By Kenneth Marcos 
In a packed function room in Manila, employees of the DENR Metropolitan Environmental Office–West gathered for a rare pause from field work. Many arrived still carrying stories from recent inspections, river cleanups, and wildlife rescue calls. The scene set the tone for a day of reflection as the office held its annual Year-End Assessment.
The event aimed to review the agency’s overall performance in 2025, discuss its achievements, and confront the challenges faced in enforcing environmental laws across Metro Manila. The assessment also served as a planning session to strengthen strategies for the year ahead, especially as the capital continues to struggle with pollution, waste disposal issues, and the protection of urban waterways.
MEO-West Officer-in-Charge Director Rodelina M. De Villa delivered an encouraging message to the staff. She praised the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Office for its steady dedication despite the heavy workload and tight schedules. She emphasized that meaningful progress is always the result of strong leadership and united effort, noting that “It takes a good leader to have those achievements.”
De Villa urged the team to continue the environmental initiatives they started this year. She highlighted the importance of keeping Manila’s waterways clean and safe, stressing that strict law enforcement and constant community engagement remain key to long-term improvements.
During the meeting, the office reviewed its major programs, which include environmental education through Dalaw Turo and other information campaigns; capacity-building sessions for staff; and strengthened coordination with partner agencies, local governments, and other stakeholders. The group also discussed accomplishments in wildlife retrieval and monitoring, surveillance operations, and ongoing investigations of potential violations.
Another major part of the office’s work involves processing and issuing various environmental permits. These include tree-cutting permits, wildlife permits, chainsaw registrations, and lumber dealer permits—documents that require strict rules to ensure responsible use of natural resources.
Participants said the session helped them identify what worked well in 2025 and what gaps still need urgent attention. The discussion also encouraged staff to propose new strategies that can respond better to Manila’s growing environmental pressures, from rising waste volume to the continued threat to green spaces.
For the DENR-MEO West, the year-end assessment underscored a shared commitment: building a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment for the millions of Filipinos living in the National Capital Region. As the office prepares for 2026, officials hope that improved teamwork and stronger enforcement will bring lasting change to the city’s natural resources and urban communities.
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