QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna emphasized the need for public engagement and cooperation to bolster the government’s environmental protection efforts.

“Look at our mandate: It says ‘to mobilize our citizenry.’ We should be leading the citizenry to help us in protecting our country’s vast natural resources and fulfill our mandate in serving the country,” Sampulna pointed out, following a meeting with the DENR Central Office’s Internal Audit Service (IAS) upon the installation of its newest director, Al Orolfo.

In a press statement, he said he will meet with various offices of the DENR to remind the officials and employees about the mandate of their respective offices.

He pointed out that the terms of reference (TOR) of any government worker are important so they will know what they are working for.

Sampulna said that knowing the TOR of workers not only in the DENR Central Office but also in the regional offices, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, would save environment workers like forest rangers from imminent death and other forms of violence.

“With citizen participation, we are able to tap their assistance should there be any dangerous situation happening on the ground. These private individuals can report it immediately to the enforcement authorities,” he said.

IAS, an office under the Office of the Secretary, advises the Environment chief on all matters relating to management control and operations audits; conducts management and operations audits of DENR functions, programs, projects, activities with outputs; and determines the degree of compliance with their mandate, policies, government regulations, established objectives, systems and procedures/processes and contractual obligations.

IAS is also mandated to review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational structures, asset management practices, financial and management records, reports and performance standards of the department proper, bureaus and regional offices.

It is also tasked to analyze and evaluate management deficiencies, assist the top management by recommending realistic courses of action, and perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law. (DENR / AVS-PIA-NCR)