NRDC proposes framework for PH natural resource regeneration

State-run firm Natural Resources Development Corporation (NRDC) has called for a nationwide commitment to community engagement, an integral part of its proposed national framework for natural resource regeneration.

The NRDC, a government-owned and -controlled corporation (GOCC) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), presented its proposed framework at the 4th Asia Stands for Asia Pacific Association of Methodist Related Educational Institution APAMEI Conference at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City.

"In this framework, education is not only the transfer of knowledge but the formation of persons and institutions capable of responsible stewardship in a fractured world," NRDC President and CEO Benjamin Turgano said in his speech delivered on January 20.

Education is most effective, Turgano said, if it is connected with communities and pave the way for concerted multi-sectoral efforts towards sustainability.

Turgano said, "Education becomes transformative when linked with community engagement and ecological stewardship, forming collaboration between stakeholders to restore and protect the watershed, coastlines, and incubate green enterprises."

To achieve regeneration, Turgano said NRDC seeks to reposition itself through a "Seven-Pillar Convergence Agenda," which addresses conflict drivers through restoration, inclusion, and shared responsibility.

These agendas are: Climate Commitment and Carbon Stewardship; Renewable Energy Acceleration; Marine Protection and Eco-Tourism Development; Water Resource Restoration; Ecosystem Rehabilitation and Mining Damage Recovery; Circular Waste-to-Energy Solutions; and Environmental Enterprise Incubation.

Coalition for sustainability, regeneration

Aside from pushing for the environmental framework, the NRDC also proposed establishing the National Sustainability and Regeneration Coalition (NSRC), a platform for collaboration, funding solutions, innovation, and governing for long-term impact.

Turgano said the proposed coalition must set common standards, approve national priorities and key regeneration areas, and define clear goals and ethical limits.

Under this proposal, the NSRC will have a joint secretariat responsible for executing strategic efforts.

Meanwhile, regional clusters will coordinate with local government units, Higher Education Institutions, community organizations, local enterprises, and civil society partners to ensure that planned efforts are implemented.

The proposed coalition will also have a thematic working group create tools, standards, and packages for all regions.

"We should start with healing. First, with healing of what has already been ecologically degraded, but more than healing should be a regenerative aspect creating new ideas," Turgano said.

"New systems that would promote the formation of new life that will ensure that the world that we live in will at least be passed on to the next generation restored and regenerated," he added.

In June 2025, Turgano called on delegates of the Climate Solutions Forum in Cebu to unite behind the NRDC plan for regenerative development.

The event was organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) in partnership with the German Embassy Manila, where around 80 leaders from government, local businesses, embassies, and German companies attended.  — VDV, GMA Integrated News