President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday administered the oath of office to Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna as Acting Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) during a ceremony at Malacañang Palace.
Cuna’s appointment was first announced on February 27 following the reassignment of Raphael Lotilla as Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See.
Before assuming the role, Cuna served as DENR undersecretary from July 2017 until February 2026, and earlier as assistant secretary from 2008 to 2017.
At a turnover ceremony in Quezon City earlier that day, Cuna pledged to strengthen internal systems within the agency, stressing the need for environmental governance that balances sustainability with economic growth.
Cuna holds a Master’s degree in Public Management from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore and the John F. Kennedy School of Government. He earned his Bachelor of Laws from Ateneo Law School and his Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies from the University of the Philippines Manila.
His public service career began in 1995 at the Manila City Council as a legislative staff officer. He later became director of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office from 1998 to 2001 and served as city councilor of Manila’s 5th District from 2001 to 2007.
Outside government, Cuna has also taught law at the Arellano Law Foundation.