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11 24 DENR XI INSTALLS NEW DIRECTOR photo 2

Bagani Fidel A. Evasco is the new Regional Executive Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region XI (DENR-XI).

Evasco is an Environmental Science graduate at the Ateneo de Davao University with profound knowledge of Marine Biology due to his experience as a licensed Dive Master and Technical Diver. He is a member of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors in Australia, the International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers in the United States of America, and Project AWARE which is a global movement for ocean protection and marine conservation.

After he graduated from college, Evasco also pursued his dream to become a pilot which propelled him to be a licensed private and commercial pilot at present. He is also a professional underwater photographer and a mountaineer as well as a soccer player and a triathlete. All these passions made him a multifaceted person.

“My varied interests are closely related with the environment – taking care of nature, conquering mountains, diving in the oceans, loving the beaches, and navigating the air – all of which are the advocacies that I gladly share with my family,” he said.

The 34-year old Bagani Evasco is the son of Leoncio “Jun” Badilla Evasco, Jr., a former Cabinet Secretary and a former Mayor of Maribojoc town in Bohol. He is currently taking up his Masters in Public Administration major in Public Policy at the Ateneo de Davao University.

During his acceptance speech yesterday, November 23, he highlighted his five personal principles as a leader. He said that he will be a listening leader for he wouldn’t want to perform any act or make decisions without considering the stand of his officials on any issues.

“I will make most of my decisions after consultations if needed, but we have to remember that there is also such a thing as a management prerogative.”

Evasco also said that he will be a servant leader for he believes that “all of us are servants of the people and that I should put first the interest of the people over and above my own.” He also solicited the cooperation of the employees for he said he will be delegating tasks from time to time.

“It cannot be denied that most of you have been in your jobs for a long time and have prepared yourselves academically and your years of experience will be something I will give you credit for.”

He also said that he is the kind of leader that values accountability and that every employee must be accountable for everything that has been entrusted in their care. Lastly, he reminded the employees that he does not appreciate petty talks and hearsays in coming up with major decisions.

“I love it when there is an openness among colleagues and I commit to listening to both sides in times of dispute or conflict. I will be a friend to everybody and not just to the chosen few,” he stressed.

To “buckle himself to work”, Evasco said that he will start to do his rounds in the different areas and offices within the region to get the feel of the situation on the ground.

On the other hand, outgoing DENR-XI OIC, Regional Executive Director Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan expressed her gratitude to DENR Secretary Roy A Cimatu for the opportunity to lead and serve Region XI.

“Indeed, it was challenging but a learning experience as well especially when it came to coming up with big decisions that would benefit not only our Department but most importantly, our different stakeholders,” she said.

Dumagan also thanked Assistant Secretary for Administration and Human Resources Ruth M. Tawantawan for the trust and confidence she has given her being the former RED of the region. “Being my former boss, you have instilled in me the passion and the drive to lead our people and to serve our constituents.”

She expressed her support to Evasco, assuring him that DENR-XI will be behind him in every endeavor that he will undertake and every challenge that he will be facing.

“DENR -XI has always been working as a team. We work as one and have always been unified with one purpose which is to serve. Thus, we are also looking forward to a meaningful and efficient journey with you with the belief that we will further learn from each other,” Dumagan said.

Gracing the Turn-over ceremony are: Undersecretary for Enforcement for Mindanao and Indigenous Peoples Concerns Conrado E. Laza; Assistant Secretary for Administration and Human Resources Ruth M. Tawantawan; Mr. Leoncio "Jun" Evasco and; DCWD Director Engr. Romel Alfredo R Ruiz.

Also present through Zoom are: Undersecretary for Field Operations and Environment Atty. Juan Miguel T. Cuna; Assistant Secretary for Field Operations-Mindanao and Legislative Affairs Joan A. Lagunda; and Human Resources Development Service Director Ric G. Enriquez.