WWF Statement on the Appointment of DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla
May, 26 2025
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines welcomes the opportunity to work with Secretary Raphael Lotilla as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), a role pivotal to the country’s environmental and climate agenda during one of the most critical periods for our planet.
With his experience as former Executive Director of PEMSEA, Secretary of Energy, Undersecretary of NEDA, and an advocate for renewable energy, we welcome Secretary Lotilla’s appointment, which promises a holistic perspective in addressing today’s environmental challenges. His background offers valuable insight into how environmental health supports development across multiple sectors.The next few years are decisive. With 2030 fast approaching, the Philippines must accelerate efforts to meet its climate and biodiversity targets. These include our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), commitments to land and marine conservation (30x30 initiative), a just transition to renewable energy, building climate resilience, and enabling the mobilization of finance for climate.
We look forward to Sec. Lotilla giving voice particularly to our youth, our indigenous peoples and local communities in programs of government and that he elevates the value of nature across agendas of government, industries and the Filipino public. What we do between now and the end of this decade will determine whether we succeed in halting biodiversity loss and avoiding the worst impacts of climate change.
WWF-Philippines calls for bold, transparent, inclusive leadership that will benefit Filipinos today and in the future. We hope Secretary Lotilla’s leadership will encourage meaningful participation in shaping the country’s response to the biggest challenges of our time.
WWF-Philippines remains committed to collaborating closely with the DENR, in support of a sustainable future where people and nature thrive.