SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna assessed the condition of more than 140 families temporarily sheltered at Obando National High School in Bulacan following the ongoing fire at the Navotas sanitary landfill.
The visit formed part of DENR’s continuing response to help families affected by environmental hazards, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure immediate government action for communities at risk.
Cuna personally inspected the evacuation site in Barangay Paliwas, Obando and spoke with affected residents to hear their concerns and check their condition.
“The President’s instruction is clear: when people are at risk, government must be on the ground, listen to the affected families, and act quickly to protect their health and safety,” Cuna said.
During the on-site assessment, DENR officials discussed with Obando Mayor Leonardo Valeda and Barangay Paliwas Chairperson Teresita Banag the continuing air quality monitoring, regular public advisories, and immediate measures to address possible health risks among affected residents.
Cuna was joined by DENR Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs, Enforcement, Human Resources and Field Operations in Luzon Norlito Eneran; Assistant to the Secretary for Special Concerns Hiro Masuda; Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Rochelle Gamboa; Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo; DENR Bulacan provincial head Rolly Mulato; Guiguinto Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Jeffrey Francisco; and representatives from the Environmental Management Bureau Region 3.
Cuna assured residents that DENR will continue working with local government units and partner agencies to help protect affected families, monitor environmental conditions, and support appropriate response measures until the situation is fully addressed. (UnliNews Online)

