Manila, Feb. 27 -- Acting Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna on Friday expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for appointing him to lead the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), replacing Raphael Lotilla, who was named Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See.

In a brief statement following the announcement made by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro during a briefing in Malacanang, Cuna pledged to serve with integrity, vision, and urgency as he takes on the role.

"I am honored by President Bongbong Marcos' confidence in appointing me as DENR Secretary, and I pledge to serve with integrity, vision, and urgency for our environment and our communities," his statement read.

Amid requests for an...