Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Jonas R. Leones is SESAM’s 2016 Outstanding Alumni for Government Service. Atty. Leones, who is the Undersecretary for International Affairs and Foreign Assisted Programs, is an MS Environmental Science graduate in 2000. 

This year’s theme “Strategic Environmental Governance by Sustainable Develoment Goal”, the SESAM Alumni Homecoming and symposium invited more than 70 faculty, staff, students and alumni, as part of the 98th UPLB Loyalty Day celebration, October 10, 2016.

According to Usec. Leones, DENR is conducting several activities such as hazard mapping, the National Greening Program (NGP) and coastal resources management. “We cannot really mitigate the effects of climate change, what we can only do is to protect the future generations”, Usec. Leones said.

“The first NGP was a learning experience for us”, Usec. Leones stressed. He added the NGP is is now expanded starting this year until 2028. According to Usec. Leones, it is envisoned to plant 1.5 billion tress.