In the passing of Former Senator Heherson “Sonny” T. Alvarez, our country has lost another passionate statesman.

Sonny Alvarez served the country as Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) prior to seeking an elective position in government. He served as a lawmaker both for the Lower and the Upper Houses of Congress. He was appointed as member of the Cabinet under several administrations.

We, at the Development of the Academy of the Philippines, were privileged to have him as a member of the Academy’s Board of Trustees as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) from 2001-2002. From 2009 to 2016, Sonny Alvarez served as the first Chairman of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) by virtue of the environmental policies he promoted as a lawmaker and of the successful international environmental negotiations he participated in as DENR Secretary.

We will always remember former Senator Sonny Alvarez for his work as a human rights defender and a fierce advocate for the environment. From being an activist against the dictatorship in the 80s to becoming one of the country’s most notable and prolific lawmakers, former Senator Sonny Alvarez has always advocated causes that promoted sustainable and inclusive development for his fellow Filipinos.

As we mourn former Senator Sonny Alvarez’s passing, we also honor and remember his life together with his friends and family. As one DAP community, we continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

From the Chairman and Members of the Board of Trustees, Officers and Staff of the Development Academy of the Philippines