Cimatu to lead Independence Day in Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY, June 9 -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu will grace the 119th Philippine Independence Day celebration of the Leyte provincial government on Monday. 

The province of Leyte has been preparing for a simple celebration at the provincial capitol ground 8:00 a.m. on Monday, said Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla.

This year’s theme for Philippine Independence Day is “Kalayaan 2017: Pagbabagong Sam-Samang Balikatin”.

Petilla said that it was Cimatu who informed him through phone call that he would grace the Independence Day celebration in the province. 

“We happily accepted his presence when he informed us that he will join the Independence Day Celebration in the province,” he added. 

The governor will talk to Cimatu about the on-going reforestation project of the local government and management of water resources. 

The celebration will be also be joined by key provincial government employees.

This will be the first visit of Cimatu in the region after President Rodrigo Duterte appointed him DENR chief, replacing Gina Lopez, whose nomination was rejected by the Commission on Appointment. 

Cimatu was a former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippine and was also appointed as special envoy to the Middle East.(Roel T. Amazona/PNA)