HONOLULU (Sept. 8, 2011) -- Philippines President Benigno Aquino III has appointed East-West Center alumnus Juan Romeo Nereus Acosta to the newly created cabinet post of Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection.
President Aquino told the press that Acosta, who is popularly known by the nickname “Neric,” will be tasked with coordinating environmental concerns for a “coherent implementation of policy.”
“(He) will help me have a better, sharper focus because he will be able to tackle it in a more in-depth manner,” Aquino said after Acosta was sworn in on Aug. 24.
As a former elected representative from Bukidnon province in Mindanao, Acosta was known as a leader on environmental issues, including authoring the country’s landmark Clean Air Act.
East-West Center President Charles E. Morrison extended his congratulations to Acosta on behalf of the EWC community. “Neric’s prestigious appointment is a wonderful example of the kind of impact that many Center alumni have in serving their countries throughout the Asia Pacific region,” Morrison said. “We wish him every success in his vital new position.”
Prior to his appointment, Acosta served as associate professor at the Asian Institute of Management and the Ateneo de Manila University. He earned his doctorate degree in political science from the University of Hawai‘i in 1994 as an East-West Center grantee.
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The EAST-WEST CENTER promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1960, the Center serves as a resource for information and analysis on critical issues of common concern, bringing people together to exchange views, build expertise, and develop policy options.