—one that chooses the long view, even at a political cost.
Reassessing Legacy Projects with Principle and Resolve
She also took bold steps to re-examine legacy agreements. Her cancellation of a 2002 joint venture agreement with Blue Star Construction Development Corporation over land use concerns preserved an area intended for conservation. The move wasn’t symbolic—it had real legal and environmental implications.
By reopening and reversing this deal, she made it clear that her leadership wasn’t bound by precedent. She prioritized integrity and environmental stewardship over convenience or convention.
Yulo-Loyzaga’s time at the DENR was far from smooth, and perhaps that’s exactly why it mattered. Reform rarely unfolds without friction. She understood that real change would test the system, face resistance, and demand resolve.
While public opinion may have been divided, the policies she championed—grounded in science, framed by accountability, and committed to future generations—set a higher standard for governance. Her legacy serves as a reminder: leadership is not measured by applause but by the strength of the institutions, protections, and values it leaves behind.
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