President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially administered the oath of office to Juan Miguel Cuna as the Acting Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) during a formal ceremony held on Friday at Malacañan Palace.
The appointment marks a strategic move to place a seasoned veteran at the helm of the country’s primary environmental agency. Acting Secretary Cuna brings over two decades of specialized experience in governance, legislative affairs, and environmental management to the role.
Secretary Cuna is a familiar face within the Department, having climbed the ranks through years of dedicated service:
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Undersecretary (2017 – 2026): Served as a key policy driver for nearly nine years.
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Assistant Secretary (2008 – 2017): Managed critical departmental portfolios during a period of significant environmental transition.
The President’s choice reflects a commitment to meritocracy and high-level expertise. Cuna’s academic credentials bridge the gap between law and international public policy:
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Master’s in Public Management: Jointly conferred by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (National University of Singapore) and the John F. Kennedy School of Government (Harvard University).
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Bachelor of Laws: Ateneo Law School.
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B.A. in Development Studies: University of the Philippines, Manila.
Beyond his tenure at the DENR, Cuna has a diverse history of serving the Filipino people at both the local and national levels:
| Period | Position / Organization |
| 2001 – 2007 | City Councilor, Manila’s 5th District |
| 1998 – 2001 | Director, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office |
| 1995 – 1998 | Local Legislative Staff Officer, Manila City Council |
In addition to his administrative roles, Cuna has contributed to the legal profession as a law professor at the Arellano Law Foundation, ensuring that the next generation of lawyers is well-versed in the nuances of Philippine law.
As Acting Secretary, Cuna is expected to accelerate the DENR’s programs on climate resilience, sustainable resource management, and stricter enforcement of environmental protections in alignment with the Marcos administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda.
