The designation is embodied in Administrative Order No. 171-A which also highlights the DOE’s role in the promotion, integration and upgrading of climate risk management in the development of policies, plans and programs of the government.

The presidential task force is an inter-agency group mandated to monitor and coordinate government measures intended to mitigate the impact of climate change now sweeping the world, resulting to droughts, weather extremes and the likes.

Secretary Reyes’ task force shall undertake strategic measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the country while fostering the use of renewable and alternative sources of energy.

AO 171-A designated the DENR Secretary as task force vice chairman, with the other members to be composed of the secretaries of the science and technology, agriculture, defense, interior and local government and education, as well as the chair of the Commission on Higher Education and two representatives from the private sector.

Reyes, an environmentalist, was commended by the President during his one and a half-year stint at the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) because of significant accomplishments he made for the environment and the country.