THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has obtained a very satisfactory rating in the 2024 Agency Performance Review (APR) of the Budget ng Bayan Monitor, an agency performance review conducted by the Department of Budget and Management.
For Fiscal Year 2024, the DENR garnered an overall score of 4.55, reflecting its strong performance in the implementation of its environmental programs, and the responsible use of public funds.
With an approved budget of P28.9 billion, the Department obligated P26.9 billion (93 percent) and disbursed P24.4 billion (90.8 percent).
“This recognition shows the commitment and dedication of the men and women of the DENR to provide excellent public service with the responsible use of the people’s money. Our goal has always been to uplift the lives of Filipinos while carrying out our mandate to safeguard the nation’s environment and natural resources,” DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla said in a statement.
Among the DENR’s bureaus and attached agencies, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau stood out as a top performing agency, garnering a perfect score of 5.0 (Outstanding) for its notable performance across all APR criteria, including timeliness of reports/data submissions.
In FY 2024, the agency recorded an obligation rate of 97.8 percent and a disbursement rate of 96.7 percent, surpassing all of its physical targets for the year.
The APR, conducted annually, evaluates government agencies based on financial performance, physical accomplishments and the timeliness and quality of report submissions.
It serves as a public accountability tool, showing how agencies maximize their budget to deliver programs and services for the Filipino people.
The DENR also cited the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority got a score of 4.90 (Very Satisfactory), while the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development earned 4.65; Environmental Management Bureau, 4.50, and DENR Office of the Secretary, 4.45 — all under the “very satisfactory” category.
The National Water Resources Board scored 3.89 for a satisfactory rating.
The DENR delivered significant gains in its major environmental programs, according to the DBM report.
In 2024, the Solid Waste Management Program reported an Obligation rate of 97.4 percent, a slight increase of 0.2 percent compared to 97.2 percent obligation rate in FY 2023.
However, the disbursement performance declined from 88.5 percent in 2023 to 87.6 percent in 2024.
The program emphasized the importance of proper waste segregation and disposal, dumpsite rehabilitation and the establishment of materials recovery facilities to drive sustainable waste management practices.
It had a budget of P261 million.
The Clean Air Program with a P181-million budget achieved Obligation and Disbursement rates of 95.3 percent and 68.8 percent, respectively, in 2024.
It sought to develop a comprehensive national strategy to achieve and sustain air quality levels and to elevate air quality in the country to meet international standards.
According to the DENR, the National Greening Program, with a budget of P1.5 billion, improved its fund utilization with higher obligation and disbursement rates than in 2023.
A nationwide initiative to reforest degraded lands and enhance ecological balance, the NGP posted an obligation rate of 93.4 percent, in 2024 up from 90.0 percent in 2023, and a disbursement rate of 84.8 percent, higher than 81.0 percent during the previous year.
Other flagship initiatives, including the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program, Clean Water Program, Protected Areas Development and Management Program and Pasig River Rehabilitation continued to advance the DENR’s mission of protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development with notable financial metrics.
The DBM defines obligations as liabilities legally incurred and committed to be paid for by the government either immediately or in the future.
On the other hand, disbursements refer to the actual withdrawal of cash from the Bureau of the Treasury due to the encashment of checks issued by agencies and payment of budgetary obligations.
The DBM’s 2024 APR showed that 95 percent of evaluated agencies earned Outstanding, Very Satisfactory, or Satisfactory marks, with DENR ranking among the best-performing departments.
Through this recognition, the DENR reaffirms its commitment that its programs not only safeguard the environment but also contribute to building a greener, more resilient, and more inclusive future for all Filipinos.
